Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

On this day in Tudor history, 10 October 1530, Thomas Grey, 2nd Marquess of Dorset, died. Soldier, jouster, courtier, and grandfather of Lady Jane Grey, he lived a life that perfectly captured the dangers and rewards of Tudor ambition. Born into royalty - grandson of Elizabeth Woodville and Katherine Neville, sister of the Kingmaker - Thomas grew up in the shadow of shifting alliances and rebellion. He was imprisoned by Henry VII, restored under Henry VIII, and rose again through charm, courage, and sheer survival instinct. - He dazzled at court tournaments, fought in France in 1513, escorted Mary Tudor to her French wedding, and bore the sword of state at the Field of Cloth of Gold. - He sat in judgment on the Duke of Buckingham, backed Henry VIII's annulment, and—when the tides turned—joined the charges against Cardinal Wolsey. - Yet behind the glitter was a man who fought feuds, faced imprisonment, and watched power slip as easily as it came. By his death, he was one of England's wealthiest nobles—and the patriarch of a line that would end in tragedy with Lady Jane Grey. Join me,  historian and author Claire Ridgway, for the remarkable story of a Tudor magnate who lived, fought, and schemed at the heart of power. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor history. #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #ThomasGrey #LadyJaneGrey #HenryVIII #TudorCourt #TudorDynasty #EnglishHistory #FieldOfClothOfGold #ClaireRidgway

On this day in Tudor history, 9 October 1536, anger in Lincolnshire burst into open revolt. At Horncastle, a crowd raised their hands in agreement: “We like them very well!”, and sent a blunt list of grievances to King Henry VIII. That petition marked the birth of the Pilgrimage of Grace, the largest uprising of his reign. But how did it start? In the first week of October 1536, fear and fury spread through Lincolnshire: Louth's vicar warned that the Church was in danger. Cromwell's commissioners were attacked and their papers burned. Two royal agents were killed at Horncastle. The rebels' demands were clear: Stop dissolving monasteries End new taxes and seizure of Church wealth Remove “upstart” councillors like Thomas Cromwell and Richard Rich Henry's reply? Defiance. “Withdraw yourselves… and submit to punishment.” But the rebellion spread north. Within weeks, Robert Aske led 30,000 rebels under the banner of the Five Wounds of Christ. They faced the Duke of Norfolk near Doncaster, and chose negotiation over bloodshed. Henry's promise of pardon was a trap. When the rising rekindled, Aske and the rebel leaders were executed. Join me, historian and author Claire Ridgway, as we trace how local anger became a national crisis, and how Henry VIII's cold response defined his rule. Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor history. Tell me in the comments: Would you have trusted Norfolk's offer, or marched on London?     #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #PilgrimageOfGrace #ThomasCromwell #RobertAske #Reformation #LincolnshireRising #EnglishReformation #TudorRebellion #BritishHistory #ClaireRidgway  

How Edward Seymour Went from Power to the Scaffold   On this day in Tudor history, 8 October 1549, England's most powerful man became its newest traitor. Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset and uncle to the boy-king Edward VI, had ruled England as Lord Protector since 1547.    He pushed bold reforms (the Act of Uniformity and the Book of Common Prayer) but rebellion, rivalry, and ambition brought him down. When unrest broke out in 1549 - the Prayer Book Rebellion and Kett's Rebellion - Somerset's authority crumbled. He panicked, calling men to arms and taking the young king to Windsor. His enemies, led by John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, moved fast. On 8 October 1549, the Privy Council branded Somerset a traitor. By the 11th, he had surrendered. Within days, he was in the Tower; his protectorate abolished.   But this is Tudor England… and there's always a twist. Somerset returned to power briefly, only to be accused of plotting against Northumberland and executed in January 1552.   Join me, historian and author Claire Ridgway, as we explore how ambition, politics, and faith brought down the “Good Duke".   Was Somerset a reformer out of his depth, or a ruthless operator undone by his own hand? Tell me in the comments!   Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor history deep dives.   #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #EdwardVI #DukeOfSomerset #EdwardSeymour #Reformation #KettsRebellion #PrayerBookRebellion #JohnDudley #TudorPolitics #TowerOfLondon #TudorTok #HistoryTok #ClaireRidgway #BritishHistory

On this day in Tudor history, 7 October 1589, the bells of Deptford tolled for William Hawkins: merchant, sea captain, three-time mayor of Plymouth, and the steadier, quieter elder of the famous Hawkins brothers. Buried at St Nicholas's, his monument is lost, but his impact isn't. In this episode, I trace how Hawkins turned Plymouth into a launchpad for Elizabethan sea power: From Brazil voyages with his father to a Plymouth shipowner and civic powerhouse Privateering in the Channel during the 1557–58 war and pushing London for reprisals after San Juan de Ulúa Building Plymouth's infrastructure (new water conduit, weighhouse, grain transport) and securing Hawkins' Quay Leading a bold 1582–83 venture via Cape Verde to the Caribbean (Margarita, Puerto Rico) Backing, and benefiting from, ventures tied to the 1560s transatlantic slave trade Helping marshal seven Plymouth ships against the Spanish Armada in 1588 Not a household name like Drake or John Hawkins, William was the engineer of capacity - the quay-master, quartermaster, and mayor who kept ships, money, and men moving when England needed them most. Had you heard of this Hawkins before today? Tell me in the comments, and if you enjoy daily Tudor deep dives, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell.   #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #ElizabethanEngland #WilliamHawkins #SpanishArmada

On 6 October 1557, John Capon, also known as John Salcot, died, probably of influenza.    His career charts the shifting winds of Tudor religion: Benedictine monk, abbot, court preacher, reformer under Henry VIII and Edward VI, and Catholic persecutor under Mary I.    Was he a survivor, an opportunist, or both?    In today's “On This Day” we explore how one bishop's career became a case study in Tudor adaptability. What do you think: principled conformer or clerical chameleon? Share your thoughts below! #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #JohnCapon #MaryITudor #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #Reformation #TudorChurch #HistoryTok #ClaireRidgway

A spring morning in 1573. A respected London merchant leaves a friend's house near Woolwich… and ends up dead by Shooter's Hill. The killer, Captain George Brown, is caught within days. But the real shock wasn't the killer's identity, it was the letter that told him exactly where to strike… and who wanted George Saunders gone. I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author. In this Tudor true-crime deep dive, we follow the manhunt, the Privy Council's rapid crackdown, and the chain of clues later dramatised in "A Warning for Fair Women", from “a white doublet and blue breeches” to blood on a suspect's hose and a waterman's damning testimony. What unfolds reaches far beyond a highway ambush, right into Saunders's inner circle. In this episode you'll hear about: The ambush near Shooter's Hill and John Beane's miraculous survival How the Council moved: arrest at Rochester, Tower examinations, and swift justice at Smithfield The mysterious letter and the go-between who carried messages Why the case obsessed Elizabethan England: status, scandal, and a rich paper trail (pamphlets, ballad, Privy Council orders, and a stage play) The final twist that stunned London If you love Tudor true crime, hit like, subscribe, and ring the bell.   #truecrime #tudortruecrime #tudorhistory #tudormurder #georgesaunders #elizabethandrama

Historian Elizabeth Norton joins me to talk about her new book Women Who Ruled the World: 5000 Years of Female Monarchy—from ancient queens to early modern powerhouses. We cover how she chose her rulers, the thorny language of “queen” vs “female king,” why so many societies accepted women only in crises, and the single pattern she kept seeing across five millennia. We also chat process: research vs writing, routines, and beating writer's block. What we discuss: Who made the cut (and who nearly did), and why “Queen” (consort/regnant) vs “female king” - does wording shape power? Forward-thinking cultures and serial roadblocks for ruling women Most transformative ruler vs most disastrous Empress Matilda & Lady Jane Grey: why are their reigns still “denied”? Why modern states still hesitate over female heads of government Research systems, note-tracking, daily rhythm, and tips for blocks Three-word lightning round and dream dinner with global rulers Question for you: Which ruling woman most deserves a rethink, and why? If you enjoy deep dives into monarchy and women's power, like, subscribe, and hit the bell. Find Elizabeth Norton's book and socials here:  https://www.amazon.com/Women-Who-Ruled-World-Monarchy/dp/1804441139 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Women-Who-Ruled-World-Monarchy/dp/1804441139 Social media platforms - look for @ENortonHistory

Was Mary Boleyn really “the pretty one”, or is that just fiction? I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and today I'm pulling apart the myths to ask what we can actually say about Mary's appearance. In this podcast you'll learn: Where our assumptions on Mary come from. How a 17th-century portrait type has been re-identified as Mary Boleyn using dendrochronology (tree-ring dating), provenance, and family inscriptions. Why ermine doesn't disqualify the sitter (and what William Carey's status means). What Mary's children's portraits (Catherine & Henry Carey) do, and don't, tell us. No line-by-line Tudor description survives. But wood science + Carey/Wharton family links + studio copies by Remigius van Leemput point to a fair/light-complexioned Mary with hazel-to-light-brown eyes and dark-blonde/light-brown/auburn hair, and a softly rounded face. Tell me in the comments: does this portrait type convince you, or is Mary still a mystery? If you enjoyed this deep dive, please like, subscribe, and tap the bell, and check my Mary Boleyn playlist for more - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrKSxTbgPHf6SjqFnqv_-pQ-   Further reading - http://jordaensvandyck.org/mysterious-woman-in-royal-collection-portrait-identified-as-mary-boleyn/   #MaryBoleyn #AnneBoleyn #TheOtherBoleynGirl #TudorHistory #History #ArtHistory #RoyalCollection #HeverCastle #BoleynFamily #PortraitResearch #EarlyModern

On this day in Tudor history, 3 October 1559, Sir William Fitzwilliam, gentleman of Prince Edward's privy chamber, MP, court insider, and later deputy chancellor in Ireland under Mary I, died and was honoured with burial in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. He was one of those capable, steady figures who moved quietly through the Henrician, Edwardian, and Marian courts, and kept being trusted. Who was he? Born to a family steeped in royal service. Gray's Inn training - legal polish for a life in administration. Household service to Sir William Fitzwilliam, later Earl of Southampton MP for Guildford (1542), New Shoreham (1547), Berkshire (1553, 1559). At court: to Prince Edward's privy chamber (1544), rising to chief gentleman (1545); trusted by Somerset and Northumberland. Knighted and made Lieutenant of Windsor Castle & Keeper of Windsor Great Park by 1552. Under Mary I: dispatched to Ireland, on the council; deputy chancellor (1555); exposed misconduct by Sir Anthony Leger; rewarded with a 21-year lease of Donaghmore. Quick note: he's not the later Elizabethan Lord Deputy with the same name. Why he matters: a Dublin-born second son who, through competence, discretion, and flexibility, became a trusted royal servant across three reigns - from household retainer to the prince's inner circle and high Irish office. If you enjoy meeting the Tudors' unsung power-brokers, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily “On This Day” history.   #OTD #SirWilliamFitzwilliam #EdwardVI #MaryI #StGeorgesChapel #TudorCourt #PrivyChamber #GraysInn #OrderOfTheGarter #IrishHistory #Baggotrath #WindsorGreatPark #Henrician

On this day in 1452, a boy was born at Fotheringhay Castle who would become England's last Plantagenet king: Richard III. I'm Claire Ridgway, and in today's episode we trace Richard's short, stormy road from noble son to fallen king, and the remarkable afterlife of his story, from Bosworth Field to a Leicester car park and DNA confirmation centuries later. In this podcast: Birth & family: the House of York and Cecily Neville, the “Rose of Raby” 1483: the pre-contract claim, Edward V's disinheritance, and Richard's coronation Challenges to the crown: Buckingham's rebellion & Henry Tudor's invasion Battle of Bosworth (22 Aug 1485): tactics, the Stanleys' decisive move, Richard's last charge Burial at Grey Friars, the 2012 discovery & DNA, scoliosis, and reinterment (2015) Legacy: usurper, reformer, courageous warrior, or a king made by brutal times? What's your take on Richard III—pragmatic protector, ruthless usurper, courageous warrior, or a product of his age? Tell me in the comments. If you enjoyed this On This Day, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor and late-medieval history. #OnThisDay #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #Bosworth #Plantagenet #Fotheringhay #PrincesInTheTower #AnneNeville #Leicester #MedievalHistory #TudorHistory #History #Yorkist #DNA

On 1 October 1526, Dorothy Stafford was born, a woman of Plantagenet blood who would spend forty years at the heart of Elizabeth I's privy chamber. In this episode, I trace Dorothy's remarkable path: Family webs: Stafford–Pole lineage (Buckingham & Clarence), and marriage to Sir William Stafford, Mary Boleyn's widower. Exile & faith: Under Mary I she fled to Geneva; in 1556 John Calvin stood godfather to her son (then they famously fell out, and she moved to Basel). Return & rise: With Elizabeth's accession (1559), Dorothy joined the privy chamber and became one of the queen's trusted sleeping companions. When she broke her leg in 1576, the court scrambled for a replacement so the queen could sleep peacefully. Storms weathered: Even the Stafford Plot involving her son didn't unseat her. Dorothy died in 1604, remembered at St Margaret's, Westminster, as a “continual remembrancer of the suits of the poor.” A royal confidante. Mediator. Quiet backbone of a court. Had you heard of Dorothy Stafford before? Tell me in the comments! If you enjoy daily Tudor stories, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. #DorothyStafford #ElizabethI #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #PrivyChamber #Plantagenet #JohnCalvin #WomenInHistory #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway

On 30 September 1515, Margaret Tudor, Henry VIII's elder sister and widow of James IV, slipped across the Scottish border into England: heavily pregnant, newly remarried, and out of power. Her dash to Harbottle Castle set up a birth with huge consequences: Lady Margaret Douglas, whose line would help unite the Tudor and Stuart claims. In this episode I set the scene: The glittering 1503 marriage to James IV and the Flodden aftermath How Margaret lost the regency by marrying for love: Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus Duke of Albany takes control, and the royal children The 1515 flight to Harbottle and the birth (8 Oct) of Lady Margaret Douglas Why Henry VIII offered hospitality, not armies Margaret's return in 1517, and how her daughter's marriage to Matthew Stewart, Earl of Lennox produced Lord Darnley, and, in the next generation, James VI & I, uniting the crowns in 1603 Question: Was Margaret's remarriage brave or reckless, or both? Tell me in the comments. If you enjoy these “On This Day” podcasts, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor history. #MargaretTudor #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #LadyMargaretDouglas #JamesVIandI #HarbottleCastle #HenryVIII #Douglas #DukeOfAlbany #UnionOfTheCrowns #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway

I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author. On 29 September, the Tudors celebrated Michaelmas, the feast of St Michael the Archangel, heaven's champion and defender of the Church. Beyond the bells and processions, Michaelmas was one of the four quarter days, the moment the Tudor year turned. In this video: What Michaelmas meant in scripture & worship (Michael vs. the dragon) Quarter day basics: new agricultural year, rents & accounts due, hiring/statute fairs The menu: why Tudors roasted “stubble-goose” (and the saying that it kept you in money) Folklore: don't pick blackberries after Michaelmas—the devil's said to spoil them! Echoes today: why Oxford, Cambridge and the law courts still call it Michaelmas term What would be on your table: goose, apples, or a blackberry tart (picked before today, of course)? Tell me in the comments! If you enjoyed this slice of seasonal Tudor life, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily “On This Day” history. #Michaelmas #OnThisDay #TudorFeastDays #TudorHistory #StMichael #EarlyModernLife #TudorFood #SeasonalHistory #HistoryYouTube #QuarterDays #BritishFolklore

Imagine standing shoulder to shoulder with Henry Tudor in exile, then riding back to win a crown at Bosworth. Today we meet Robert Willoughby, 1st Baron Willoughby de Broke: sheriff, soldier, royal fixer and one of Henry VII's most loyal supporters, who died on 28 September 1502 at Callington, Cornwall. In this episode of On This Day in Tudor History, I, Claire Ridgway (historian & author), trace Willoughby's journey from West Country administrator to exile in Brittany, his role at Bosworth (22 Aug 1485), and the rewards that followed: Knight of the Body, Lord Steward of the Household, Order of the Garter, and more. It's a story of risk, resilience, and how loyalty shaped the early Tudor court. What you'll learn: Willoughby's early service in Cornwall & Devon Backing Buckingham's 1483 rebellion and fleeing to Brittany Fighting with Henry Tudor at Bosworth High offices and lands granted by Henry VII Why Willoughby mattered to the new Tudor regime If you enjoy daily Tudor deep-dives, like, subscribe, and tap the bell. Want bonus content, my digital magazine The Privy Chronicle, and members-only Q&As? Join my channel membership! #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #HenryVII #Bosworth #WarsOfTheRoses #RobertWilloughby #ClaireRidgway #TudorDynasty #HistoryYouTube #MedievalHistory

Who's the “real” Anne Boleyn—the medal, the portraits, or the version we've imagined? In this interview, Helene Harrison joins me to discuss her book The Many Faces of Anne Boleyn: Interpreting Image and Perception—not a biography, but a study of how Anne has been seen across centuries. We explore: What readers should unlearn about Anne's image Beyond the 1534 medal: which likeness may come closest—and which is most misleading Foreign observers (ambassadors, visitors): who reads Anne well, and who writes with an agenda? Evidence vs. imagination: where the record ends and interpretation begins Stage/film/TV: what one portrayal gets right—and what most get wrong I'm Claire Ridgway, historian, author, and host of the Anne Boleyn Files & Tudor Society. If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below. Get Helene's book & follow her work: Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Many-Faces-Anne-Boleyn-Interpreting/dp/1036105024/ Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Many-Faces-Anne-Boleyn-Interpreting/dp/1036105024/ Website - https://tudorblogger.com/

The Short, Daring Life of Thomas Watson On this day in Tudor history, 26 September 1592, poet and translator Thomas Watson was buried at St Bartholomew-the-Less. You may not know his name, but in Elizabethan circles he was the rule-bender who wrote 18-line “sonnets”, carried letters for Sir Francis Walsingham, supplied lyrics for William Byrd, and once landed in prison after stepping between Christopher Marlowe and a blade. I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author. In this episode you'll discover: Hekatompathia (1582): the 100-poem love sequence with 18-line “sonnets” Watson the Latinist: Petrarch, Sophocles' Antigone, Amyntas & Amintae gaudia Music & verse: his words for Byrd and Englishings of Italian madrigals The 1589 brawl with Marlowe & William Bradley: wound, death, and a self-defence pardon Final years, plague-time death, and The Tears of Fancie (1593) Where to start reading: dip into Hekatompathia for the form-breaking love poems, then try The Tears of Fancie to hear his later English voice. Question for you: Had you heard of Watson before? Which Elizabethan poet deserves more attention? If you enjoyed this “On This Day,” please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor & Elizabethan deep dives.     #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #Elizabethan #ThomasWatson #ChristopherMarlowe #Walsingham #WilliamByrd #RenaissancePoetry #Sonnets #LondonHistory #EarlyModern #EnglishLiterature  

The Day Mary, Queen of Scots' Fate Was Sealed On this day in Tudor history, 25 September 1586,  Mary, Queen of Scots was escorted to Fotheringhay Castle. She would never leave. That same week, Elizabeth I agreed to appoint 36 commissioners to try her cousin. The road from captive to condemned began here. I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author. In this episode, I set the scene and trace the chain: From captivity (1568) and Pius V's excommunication (1570) to a climate ripe for plots Ridolfi, Throckmorton, and the fatal Babington Plot (Mary's “set the six gentlemen to work”) Walsingham's cipher trap and the arrests Transfer to Fotheringhay; the commissioners named Trial (14 Oct) to guilty (25 Oct) to Parliament's petition to warrant signed (1 Feb 1587) to execution (8 Feb) Question for you: Was Elizabeth defending her realm, or crossing a line no monarch should? Tell me in the comments. If this “On This Day” was useful, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor history.   #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #MaryQueenOfScots #ElizabethI #Fotheringhay #BabingtonPlot #Walsingham #EnglishHistory #EarlyModern #16thCentury 

On this day in Tudor history, 24 September 1561, a baby with a claim and a cloud was born inside the Tower of London. Meet Edward Seymour, Viscount Beauchamp, son of Lady Katherine Grey (Jane Grey's sister) and Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford, a couple who secretly married without Elizabeth I's permission.    The queen refused to recognise the union, branding their Tower-born child illegitimate… yet his pedigree ran straight through Mary Tudor, Queen of France, per Henry VIII's will. In this episode: The secret marriage, Tower imprisonment, and Beauchamp's contested status Why his birth sat at the centre of England's succession web His own secret match to Honora Rogers (and the family row it sparked) How his son William Seymour later eloped with Arbella Stuart What James I did, and didn't, undo, and how Beauchamp's story ends Question for you: Should Elizabeth have recognised Katherine Grey's marriage, or was she right to keep rival claims on a tight leash? If you enjoy these daily Tudor dives, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #KatherineGrey #ViscountBeauchamp #Seymour #SuccessionHistory #TowerOfLondon

On this day in Tudor history, 23 September 1568, a tense “harbour truce” at San Juan de Ulúa (Veracruz) exploded into close-quarters battle. Spanish warships surged in; cannon roared; John Hawkins and his young kinsman Francis Drake barely escaped with the Minion and Judith as the flagship Jesus of Lübeck was wrecked. Many English sailors were captured, some facing the Inquisition. I'm Claire Ridgway. In this episode, I unpack the ambush that hardened English attitudes, reshaped the navy, and helped set the course toward the Spanish Armada, including the uncomfortable truth that Hawkins's ventures were tied to the transatlantic slave trade, central to both profit and Spanish fury. What you'll learn: Why Hawkins sought shelter at San Juan de Ulúa, and the “safe-conduct” deal that failed The battle itself: ship list, tactics, and how Drake cut free Two empires, two narratives: “treachery” vs “piracy” Long consequences: Hawkins's navy reforms and the rise of race-built galleons How Ulúa forged the mindset behind later Elizabethan raids and 1588 If this “On This Day” deep dive gripped you, please like, subscribe, and tell me in the comments: Treachery or piracy, how do you read Ulúa? #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #SanJuanDeUlua #JohnHawkins #FrancisDrake #SpanishArmada #NavalHistory #EarlyEmpire

Ever looked up at Hampton Court's Great Hall and wondered who made that jaw-dropping roof? On this day in Tudor history, 22 September 1544, James Nedeham, master carpenter, architect and Surveyor of the King's Works, died while on campaign with Henry VIII at Boulogne. You may not know his name, but you know his work: Hampton Court's Great Hall roof, Traitors' Gate timbering at the Tower of London, and key projects at Whitehall and beyond. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway. In this episode, meet the craftsman who helped stage Tudor power. What you'll learn: How a London guildsman rose to Master Carpenter & Surveyor of the King's Works The story behind Hampton Court's hammer-beam masterpiece Nedeham at the Tower of London: Jewel House & Traitors' Gate (1532) Whitehall, Canterbury, and reusing monastic sites after the Dissolution His final campaign with Henry VIII and memorial at Little Wymondley Question for you: If you could time-travel through one Tudor space, which would it be—Hampton Court, Whitehall, or the Tower—and why? If you enjoy the “hidden makers” of Tudor England, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily On This Day history. Hashtags: #TudorHistory #HamptonCourt #HenryVIII #TowerOfLondon #Whitehall #OnThisDay #ArchitecturalHistory #GreatHall #TraitorsGate

Content note: This video discusses historical allegations of domestic abuse. Imagine being one of the highest-ranking women in England, then writing that you were locked away, stripped of your jewels, pinned until you spat blood, and dragged from bed by your hair. Those are the claims of Elizabeth Howard, Duchess of Norfolk, set down in letters to Thomas Cromwell, and answered by her husband, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk. I'm Claire Ridgway. Today we examine Elizabeth's marriage, her letters, Norfolk's rebuttal, and what this case shows about coercive control and power at the Tudor court. In this episode: Elizabeth Howard's background & marriage to Thomas Howard Bess Holland, household tensions, and banishment from court The letters to Cromwell: isolation at Redbourne, financial control, intimidation, and alleged assaults Norfolk's defence—and why children and kin sided against Elizabeth How historians read these sources today: myth, motive, and patterns of abuse Read the letters (primary sources): - Letters of Royal and Illustrious Ladies of Great Britain, Vol. II, pp. 218–225; p. 358 onwards: https://archive.org/details/lettersroyaland00greegoog/page/n242/mode/2up - Letters of Royal and Illustrious Ladies, Vol. VI, pp. 96–100: https://archive.org/details/lettersroyaland06greegoog/page/n116/mode/2up If this topic interests you, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts: Do you find Elizabeth's testimony or Norfolk's defence more convincing, and why? #TudorHistory #TrueCrime #ElizabethHoward #DukeOfNorfolk #ThomasCromwell #DomesticAbuseHistory #AnneBoleyn #HistoryDocumentary  

Villain or maligned? In this interview, historical novelist Wendy Johnson—a founding member of Philippa Langley's “Looking for Richard” project—joins me to discuss her debut novel, The Traitor's Son, which traces Richard III's formative decade (1461–1471). We explore: What being close to the 2012 discovery in Leicester changed for her as a writer and Ricardian Why start with boyhood—and what newcomers should unlearn about Richard Fact vs fiction: where the record ends and imagination begins Favourite sources for Edward, George, and Richard Places that shaped the story: Ludlow, Middleham, London Teasers for Books 2 & 3 in the trilogy Plus: Wendy's top Ricardian must-visit sites, the scene she'd film first, and one non-fiction pick to read next. I'm Claire Ridgway. Thanks for watching. Please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below! #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #HistoricalFiction #LookingForRichard #Plantagenets #MedievalHistory

On this day in Tudor history, 19 September 1580, Katherine Willoughby (Katherine Brandon, later Katherine Bertie), Duchess of Suffolk, died after a long illness and was laid to rest at Spilsby, Lincolnshire. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today I'm telling the story of one of my favourite Tudor women, a brilliant, resilient figure who moved from court glitter to deepest grief, from duchess to exile and back again, guided by a sharp mind and a fiercer faith. In this episode: Heiress & child-bride: ward of Charles Brandon and Duchess at 14 Court & conscience: official mourner at Catherine of Aragon's funeral; hiring Hugh Latimer to preach Tragedy in 1551: losing both sons to the sweating sickness the same day Love & exile: marriage to Richard Bertie, flight under Mary I, return under Elizabeth I Legacy: patronage of reform, Miles Coverdale in her household, and that famous little dog named “Gardiner” If you enjoy deep dives into remarkable Tudor women, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts below. #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #KatherineWilloughby #DuchessOfSuffolk #CharlesBrandon #Reformation #SweatingSickness #ElizabethI

On this day in Tudor history, 18 September 1535, Henry Brandon, 2nd Duke of Suffolk, was born at Chartley in Staffordshire. The eldest son of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, and Catherine Willoughby, Henry's life was full of promise, until it was heartbreakingly cut short. Educated alongside Prince Edward (the future Edward VI), Henry thrived at court: he carried the orb at Edward's coronation, ran at the ring, and studied at Cambridge under some of the greatest humanist tutors of the day. He was a young noble who seemed destined for greatness. But in the summer of 1551, the dreaded sweating sickness struck. Within hours, Henry and his younger brother Charles were dead, snuffing out the Brandon male line in one cruel blow. In this podcast, I share Henry's brief but brilliant story, his education, his role at court, and the tragedy that ended his family's hopes. If you enjoy daily Tudor stories, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. And let me know in the comments: which Tudor “might-have-been” do you wish had lived to fulfil their promise? #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #HenryBrandon #EdwardVI #TudorTragedy #ClaireRidgway  

On 17 September 1575, Zurich lost one of its great reformers: Heinrich (Henry) Bullinger. While Luther thundered, Calvin systematised, and Zwingli fought and died, Bullinger quietly anchored the Swiss Reformation, and his writings reached far beyond Switzerland, shaping the faith of Tudor England. In this episode, I explore: Bullinger's rise from Bremgarten priest's son to Zurich's leading pastor His household with Anna Adlischweiler—marriage, 11 children, orphans, and refugees His leadership after Zwingli's death in 1531, keeping Zurich's church steady The Decades - sermons that became required reading in Elizabethan England His covenant theology - grace freely offered, faith shown through conduct His role as a bridge-builder: the First and Second Helvetic Confessions, and a vast correspondence that reached Edward VI and Elizabeth I Bullinger's death on this day in 1575 marked the end of an era, but his influence endured - quiet, steady, and lasting. Had you heard of Bullinger before today? And which Reformation voice - Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, or Calvin - do you find most compelling? Tell me in the comments. If you enjoy these daily glimpses into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. For exclusive extras—zoom calls, behind-the-scenes content, and my monthly magazine—consider joining my channel membership. #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #Reformation #Bullinger #ChurchHistory #ProtestantReformers #ClaireRidgway #ElizabethanEngland

On 16 September 1539, Walter Devereux was born at Chartley in Staffordshire. Nobleman, soldier, coloniser—and father to Robert Devereux, Elizabeth I's brilliant but doomed favourite—Walter's life was full of ambition, controversy, and whispers that outlived him. From his meteoric rise at Elizabeth's court to his brutal and ill-fated campaign in Ireland, Walter seemed destined for greatness. But at just 37, he died suddenly in Dublin in 1576. Official cause? Dysentery. The rumours? Poison… perhaps even at the hands of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester—who later married Walter's widow, Lettice Knollys. In this episode, I trace Walter's journey from Chartley heir to Irish commander, explore his marriage into the Boleyn-Knollys family, and ask: Why did his Irish venture turn so grim? Was his death really natural—or the result of a Tudor plot? How did his early end shape the fate of his son, the tragic Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex? Poison or misfortune? You decide in the comments. If you enjoyed this Tudor true-crime style tale, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss tomorrow's story from Tudor history. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ElizabethI #Essex #WalterDevereux #HistoryTok #ClaireRidgway  

When you picture Henry VIII, do you see Holbein's towering figure in furs and jewels—broad, bearded, and imposing? That image is iconic... but it's not the full story. In this video, I'm going back to the start of Henry's reign to ask: What did Henry VIII really look like when he took the throne in 1509? Before the tyranny, before the weight gain, before the codpieces and propaganda, Henry was something else entirely. Discover how contemporary eyewitnesses described him What portraits and armour tell us about his build and features And why our mental image of Henry is shaped more by politics than portraits Who would you cast as young Henry in a film or series? Let me know in the comments! Watch next: Tracking Henry VIII's Weight Gain… Through His Armour - https://youtu.be/sesuSTxpXMs?si=rZ1_jWVl1l-jQ8FZ Don't forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell for more myth-busting Tudor history from The Anne Boleyn Files. #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #YoungHenryVIII #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorMonarchy #HolbeinMyth #TudorPortraits #EarlyModernHistory

I can't believe that I've got over 75,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel, and to celebrate it, my lovely husband, Tim, put together a "mastermind" style expert round quiz to test my knowledge on the Tudors and especially the Boleyn family. There's a quick-fire round of two minutes where I have to answer as many questions correctly as I can, and then a slightly more leisurely round where I get some bonus questions. Let me know how many questions you got right by playing along now... THANK YOU to every single one of my subscribers, I really appreciate your support and I read every comment you leave.

The Truth About His Faith and the English Reformation   He broke from Rome. He dissolved the monasteries. He declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England… So that makes Henry VIII Protestant, right? Not quite. In this video, we explore: Why Henry VIII broke with the Pope (spoiler: it wasn't about theology) His 1521 book defending the Catholic sacraments against Martin Luther The Act of Supremacy and what it really meant The Six Articles and the continued persecution of Protestants What changed under Henry—and what stayed Catholic The king's final days and the beliefs he clung to on his deathbed Tell me in the comments: Do you think Henry ever intended to spark a Reformation? Or was it all about control? Like, subscribe, and tap the bell for more daily Tudor history from the Anne Boleyn Files. Watch next:  July 30 - Reformers and Catholics executed on the same day - https://youtu.be/ZUvIWF51n_Q #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #Reformation #EnglishReformation #WasHenryVIIIProtestant #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay #TudorChurch #CatholicWithoutThePope #HistoryDebunked

We rarely hear about Marten Micron, a young Dutch pastor who came to London as a refugee, and helped organise one of the most radical experiments of Edward VI's reign: the Stranger Church at Austin Friars. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's video I'll be sharing the remarkable story of Marten Micron: his ministry among London's refugees, his influential writings on church order and catechism, his exile under Mary I, and his enduring legacy in the Reformation. In this episode: - Who Marten Micron was and how he came to London. - Why the Stranger Churches were so significant in Edward VI's England. - Micron's role in shaping worship, discipline, and teaching. - His exile, death, and why his writings still mattered across Europe. Join me as we uncover the story of a reformer too often forgotten, yet whose influence rippled far beyond Tudor England.   What do you think—should Marten Micron be remembered alongside figures like Cranmer and Calvin? Tell me in the comments! Like, subscribe, and tap the bell so you don't miss more daily deep dives into Tudor and Reformation history. And if you'd like even more Tudor content—including my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle—consider becoming a channel member and stepping into my Tudor court! #TudorHistory #Reformation #MartenMicron #StrangerChurch #ClaireRidgway

A medal for a massacre. A Te Deum for thousands of deaths. A celebration that still shocks centuries later. On this day in history—11 September 1572—Pope Gregory XIII ordered Rome to give thanks for not one, but two "victories": the Catholic triumph over the Ottomans at Lepanto and the mass slaughter of French Protestants during the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre. In this episode: The shocking papal reaction to the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre The political and religious tensions behind Gregory's “thanksgiving” Why he linked the massacre with the naval victory at Lepanto The commemorative medal and what it tells us about 16th-century propaganda Gregory XIII's surprising legacy—from calendar reform to Jesuit patronage To some, it was divine justice. To others—then and now—it was unthinkable. Watch next: The St Bartholomew's Day Massacre – https://youtu.be/1DmTMXr0TcQ The Gregorian Calendar - https://youtu.be/VRz98plSjqk Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily deep dives into Tudor and early modern history. #OnThisDay #StBartholomewsDay #Lepanto #GregoryXIII #TudorHistory #Reformation #CounterReformation #ClaireRidgway #GregorianCalendar #HistoryDebate #ReligiousHistory #EarlyModernEurope

On this day in Tudor history—10 September 1557—Joyce Lewis was led to the stake at Lichfield for her Protestant faith. Eyewitnesses said she faced the flames with cheerfulness. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in today's episode, I share the powerful and heartbreaking story of a Tudor gentlewoman who chose faith and conscience over compliance—with devastating consequences. In this video: Her noble lineage and tragic first marriage The moment that changed her faith Her arrest, trial, and unwavering defence of conscience Her final toast to gospel believers The dignity and defiance she showed at the stake Her lasting legacy, memorialised centuries later in Mancetter This is the story of a woman whose quiet courage still echoes today. Like, comment, and subscribe for more daily Tudor history stories. What do you think sustained Joyce Lewis's bravery—faith, community, or sheer inner resolve? Tell me in the comments. Want more Tudor content, including my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle? Consider becoming a channel member and stepping into my Tudor court! #TudorHistory #JoyceLewis #MarianMartyrs #OnThisDay #ProtestantMartyrs #MaryI #ClaireRidgway #TudorWomen #FaithAndFire #HistoryWithHeart #TudorMartyrs #ReformationHistory

We are as near to Heaven by sea as by land.” On this day, 9 September 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert's tiny ship, the Squirrel, disappeared in an Atlantic storm, and an audacious Elizabethan life ended in a flash of foam and darkness. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today we follow Gilbert's extraordinary arc: Devon gentleman and half-brother to Sir Walter Ralegh; soldier praised at Newhaven and feared in Munster for brutal tactics; polemicist for a Northwest Passage and English colonisation; MP who clashed in Parliament; and, finally, patent-holder who sailed to Newfoundland and claimed St John's for Queen Elizabeth I, before disaster struck on the homeward voyage. In this episode: Gilbert's powerful family network (Kat Ashley & the Ralegh connection) Soldier and strategist: praise in France, terror in Ireland Pen and policy: A Discourse of a Discoverie & dreams of an academy The 1583 voyage: The Delight, the Golden Hind, the Swallow, and the fateful Squirrel Claiming St John's—and losing men, charts, and nerve in a wreck The storm off the Azores and Gilbert's haunting last words Legacy: how his vision fed later English ventures in the New World If you enjoy these daily Tudor deep dives, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don't miss the next one. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #Elizabethan #Exploration #Newfoundland #SirHumphreyGilbert #WalterRaleigh

Grandson of Mary Boleyn. Cousin to Elizabeth I. Patron to Shakespeare's company. On 8 September 1603, George Carey, 2nd Baron Hunsdon, died, leaving a legacy that runs from court politics to the playhouse. Some even whispered he was Henry VIII's grandson. Rumour or not, Carey stood right behind the stage that gave us Hamlet, Henry V and more. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway. In today's “On This Day,” meet the steady court insider who helped shape the English Renaissance, from border forts and the Isle of Wight to the Lord Chamberlain's Men. What you'll learn: Carey's Boleyn roots & royal connections Missions to Scotland and a knighthood at Berwick (1570) Roles that kept him close to Elizabeth I (Marshal of the Household, JP, Constable of Bamburgh, Captain of the Isle of Wight) How he supported the fleet during the Spanish Armada Why becoming Lord Chamberlain (1596) mattered to Shakespeare's troupe Honours (KG, Privy Council) and his late-life legacy under James I The enduring rumour about Tudor blood in the Carey line If you enjoyed this, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell for daily Tudor stories. Tell me in the comments: Do you think the Carey–Tudor blood rumour holds water? #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #ElizabethI #Shakespeare #LordChamberlainsMen #OnThisDay

Who was Anne Boleyn...really? In this fast, source-based overview I cover her debated birth year, French education, rise to queenship, real influence on religion and politics, the 1536 downfall, and the biggest myths to bin (no, not a sixth finger). Perfect for newcomers and Tudor die-hards. What you'll learn     • How Mechelen & France shaped her polish and politics     • What Anne actually did as queen: patronage, reform, image     • The 1536 crisis: miscarriage, factions, the trial of the five men     • Myths vs reality: portraits, “witchcraft,” birth year     • Legacy, places to visit, and what we still don't know     • My take on Anne Boleyn's fall   Further reading (starter list)     • Eric Ives, The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn     • Claire Ridgway, The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown     • G. W. Bernard, Anne Boleyn: Fatal Attractions     • Retha M. Warnicke, The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn     Watch next:  Anne's Fall playlist (step-by-step from April–May 1536) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrIov3Augf3dy9QDBFL1yViK Anne Boleyn and the Boleyns playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrLjVti06aNo1KLQg9Cn64FR

Join me for a lively deep-dive with historian and author Amy McElroy—whose books include Educating the Tudors and Women's Lives in the Tudor Era, with Mary Tudor, Queen of France out next and a new project on Desiderius Erasmus underway. We talk Tudor education, women's real power at home and court, Mary Tudor's overlooked influence, and why Erasmus matters. In this interview, we explore: How Amy fell in love with history and turned blogging into books Educating the Tudors: what (and how) children learned—across class and gender Women's Lives in the Tudor Era: daughters, wives, mothers, widows—how much agency did they really have? Mary Tudor, Queen of France: the sister who shaped a dynasty—beyond the shadow of Henry VIII Erasmus: Europe's sharpest mind—visionary or misunderstood? Research wins, writing routines, audience Qs, and a quick-fire Tudor round About my guest: Amy McElroy is the author of Educating the Tudors (2023), Women's Lives in the Tudor Era (2024), and Mary Tudor, Queen of France (2025), with Desiderius Erasmus: The Folly or Far Sightedness of Renaissance Europe's Greatest Mind (2026) forthcoming. She co-hosts The Tudor Notebook on Substack and has appeared on several podcasts. Links: Amy's books & Substack — https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Amy-McElroy/author/B0BBSK2SDQ, https://www.amazon.com/stores/Amy-McElroy/author/B0BBSK2SDQ, https://amymcelroy.substack.com/ My December online event The Other Tudors: The Forgotten Figures Who Shaped a Dynasty — Launching soon at https://claireridgway.com/ - keep an eye out! Subscribe for more Tudor interviews & deep dives Say hello in the comments: Which part of Mary Tudor's story deserves its own episode? And what's your take on Erasmus?

In April 1532, Sir William Pennington was cut down on the very edge of Westminster sanctuary—and his killers walked away with a manslaughter verdict, a £1,000 pardon, and glittering careers. In this Tudor true-crime deep dive, I unpack the fight, the politics, and the legal loopholes that made it possible. What's inside: The argument and fight, from Westminster Hall to the sanctuary precinct How sanctuary should have worked—and how it was bent The official indictment vs. Carlo Capello's explosive diplomatic report Cromwell's intervention and the price of a royal pardon Holbein's 1537 portrait: the scar carried from the fight What this case tells us about power, patronage, and Tudor justice Sources & further reading: Shannon McSheffrey, “The Slaying of Sir William Pennington: Legal Narrative and the Late Medieval English Archive" - https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/flor/article/view/21566/25053 Venetian ambassador Carlo Capello's report, Calendar of State Papers Relating To English Affairs in the Archives of Venice, Volume 4, 1527-1533, 761 - https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/venice/vol4/pp331-334 Hans Holbein: preparatory sketch & portrait of Richard Southwell (1537) - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Hans_Holbein_d._J._060.jpg and https://www.rct.uk/collection/912242/sir-richard-southwell-15023-1564 If you enjoy Tudor true crime & deep dives into the records, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell.  Tell me in the comments: Was this justice, or a cover for court politics? #TudorHistory #TrueCrime #HenryVIII #ThomasCromwell #AnneBoleyn #Westminster #Sanctuary #Holbein #RichardSouthwell #SirWilliamPennington

On this day in Tudor history, 4 September 1550, Sir Thomas Paston, a gentleman of the privy chamber under Henry VIII and Edward VI, died. If the name Paston rings a bell, it should: the Paston Letters gave us one of the richest pictures of late-medieval/early-Tudor gentry life. But Thomas Paston wasn't just part of a famous family, he carved out his own path at the heart of power. In this video, I trace his journey from younger son to royal insider: Gentleman of the privy chamber (daily access to the king) Keeper of the armoury at Greenwich (1541) Steward & constable of Castle Rising (1542) French campaign with Henry VIII and knighthood after Boulogne (1545) Local authority & Parliament: steward of estates, MP for Norfolk, J.P. Crisis manager: helped quell Kett's Rebellion (1549) Family life: marriage to Agnes Leigh; heir Henry (aged 4 at Thomas's death), with Agnes pregnant with Edward If you enjoy these “On This Day” spotlights, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. Want Tudor extras? Consider joining my YouTube channel as a channel member for exclusive talks, resources, and my monthly magazine. #TudorHistory #PastonLetters #HenryVIII #EdwardVI #Norfolk #KettsRebellion #OnThisDay #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoryYouTube

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1553, Edward Courtenay was created Earl of Devon by Queen Mary I. It was a stunning reversal of fortune for a man who had spent 15 years imprisoned in the Tower of London after his father, the Marquess of Exeter, was executed for treason. In this podcast, I trace the extraordinary life of Edward Courtenay: His royal blood as a great-grandson of King Edward IV His childhood imprisonment and forgotten years in the Tower His dazzling restoration under Mary I — knighted, cheered by Londoners, even carrying the sword of state at Mary's coronation Hopes that he might marry Mary (or even Elizabeth) instead of Philip of Spain His entanglement in Wyatt's Rebellion and return to prison Exile abroad and rumours of conspiracies, assassination plots… and finally poison His sudden death in Padua in 1556, aged just thirty Courtenay's story is one of royal promise turned to tragedy — a man hailed as “the flower of English nobility,” yet destined to be remembered as a prisoner, pawn, and victim of Tudor politics. Do you think Edward Courtenay could ever have been a successful husband for Mary or Elizabeth? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this dive into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode. For even more Tudor treasures — including exclusive talks, printable resources, Zoom chats, and my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle — consider joining my YouTube as a channel member. #TudorHistory #MaryI #WyattsRebellion #EdwardCourtenay #AnneBoleynFiles 

On 2nd or 3rd September 1507, Thomas Savage, Archbishop of York, died at Cawood Castle in Yorkshire. Savage wasn't just a churchman — he was one of Henry VII's most trusted servants, a skilled diplomat, and a powerful royal official in the turbulent north of England. In this video, I uncover his remarkable story: - His family connections to the influential Stanley clan - His education at Oxford, Bologna, and Padua - His rise from royal chaplain in 1485 to Archbishop of York in 1501 - His role in negotiating Prince Arthur's marriage to Catherine of Aragon - His escort of Princess Margaret Tudor to Scotland for her historic marriage to James IV - His dangerous rivalry with the Earl of Northumberland - And his final years at Cawood Castle, with his body buried in York Minster and his heart laid to rest in Macclesfield Though not a household name today, Thomas Savage played a vital role in Tudor politics and diplomacy, and his career reminds us how powerful churchmen could be in shaping both the kingdom and the dynasty. Had you heard of Archbishop Thomas Savage before? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this deep dive into Tudor history, please give the podcast a like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss my next episode. Want even more Tudor treasures? Join my channel as a member to access exclusive posts, behind-the-scenes content, printable resources, Zoom discussions, and my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle. #TudorHistory #HenryVII #ArchbishopOfYork #AnneBoleynFiles

On 1st September 1599, Dorcas Martin — translator, bookseller, Puritan, and wife of Sir Richard Martin, twice Lord Mayor of London — was laid to rest at All Hallows, Tottenham. Though she lived much of her life in her husband's shadow, Dorcas carved out a place of her own in Elizabethan London. She acted as a bookseller during the fierce “pulpit wars” between Puritan preacher Thomas Cartwright and John Whitgift, and her translations of prayers and psalms appeared in "The Monument of Matrones" (1582) — the very first anthology of women's writing published in England. In this podcast, I explore the life of Dorcas Martin: - Her family and marriage to Sir Richard Martin, Master of the Mint and Lord Mayor. - Her bold role in circulating controversial Puritan texts. - Her translations and inclusion among the first printed voices of English women. - Her enduring legacy, remembered in epitaphs and dedications. Dorcas may not have been a queen or martyr, but her voice shaped Elizabethan religious culture. It's time to remember her. If you enjoy stories of overlooked Tudor women, don't forget to subscribe and hit the so you don't miss future episodes. And thank you to my channel members for supporting my work — you make podcasts like this possible! #TudorHistory #Elizabethan #WomensHistory #Puritans #OnThisDay

What if Prince Arthur, Henry VIII's elder brother, had survived? In this special interview, I sit down with novelist Leah Toole to talk about her fascinating book "The Rose and The Pomegranate" — an alternative history novel that asks one of Tudor history's biggest “what ifs.” In Leah's world, Arthur Tudor doesn't die in 1502 — and the ripple effects are enormous. Katherine of Aragon's destiny changes, Henry VIII's life takes a very different course, and familiar figures like the Boleyns, Wolsey, and Cromwell walk entirely new paths. In this conversation we explore: - Why Arthur Tudor and this “what if”? - How Leah balanced historical accuracy with imagination. - Arthur and Katherine's marriage — and how it might have unfolded. - A reimagined Henry VIII without the six wives we know so well. - Which events Leah chose to keep… and which to reshape. - How a single turning point could have reshaped England, Europe, and the Church. It's a thoughtful, imaginative, and meticulously researched take on Tudor history that fans won't want to miss! "The Rose and The Pomegranate" is available now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rose-Pomegranate-Leah-Toole/dp/173857783X/ https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Pomegranate-Leah-Toole/dp/173857783X/ What Tudor “what if” would YOU most like to see explored? Tell us in the comments! More of my interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrJ4vaP25436VYCw9ZB76J3J

In 1537, Cromwell had to investigate a sordid rumour about William Webbe's "pretty wench" and Henry VIII. It claimed the king had not only been unfaithful to his new queen, Jane Seymour, but had stolen another man's mistress and kept her for himself. The story spread so widely it ended up in Alison Weir's modern-day "Henry VIII: King and Court" and even inspired a scene in Showtime's "The Tudors" series. But what really happened? In this podcast, I investigate the 16th century sources to find out what really went on. Was this tale evidence of adultery, malicious gossip, or something darker? And what does it reveal about Henry VIII's reputation in the shadow of Anne Boleyn's downfall and his hasty marriage to Jane Seymour? Listen to discover: - The original 1537 letter that spread the rumour. - How Cromwell's investigation handled it and his conclusion. - Why The Tudors dramatised the story and changed the timeline. - Whether Henry's reputation was already beginning to unravel. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor scandal, rumour, and history, don't forget to like, subscribe, and consider joining my channel membership for exclusive talks, resources, and my monthly magazine The Privy Chronicle. #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #JaneSeymour #TheTudors #History

When we think of Elizabethan adventurers, names like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh usually come to mind. But on 29th August 1583, another Tudor mariner met a tragic fate — one whose name history has largely forgotten. His name was Maurice Browne. Browne wasn't just an adventurer — he was a well-connected courtier who worked for Elizabeth I's spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, and even acted as a court agent. But his ambition and spirit of exploration led him to join Sir Humphrey Gilbert's doomed voyage to North America. Browne had the chance to escape his sinking ship. Instead, he stayed with her, dying a captain's death. In today's video, I uncover the remarkable — and little known — story of Maurice Browne, the Tudor courtier-turned-adventurer who chose duty over survival. If you enjoy learning about forgotten figures of Tudor history, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. And if you'd like to unlock even more Tudor history — including Zoom talks, my members-only magazine "The Privy Chronicle", and behind-the-scenes extras — consider joining my channel membership today.   #TudorHistory #ElizabethanEra #AgeOfExploration #HistoryYouTube #TudorEngland #ForgottenHistory #MaritimeHistory #Shipwreck #SirFrancisDrake #SirWalterRaleigh #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoricalStories #TudorAdventurers #LostAtSea #TudorCourt 

On 28th August 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada, a young Franciscan friar named Thomas Felton was hanged near Brentford, Middlesex. Felton's “crime”? His Catholic faith, and his refusal to acknowledge Elizabeth I as head of the Church. The son of Blessed John Felton (executed in 1570 for posting the papal bull of Elizabeth's excommunication), young Thomas endured brutal imprisonment and torture — confined in the Little Ease, flogged, and even hanged by his hands until they bled. Yet he refused to betray his faith or the priests who sheltered English Catholics. He was just 21 years old when he went to the gallows — turning down a pardon rather than compromise his beliefs. In this podcast, I, Claire Ridgway, historian and author, share the tragic yet inspiring story of Thomas Felton, and why his courage deserves to be remembered. If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor history, please like and subscribe, and consider joining my channel membership for exclusive talks, resources, and a monthly Tudor magazine. #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #SpanishArmada #CatholicMartyrs #OnThisDay

When you hear the name Bacon, you probably think of Sir Francis Bacon — philosopher, scientist, genius. But behind him stood an equally remarkable woman: his mother, Lady Anne Bacon (née Cooke). Born in the 1520s, Anne was one of the famous Cooke sisters of Gidea Hall, all of them classically educated at a level most Tudor men could only dream of. She mastered Latin, Greek, and even Italian, and grew up immersed in humanist thought. In 1553, Anne married Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Together they raised Anthony (the Tudor spy) and Francis (the great thinker), but Anne wasn't simply a background figure in their lives. She was a scholar, translator, and moral force in her own right. In this podcast, I explore: - Anne Bacon's extraordinary education and family background - Her marriage and role in one of Tudor England's most influential households - Her translation of John Jewel's Apologie, a landmark defence of Protestantism - Her surviving letters — over 90 — which reveal her piety, intellect, and maternal guidance - Why she deserves to be remembered as more than just “Francis Bacon's mother” Do you think women like Anne Bacon get enough credit in Tudor history? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoy learning about remarkable Tudor women, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss future podcasts. And for even more history — including exclusive talks, printable resources, and a monthly Tudor magazine — consider joining my channel membership on YouTube. #AnneBacon #FrancisBacon #TudorHistory #TudorWomen #CookeSisters #ElizabethanEngland #ProtestantReformation #Humanism #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

Imagine being remembered not just as a bishop, diplomat, and court insider… but also as the student who annoyed a future martyr with your recorder practice! That was Thomas Thirlby, a man whose life saw the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. He supported Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn, helped suppress the Pilgrimage of Grace, became the very first Bishop of Westminster, rose high under Mary I as Bishop of Ely, and yet ended his life under house arrest in Elizabeth's reign. In this video, I explore: - Thirlby's rise under Cromwell and Cranmer - His role in diplomacy and religious change - Why he had to degrade his old friend Thomas Cranmer before his execution - How his Catholic faith cost him dearly under Elizabeth I - And of course, that quirky Cambridge anecdote about annoying reformer Thomas Bilney with his recorder playing! Had you heard of Thomas Thirlby before? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss my next podcast. And if you'd like to join my Tudor membership — with exclusive talks, printable resources, and even a monthly magazine — click “Join” on the Anne Boleyn Files YouTube channel homepage. #TudorHistory #ThomasThirlby #AnneBoleynFiles #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #ThomasCranmer #MaryI #EdwardVI #TudorChurch #ClaireRidgway

When you hear the name Cecil in Tudor history, you probably think of William Cecil, Elizabeth I's right-hand man. But behind him was his wife, Mildred Cecil, born Mildred Cooke on 25th August 1526 — a woman every bit as remarkable, and one of the most learned women of her age. In this video, I uncover the fascinating life of Mildred Cecil: - Her extraordinary humanist education, ranking her alongside Lady Jane Grey. - Her marriage to William Cecil, forming a true Tudor power couple. - Her scholarship, translations, and magnificent library. - Her role at Elizabeth I's court and her influence behind the scenes. - The legacy she left behind — from books gifted to schools and universities to her resting place in Westminster Abbey. Too often overshadowed by her husband and son, Mildred Cecil deserves to be remembered as a Tudor powerhouse in her own right. If you enjoy discovering hidden stories of the Tudor world, please like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don't miss future episodes. And if you'd like to step into my Tudor court with exclusive perks — including my monthly magazine The Privy Chronicle and live Zoom discussions — click “Join” beneath this video or on The Anne Boleyn Files channel homepage. #MildredCecil #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #WomenInHistory #AnneBoleynFiles

On 19th May 1536, Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, was executed within the Tower of London. Contemporary sources say she was laid to rest in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, but legends place her hundreds of miles away, in Norfolk or Suffolk… and some even claim her heart was buried elsewhere. In this podcast, I, Claire Ridgway, historian, author of The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown, and founder of The Anne Boleyn Files, explore the evidence and the myths about Anne Boleyn's resting place. We'll uncover: - What eyewitness accounts of 1536 say about her burial - The Norfolk and Essex legends of secret midnight burials - The strange Suffolk tale of Anne's heart in a parish church - The 1876 Victorian exhumations inside the Tower chapel - Why some historians argue her memorial tile marks the wrong grave Is Anne Boleyn truly buried beneath her memorial tile in the Tower of London — or does her story in death hold one last mystery? Watch and decide for yourself. If you enjoy Tudor history deep dives, don't forget to: - Like this podcast (it helps more history fans find it) - Subscribe for more Tudor stories every week - Join my channel membership for exclusive resources, behind-the-scenes videos, my monthly Tudor magazine, and live chats Have you ever visited Anne Boleyn's memorial at the Tower? Or Salle Church in Norfolk? Share your experience in the comments! #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #AnneBoleynFiles #TowerOfLondon #TudorMystery #RoyalHistory #OnThisDay #QueenElizabethI #CatherineHoward

What do we really know about Elizabeth Boleyn, Countess of Wiltshire and mother of Anne Boleyn? Until now, she's been little more than a shadow in history — remembered only as the wife of Thomas Boleyn and the mother of Anne, Mary, and George. But in a groundbreaking new biography, historian Sophie Bacchus-Waterman uncovers Elizabeth's real story: her career at court, her influence, and her role in one of Tudor England's most ambitious families. In this exclusive interview, I talk with Sophie about: - Why Elizabeth has been so overlooked in Tudor history - The surprising discoveries made during her research - How Elizabeth shaped the rise of the Boleyns - Whether she's been unfairly judged in fiction and history - And what this biography reveals about Anne Boleyn's world. Sophie's new book: Elizabeth Boleyn: The Life of the Queen's Mother is the very first biography of this fascinating woman, and it shines a long-overdue light on her life and legacy. Pre-order on Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Boleyn-Life-Queens-Mother/dp/1803997656 Pre-order on Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Boleyn-Life-Queens-Mother/dp/1803997656/ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Tudor deep-dives. Want even more Tudor treasures? Join my channel membership for exclusive resources, a monthly magazine, and live Zoom discussions! Click “Join” under this video to find out more. #ElizabethBoleyn #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #TudorWomen #SophieBacchusWaterman #TudorDynasty #TudorBooks #HistoryInterview #ForgottenFigures #BoleynFamily #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

On 22nd August 1545, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, died — ending the life of one of the most colourful and daring figures of Henry VIII's reign. He was the king's jousting companion, his most loyal friend, and the man bold enough to secretly marry Henry's sister, Mary Tudor, in Paris… without royal permission. How did Brandon risk everything, pay a massive price, and still remain the king's closest ally for nearly four decades — when so many others at court lost their heads? In this podcast, I explore the extraordinary story of Charles Brandon: - His rise from the son of a slain Bosworth knight to Duke of Suffolk - His complicated love life and very risky marriage to Mary Tudor - His military career in France and role in major Tudor events - How he outlived Wolsey, Anne Boleyn, Cromwell, and more — by never losing Henry's trust Charles Brandon wasn't a schemer, but he was the ultimate Tudor court survivor. Also watch my video on The Scandalous Love Life of Charles Brandon here: https://youtu.be/ArwZBvOt7Es If you enjoy this deep dive into Tudor history, please: - Join my YouTube channel membership for exclusive content, live chats, and my monthly Tudor magazine Have you heard of Charles Brandon before today? What do you think — lucky risk-taker, or loyal friend who knew how to survive? Let me know in the comments! #CharlesBrandon #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #MaryTudor #TudorDynasty #RoyalScandal #TudorCourt #AnneBoleynFiles #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay