Podcast appearances and mentions of Anne Boleyn

For centuries, Anne Boleyn has been portrayed as the great seductress of Tudor history, the ambitious woman who bewitched Henry VIII and destroyed his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. But when we examine the evidence, the surviving sources tell a very different story. Henry VIII's own love letters reveal that he pursued Anne relentlessly, writing to her repeatedly and even worrying that she did not return his affection. Anne refused to become the king's mistress and, at times, even withdrew from court to avoid him. In this video, I explore what we actually know about Henry VIII's pursuit of Anne Boleyn: • When the courtship may have begun • The famous love letters Henry wrote to Anne • The gift that may have signalled Anne's acceptance • The terrifying sweating sickness outbreak of 1528 • And the myth that Anne Boleyn deliberately seduced the king This relationship would ultimately lead to the king's Great Matter, the break with Rome, and the English Reformation, transforming the course of English history. #anneboleyn #henryviii #tudorhistory #tudors #englishhistory #britishhistory #history #historyyoutube #reformation #historydocumentary

New episode out now! We watched all four episodes of the medieval mystery miniseries Shardlake. We discuss the character of Matthew Shardlake and how we were intrigued with his journey, enjoyed that his investigation challenged his faith in the institution he works for, and liked how he realized that the definitions of “truth” and “justice” change depending on who was talking. We thought the show had momentum in part due to the two totally separate threads of investigation, checked out a little at all the underlying politics, marveled at how so much of the investigation is sourcing bureaucratic records and waiting for letters, and got very frustrated with men in power in both the church and government. Katy drops some knowledge about spymaster John Dee, Carrie channels her inner NPR, Maddy shares suppository facts, and Mack teaches us about sword and knife culture. We also talk (a lot) about various Lord of the Rings references, learn about an imaginary competition Mack is in, debate how good the first 20 seconds of being tortured by rack would feel, and do not like Henry VIII. Listen to hear more about The Hunchback of Notre Dame, animal sounds, the Tower of London, Tumblrinas, swordfighting, Ea-nāṣir, and the shadow of Anne Boleyn. And is this the oldest-set mystery we will cover? So far, yes! Enjoy!TW: Sexual assault, religious hypocrisy, torture, misogyny, medieval views on disability SHOW NOTES:Disability Horizons article “Arthur Hughes on being an actor on stage and screen with an upper-limb difference”Chain-mail glove examples at MFA Boston here, here, and hereCurrent knife rules in the UKThe Original 007? University of Cambridge article about John Dee

In this episode: to mark International Women's Day, we discuss a number of prolific women across history - 'A History of France in 21 Women', by Katherine Pangonis, the author Maria Edgeworth and the 225th anniversary of her novel Belinda, and Hever Castle historian Dr Owen Emmerson tells us about how and why Anne Boleyn's image has changed over the centuries.

For centuries, Anne has been cast in so many roles: temptress, reformer, political schemer, Protestant martyr. But what if her story looks very different when we place it not just in the court of Henry VIII, but in the wider legal, political, and religious world of sixteenth-century Europe?In this episode, I'm joined by Heather Darsie, whose new book takes a fascinating and fresh approach to Anne Boleyn's rise and fall. Drawing in part on her perspective as a lawyer, Heather explores how Anne's upbringing in the Low Countries and France, her connections to religious reform, and the legal structures developing under Henry VIII all help us better understand why Anne became so dangerous and why her end unfolded the way it did.We talk about Anne's continental influences, the difference between Henry's break with Rome and Anne's own religious interests, the legal precedents that made her execution possible, and why her death may have been about far more than adultery. This episode reminds us Anne Boleyn was not simply a symbol or a scandal, but a real woman caught in forces far larger than herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send a textWhat if a historic figure asked for your help—and you could prove it to yourself? We sit down with Dave Steward, co-founder of Atlantis Chakra Crystals and organiser of one of Suffolk's busiest holistic fairs, to explore how practical structure and grounded protection can open the door to extraordinary experiences. From closed development circles to a step-by-step rescue of Anne Boleyn's earthbound spirit, this conversation blends verifiable process with a human story of trust, courage, and completion.Dave explains how he builds three-room events that actually teach: a dedicated readers' space, a healing area, and rotating talks included in the ticket so newcomers learn the basics without fuss. We walk through his approach to safety—why circles are closed, why consistent seats matter, and how the Sword of Truth helps verify real guides. Then we follow the Tudor thread: past-life links as Mary Shelton and William Stafford, an on-site plan at Blickling Hall to meet a younger imprint of Anne, and a quiet crossing that later led to a guided meditation through Westminster Hall for a final act of dignity. Along the way, Dave maps soul contracts, monads, and the ways past-life companions reappear now, offering context for those uncanny “I know you” moments.If you've wondered why some spirits get stuck after sudden deaths, or how psychopomp work actually unfolds, you'll find thoughtful, experience-led answers here. We also keep it practical: daily protection, simple meditations, time in nature, and treating guides like family so support becomes a lived habit rather than a lofty idea. For locals, Dave shares details on the Kesgrave event and how to book an appointment at his shop for tailored guidance.Curious, sceptical, or somewhere in between—come listen, take what helps, and see what changes when you add clear boundaries to open-minded practice. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.Dave Stewardhttps://www.facebook.com/AtlantisChakraCrystalsMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/featherlightLicense code: ZTXJPK8BA5WMLKSF My new novel The Red Magus has recently been published in conjunction with the Unbound Press. An entralling mystical adventure set across time and space, where past and current lives converge. Find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. A call to action to help us keep spreading the spiritual ripple xxSupport the showBe a Compassion Crusader!Please like, share and subscribe!https://www.buzzsprout.com/1827829/supporters/newNatasha Joy Pricewww.dandeliontherapies.co.ukFacebook - Dandelion TherapiesInstagram - natashapriceauthor Books:- Freedom of the Soul - available on Amazon UK The Red Magus - available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Queen Elizabeth I is remembered as Gloriana, England's Virgin Queen and ruler of a golden age. But before the crown came danger. Born the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth went from celebrated princess to declared illegitimate, from royal heir to political suspect. Under her half-sister Mary I, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London, interrogated for treason, and at one point believed she would not survive the night. This video explores Elizabeth's extraordinary journey before her accession in 1558 - her upbringing, education, political dangers, imprisonment, and the lessons that shaped one of England's greatest monarchs. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #BritishHistory #MaryI #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #HistoryDocumentary #EnglishHistory #WomenInHistory

In this week's episode, I take a historical digression to look at the four major Thomases of the English Reformation - Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragonskull series at my Payhip store: QUEST25 The coupon code is valid through March 9 2026. So if you need a new ebook this winter, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 292 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is February 27th, 2026. Today we are taking a digression into history by looking at the four Thomases of the English Reformation (with one bonus Thomas). We'll also have Coupon of the Week and a progress update on my current writing and publishing projects. First up, let's do Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragonskull series at my Payhip store. That coupon code is QUEST25 and as always, the links to the store and the coupon code will be available in the show notes of this episode. This coupon code is valid through March 9th, 2026. So if you need a new ebook this winter, we have got you covered. Now for an update on my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. I am very nearly done with Cloak of Summoning. As of this recording, I am 35% of the way through the final editing pass. This episode should be coming out on, let's see, March the 2nd. I'm hoping Cloak of Summoning will be available a few days (hopefully like one or two days) after this episode goes live, but we'll see how things go. In any event, it should be out in very early March, which is not far away at this point. I'm also 14,000 words into Blade of Wraiths, the fourth book in my Blades of Ruin epic fantasy series. Hopefully that will be out in April, if all goes well. That's my secondary project right now, but once it gets promoted to primary project once Cloak of Summoning is available, my new secondary project will be Dragon Mage, which will be the sixth book in the Rivah Half-Elven Thief series. I'm looking forward to that since it is going to bring to an end a lot of ongoing plot threads. So it should be quite a fun book to write and hopefully to read. That should hopefully be out in May or possibly June, depending on how things go. In audiobook news, Cloak of Titans, the audiobook narrated by Hollis McCarthy, should be available in more audiobook stores than it was this time last week, though it's still not on Amazon, Audible, or Apple. Brad Wills is working on recording Blade of Storms and I think the first six chapters are done. Hopefully we should have those audiobooks available to you before too much longer. So that is where I'm at with my current writing, publishing, and audiobook projects. 00:02:18 Main Topic: The Four Thomases of the English Reformation Now without further ado, let's get to our main topic and it's time for another of my favorite topics overall, a digression into obscure points of history. I've mentioned before that Wolf Hall (both the TV show and the book) is a lot easier to understand if you are at least passingly familiar with the key figures of the English Reformation, which happened during the reign of King Henry VIII. But who were these key figures? I had a history professor who said that to understand the English Reformation, you need to know about the four Thomases of the English Reformation: Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer, since each one of them altered events in a major way. Fun fact: only one of the four died from natural causes and right before he was about to go on trial for treason, which would have likely ended with his execution. The English Reformation was a tumultuous time and the Tudor court was not a place for the faint of heart or the morally scrupulous. So let's talk about the four Thomases and one bonus Thomas today. But first to understand them, we should look at three background trends that converged and boiled over during their lifetimes. #1: Henry VIII needs an heir. King Henry VIII was quite famously married six times and executed two of his wives in his quest for a male heir. To the modern era, this sounds odd and chauvinistic, but one of the errors of studying history is assuming that the residents of the past had any interest in 21st century standards of behavior. By the standards of Henry's time, having a male heir to assume the kingdom after his death was absolutely vital. In fact, an argument could be made that Henry was attempting to act responsibly by going to such lengths to father a male heir, though naturally he went about it in a spectacularly destructive and self-absorbed way. Remember, Henry's father, Henry VII, came to the throne after a 30-year civil war, and there were noble families that thought they had a better claim to the throne than Tudors and would be happy to exercise it. A good comparison is that the lack of a male heir for Henry VIII was as serious a crisis as a disputed presidential election in 21st century America would be. You can see evidence for this in Henry's famous jousting accident in 1536. For a few hours, people were certain that he was dead or was about to die, and this incident caused a brief constitutional crisis. If Henry died, who would rule? His daughter, Mary, who he had just declared a bastard? His young daughter Elizabeth from Anne Boleyn? His bastard son, Henry FitzRoy? A regent? One of the old families who thought they had a claim to the throne? Now, these are the sort of questions that tend to get decided by civil wars, which nobody wanted. So Henry needed a male heir and it weighed on him as a personal failure that he had been unable to produce one, which was undoubtedly one of the reasons he concluded that several of his marriages had been cursed by God and needed to be annulled. Though, of course, one of Henry's defining traits was that his self-absorption was such that nothing was ever his fault, but a failing of those around him. #2: The Reformation is here. At the same time Henry was beginning to have his difficulties, the Protestant Reformation exploded across Europe. The reasons for the Reformation were manifold. There was a growing feeling across all levels of society that the church was corrupt and more concerned about money than tending to Christ's flock, a feeling not helped by the fact that several of the 15th and 16th century popes were essentially Renaissance princelings more interested in luxury, money, and expanding the power of the papal states than in anything spiritual. Many bishops, archbishops, abbots, and other high prelates acted the same way. The situation the early 16th century church found itself in was similar to American higher education today. Many modern professors and administrators go about their jobs quietly, competently, and diligently, but if you want to find examples of corruption, folly, and egregious waste in American higher education, you don't have to try very hard. Reformers could easily find manifold examples of clerical and papal corruption to reinforce their arguments. Additionally, nationalism was beginning to develop as a concept, as was the idea of the nation state. People in England, Scotland, Germany, and other countries began to wonder why they were paying tithes to the church that went to build beautiful buildings in Rome and support the lavish lifestyle of the papal court when that money might be better spent at home. For that matter, the anti-clericalism of the Reformation was not new and had time to mature. At the end of the 14th century, Lollardy was a proto-Protestant movement in England that challenged clerical power. In the early 15th century, the Hussite wars in Bohemia following the teachings of Jan Hus were a preview of the greater Reformation to come. Papal authority had been severely damaged by the Great Schism at the end of the 14th and the start of the 15th century when two competing popes (later expanded to three) all tried to excommunicate each other and claim control of the church. In the aftermath, Renaissance Humanists had begun suggesting that only the Bible was the proper source and guide for Christianity, and that papal authority and many of the church's practices were merely human traditions that had been added later and were not ordained by God. A lot of the arguments of the Reformation had their earliest form from the writers of the 15th century. Essentially, the central argument of the Reformation was that the believer's personal relationship with God is the important part of Christianity and doesn't need to be mediated through ordained priests in the official sacraments of the church, though such things were still important. Of course, all the various reformers disagreed with each other about just how important and what the nature of that relationship was, how many sacraments there should be, and what the precise relationship between the individual, the church, and the state should be (and that argument got entangled with many other issues like nationalism), but that was a central crux of the Reformation. So all these competing pressures have been building up, and when Martin Luther posted his statements for debate on church reform in October of 1517, it was the equivalent of lighting a match in a barn that had been stuffed full of sawdust and was suffering from a natural gas leak. #3: The printing press. So why did Luther's action kick off the Reformation as we know it and not the other proto-Protestant movements we mentioned? I think the big part of that is the printing pass, perhaps the biggest part. The printing press did not exist during the early proto-Protestant movements, which meant it was a lot harder for the ideas of reform to spread quickly. The Lollards in particular wanted to translate the Bible into English instead of Latin, but the Bible is a big book and that is a lot of copying to do by hand. In 1539, after a lot of encouragement from Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII decreed that an English Bible should be placed at every church in England. In 1339, that would have been an impossible amount of copying by scribes. In 1539, thanks to the printing press, it was essentially on the scale of the government embarking on a mid-sized industrial project, perhaps a bit of a logistical and organizational challenge and you have to deal with contractors, but by no means impossible. The printing press made it possible for the various arguments and pamphlets of the Reformers to spread quickly throughout Europe. Luther published tracts on a variety of religious and political topics for the rest of his life, and those tracks were copied, printed, and sold throughout Europe. In fact, he had something of a flame war with Thomas More over Henry VIII's "Defense of the Seven Sacraments". Kings and governments frequently tried to suppress printers they didn't like, but the cat was out of the bag and the printing press helped drive the Reformation by spreading its ideas faster than had previously been possible. AI bros occasionally compare modern large language model AIs to the printing press as an irreversible technological advancement, but one should note that the printing press of the 16th century did not require an entire US state's worth of electricity and an unlimited supply of water. So those were some of the undercurrents and trends leading up to the English Reformation. With that in mind, let's take a look at our four Thomases. #1: Thomas Wolsey. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was Henry's right hand man during the first 20 years of his reign and essentially the practical ruler of England during that time. He started his career in Henry's reign as the almoner, essentially in charge of charity, and it ended up becoming the Lord Chancellor of England. Since Henry was not super interested in actually doing the hard work of government, Wolsey ended up essentially running the country while Henry turned his full enthusiasm towards the more ceremonial aspects of kingship. Wolsey was an example of the kind of early 16th Century church prelate we mentioned above, more of a Renaissance princeling than a priest. However, as Renaissance princelings went, you could do worse than to have been ruled by someone like Wolsey. And if you were a king, you would be blessed to have a lieutenant as diligent in his work as the Cardinal. Granted, Wolsey did amass a large fortune for himself, but he frequently patronized the arts, education and the poor, pursued some governmental reforms, and deftly maintained England's position in the turbulent diplomacy of the time. He was also much more forgiving in questions of religious dissent than someone like Thomas More. Wolsey was the most powerful man in England at his apex, and the nobility hated it for him because his origins were common. So long as he had Henry's favor, Wolsey was untouchable and the nobility couldn't move against him. But the royal favor came to an end as Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon was unable to produce a son. Since Catherine had previously (and briefly) been married to his older brother Arthur before Arthur's death, Henry became convinced (or succeeded in convincing himself) that his marriage was cursed by God for violating the prohibition against sleeping with your brother's wife in the book of Leviticus. His eye had already fallen on Anne Boleyn and Henry wanted an annulment and not a divorce in his marriage with Catherine. In the eyes of God, he would never have been married at all, and then he could marry Anne Boleyn with a clear conscience. Here, Wolsey's gift for diplomacy failed him, but perhaps it was an impossible task. Catherine of Aragon was the aunt of Emperor Charles V, who at the time was the most powerful man in Christendom. All of Wolseley's efforts to persuade the pope to annul the marriage failed, partly because the pope had already given Henry VIII dispensation to marry his brother's widow. Wolsey's failure eroded his support with the king. Anne Boleyn likewise hated Wolsey partly because she believed he was hindering the annulment, and partly because he had blocked her from marrying the Earl of Northumberland years before she had her eyes set upon Henry. Finally, Henry stripped Wolsey of his office of Lord Chancellor, and Wolsey retired to York to take up his role as archbishop there. Wolsey's popularity threatened Henry and Anne, so Henry summoned him back to London to face treason charges. Perhaps fortunately for Wolsey, he died of natural causes on the journey back to London. His replacement as Lord Chancellor was Thomas More, the next of our major for Thomases. #2: Thomas More. More was an interesting contrast-a Renaissance Humanist who remained a staunch Catholic, even though Renaissance Humanists in general tended towards proto-Protestantism or actual Protestantism. He was also in some ways oddly progressive for his time. He insisted on educating his daughters at a time was considered pointless to educate women about anything other than the practical business of household management. Anyway, More's training as a lawyer and a scholar led him to a career in government. He held a variety of posts under Henry VIII, finally rising to become the Lord Chancellor after Wolsey. In the first decades of his brain, Henry was staunchly Catholic and despised Protestantism, in particular, Lutheranism in general and Martin Luther in particular. In 1521, Henry published "Defense of the Seven Sacraments" against Luther, and More helped him write it to an unknown degree. In their dislike for all forms of Protestantism, More and Henry were in harmony at this point. More was involved in hunting down heretics (i.e. Protestants) and trying to convince them to recant. During his time as the Lord Chancellor, More ended up sending six people to be burned at the stake for heresy, along with the arrest and interrogations of numerous others. This rather clashes with his "humanist man of letters" aspect, but More was undoubtedly convinced he was doing the right thing. And while he might have believed in education, he most definitely did not believe in freedom of conscience in several areas. To be fair to More, in the view of many at the time, Protestants, especially Anabaptists, were dangerous radicals. Likely More viewed hunting heretics in the same way as some modern politicians view hunting down covert terrorist cells or surveilling potential domestic terrorists. Harsh measures true, but harsh measures allegedly necessary for the greater good of the nation. However, the concord between More and Henry would not last. Henry wanted to set aside Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn, which More staunchly opposed. More especially opposed Henry breaking away from Rome and becoming head of an independent English Church. At first, More was able to save himself by maintaining his silence, but eventually Henry required all of his subjects take an oath affirming his status as head of the church. Thomas Cromwell famously led a deputation to try and change More's mind, but he failed. More refused, he was tried on specious treason charges, and beheaded in 1535. Later, the Catholic church declared him the patron saint of politicians. This might seem odd given that he oversaw executions and essentially did thought police stuff against Protestants, but let's be honest-it's rare to see a politician even mildly inconvenience himself over a point of principle, let alone maintain it until death when he was given every possible chance to change his mind. Probably the most famous fictional portrayals of More are A Man For All Seasons and Wolf Hall. I would say that A Man For All Seasons was far too generous to More, but Wolf Hall was too harsh. #3: Now for the third of our four Thomases, Thomas Cromwell. After Wolsey's fall and More's refusal to support Henry's desire to either annul his marriage to Catherine or to make himself head with the church so he couldn't annul the marriage, Thomas Cromwell rose become Henry's new chief lieutenant. Cromwell is both a fascinating but divisive figure. For a long time, he was cast as the villain in Thomas More's saga, but Hillary Mantel's Wolf Hall really triggered a popular reevaluation of him. Like A Man For All Seasons was too generous to More, I would say Wolf Hall was too generous to Cromwell. Nonetheless, I suspect Cromwell was and remained so divisive because he was so effective. He got things done on a scale that the other three Thomases of the English Reformation never quite managed. Cromwell's origins are a bit obscure. It seems he was either of non-noble birth or very low gentry birth and his father Walter Cromwell was a local prosperous tradesman in a jack of all trades with a reputation for litigiousness. For reasons that are unclear, Cromwell fled his birthplace and spent some time in continental Europe, possibly as a mercenary soldier. He eventually made his way to Italy and started working for the merchant families there, gaining knowledge of trade in the law, and then traveled to the Low Countries. When he returned to England, he became Cardinal Wolsey's right hand man. After Wolsey's fall, Cromwell went into Parliament and defended his master whenever possible. This loyalty combined with his significant talent for law and administration caught the eye of Henry and he swiftly became Henry's right-hand man. Amusingly, Cromwell never became Lord Chancellor like More or Wolsey, but instead accumulated many lesser offices that essentially allowed him to carry out Henry's directives as he saw a fit. Unlike More and Wolsey, Cromwell had strong Protestant leanings and he encouraged the king to break away from the Catholic Church and take control of the English Church as its supreme head. Henry did so. His marriage to Catherine of Aragon was nulled. The rest of Europe never accepted this until Catherine died of illness and it became a moot point. In 1533, he married Anne Boleyn. Like Cromwell, Anne had a strong Protestant bent and began encouraging reformers to take various offices and began pushing Henley to make more reforms than he was really comfortable doing. For example, Cromwell was one of the chief drivers behind the English Bible of 1539. This, combined with Anne's inability to give Henry a son, contributed to Anne's downfall. Unlike Catherine, she was willing to argue with Henry to his face and was unwilling to look the other way when he wanted a mistress, and this eventually got on Henry's nerves. Events are a bit murky, but it seems that Henry ordered Cromwell to find a way he could set aside Anne and Cromwell complied. Various men, including her own brother, were coerced and confessing to adultery with Anne on charges that were most likely fabricated and Anne's "lovers" and Anne herself were executed for treason in 1536. Cromwell had successfully used a technique that many modern secret police organizations and dictatorships employ- if you want to get rid of someone for whatever reason, accuse them of a serious crime, coerce them to a confession, and then have them executed. Joseph Stalin did basically the same thing when he purged the Old Bolsheviks after Lenin's death. Henry married Jane Seymour shortly after Anne's execution, and she finally gave Henry his long-waited son, though she died soon afterwards of postpartum complications. Cromwell also oversaw the dissolution of the English monasteries in the 1530s. Monasticism had become quite unpopular even before the Reformation, especially among humanist writers. The concentration of property in the hands of monasteries made for a ripe target. Using Parliament and with Henry's approval, the monasteries of England were dissolved, the monks and nuns pensioned off, and the various rich properties held by the monasteries were given to the king and his friends. Cromwell himself profited handsomely. This was essentially legalized theft, but there was nothing the monasteries could do about it. Cromwell pushed for more religious reforms, but that combined with the dissolution of the monasteries caused "The Pilgrimage of Grace" in 1537, a rebellion that Henry was able to put down through a combination of lies, stalling, outright bribery, and brutal repression under the Duke of Norfolk (more about him later). Cromwell was at the zenith of his power and influence, but his reformist bent and made him a lot of enemies. For that matter, Henry was increasingly uncomfortable with further religious changes. He wanted to be head of his own church, but essentially his own Catholic Church, not his own Reformed or Lutheran one. Cromwell's alignment with the reform cause gave his more traditionalist enemies a tool to use against him. Cromwell's foes had their chance in 1540 when Henry married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Cromwell had heavily pushed for the match, hoping to make an alliance with the Protestant princes of Germany against the Catholic Holy Roman Emperor. For whatever reason, Henry took an immediate dislike to Anne and never consummated the marriage, which was swiftly annulled and Anne pensioned off. Henry blamed Cromwell for the failed marriage and Cromwell's enemies, particularly Duke of Norfolk and Bishop Gardiner of Winchester, were able to convince Henry to move against him. Cromwell was arrested, stripped of all the titles and property he had amassed, and executed in July of 1540. The sort of legal railroading process he had born against Anne Boleyn's alleged lovers and numerous other enemies of Henry's was used against him. This was one of the very few executions Henry ever regretted. Within a year, the French ambassador reported that Henry was raging that his counselors had misled him into putting to death the most faithful servant he had ever had. Once again, nothing was ever Henry's fault in his own mind. The fact that Henry allowed Cromwell's son Gregory to become a baron and inherit some of his father's land shows that he likely changed his mind about the execution. For once in his life, Henry was dead on accurate when he called Cromwell his "most faithful servant". He never again found a lieutenant with Cromwell's loyalty and skill. The remaining seven years of Henry's reign blundered from setback to setback and all the money Henry obtained from the dissolution of the monasteries was squandered in indecisive wars with France and Scotland. I think it's fair to say that the English Reformation would not have taken the course it did, if not for Cromwell. As ruthless and as unscrupulous as he could be, he nonetheless did seem to really believe in the principles of religious reform and push such policies whenever he could do so without drawing Henry's ire. #4: Now the fourth of our four major Thomases, Thomas Cranmer. If Thomas Cromwell did a lot of the political work of the English Reformation, then Thomas Cranmer wrote a lot of its theory. Cranmer was a scholar and something of a gentle-minded man, but not a very skillful politician. He seemed happy to leave the politicking to Cromwell. I think Cranmer would have been a lot happier as a Lutheran pastor in say, 1950s rural Nebraska. He could have married a farmer's daughter, had a bunch of kids, and presided at weddings, funerals, and baptisms where he could talk earnestly about Jesus and Christian virtues, and he probably would have written a few books on obscure theological points. But instead, Cranmer was destined to play a significant part in the English Reformation. He started as a priest and a scholar who got in trouble for marrying, but when his wife died in childbirth, he went back to the priesthood. Later, he became part of the team of scholars and priests working to get Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled. While he was at university and later in the priesthood, he became fascinated by Lutheran ideas and became a proponent of reform. As with Cromwell, Henry's desire to marry Anne Boleyn gave Cranmer his great opportunity. Anne's family were also in favor of reform, and they arranged for Cranmer to become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. The new archbishop and the like- minded clerics and scholars laid the legal and theological groundwork for Henry to break with Rome and become head of the English church with Cranmer and the rest of the reform faction wanted to be used to push for additional church reforms. He survived the tumults of Henry's reign by total loyalty to the king – he mourned Anne Boleyn, but didn't oppose her execution (though he was one of the few who mourned for her publicly), did much the same when Cromwell was executed, and personally sent news of Catherine Howard's adultery to the king. Because of that, Cranmer had a great chance to pursue the cause of reform when Henry died and his 12-year-old son Edward VI became King. Edward's uncle Edward Seymour acted as the head of the King's regency council, and Seymour and his allies were in favor of reform. Cranmer was at last able to steer the English church in the direction of serious reform, and he was directly responsible for writing the Book of Common Prayer and several other key documents of the early Anglican church. But Cranmer's of luck ran out in 1553 when Edward VI died. Cranmer was part of the group that tried to put the Protestant Lady Jane Grey on the throne, but Henry's daughter Mary instead took the crown. Mary had never really wavered from her Catholicism despite immense pressure to do so, and she had last had a chance to do something about it. She immediately brought England back to Rome and started prosecuting prominent reform leaders, Cranmer among them. Cranmer was tried for treason and heresy and sentenced to be burned, but that was to be commuted if he recanted his views in public during a sermon, which he did. However, at the last minute, he thunderously denounced his previous recantation, asserted his reformist faith, and vowed that he would thrust the hand that signed the recantation into the flames first. Cranmer was immediately taken to be burned at the stake, and just as he promised, he thrust his hand into the flames, and his last word is that he saw heaven opening and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Cranmer had spent much of his life trying to appease Henry while pushing as much reform as possible, but in his final moments, he had finally found his defiance. When Mary died and Elizabeth took the throne, she returned England to Protestantism. Elizabeth was much more pragmatic than her half siblings and her father ever were, so she chose the most expedient choice of simply rolling the English church back to as it was during Edward VI's time. Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer and religious articles, lightly edited for Elizabeth's sensibilities, became the foundational documents of the Anglican church. So these four Thomases, Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer were central to the events of the English Reformation. However, we have one bonus Thomas yet. Bonus Thomas: Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk. Thomas Howard was a powerful nobleman during the reign of Henry, and the Duke of Norfolk was frequently Henry's lieutenant in waging various wars and putting down rebellions. He was also the uncle of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, Henry's second and fifth queens. He was also involved in nearly every major event of Henry's reign. So with all that, why isn't Norfolk as remembered as well as the other four Thomases of the English Reformation? Sometimes a man would be considered virtuous by the standards of the medieval or early modern age, yet reprehensible in ours. For example, for much of the Middle Ages, crusading was considered an inherently virtuous act for a knight, whereas in the modern age, it would be condemned as war mongering with a religious veneer. However, by both modern standards and Tudor standards, Thomas Howard was a fairly odious character. For all their flaws and the morally questionable things they did, Wolsey, More, Cromwell, and Cranmer were all men of conviction in their own ways. More and Cranmer explicitly died with their faith. Cromwell's devotion to the Protestant cause got him killed since he insisted on the Anne of Cleves match. Even Wolsey, for all that he enriched himself, was a devoted servant of Henry after his downfall never betrayed the king. By contrast, Norfolk was out for Norfolk. This wasn't unusual for Tudor nobleman, but Norfolk took it to a new level of grasping venality. He made sure that his daughter was married to Henry's bastard son, Henry FitzRoy, just in case FitzRoy ended up becoming king. He used both his nieces, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, to gain power and lands for himself, and then immediately turned against him once he became politically expedient. In fact, he presided over the trial where Anne Boleyn was sentenced to death. After the failure of the Anne of Cleve's marriage, Norfolk made sure to bring his young niece Catherine Howard to court to catch Henry's eye, and to use the Anne of Cleve's annulment as a lever to get rid of Thomas Cromwell. Both stratagems worked, and he attempted to leverage being the new Queen's uncle to bring himself to new power and riches, as he had with Anne Boleyn. Once Henry turned on Catherine Howard, Norfolk characteristically and swiftly threw his niece under the bus. However, as Henry aged, he grew increasingly paranoid and vindictive, and he had Norfolk arrested and sentenced to death on suspicion of treason. Before the execution could be carried out, Henry died, and Norfolk spent the six years of Edward VI's reign as a prisoner in the Tower of London. When Edward died and Mary took the throne, she released Norfolk since she was Catholic and Norfolk had always been a religious traditionalist suspicious of reform. He spent the remaining year of his life as one of Mary's chief advisors before finally dying of old age. As I often say, history can be a rich source of inspiration for fantasy writers, and the English Reformation is full of such inspiration. Wolsey, More, Cromwell, and Cranmer can all make excellent inspirations for morally ambiguous characters. For that matter, you can see why the reign of Henry VIII has inspired so many movies, TV shows, and historical novels. The real life events are so dramatic as to scarcely require embellishment. So that's it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show and thank you for listening as I went on one of my little historical digressions. I hope you found the show enjoyable. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes on https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy, and we'll see you all next week.

Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson as they explore Hever Castle's new exhibition, 'Capturing a Queen', examining portraiture, miniatures, manuscripts, and objects that shaped Anne Boleyn's public and private image. The episode discusses scientific analyses, iconography, myths versus evidence, and the ways Anne and later generations constructed her likeness. SIGN UP FOR NATALIE GRUENINGER & DR OWEN EMMERSON'S NEW ONLINE EVENT! Rethinking Anne Boleyn https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethinking-anne-boleyn-tickets-1981325385564 Visit Dr Emmerson's official website https://drowenemmerson.com/ Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!  

In this engaging conversation, Adam Pennington, a Tudor and Plantagenet historian, shares his journey from a corporate media consultant to a full-time historian. He discusses his passion for Tudor history, particularly the story of Margaret Pole and her family's tumultuous relationship with Henry VIII. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Exeter Conspiracy, the brutal execution of Margaret Pole, and the significance of the Plantagenet bloodline. Adam also highlights his work with Simply Tudor Tours, aiming to bring history to life through immersive experiences. He concludes with insights into his upcoming projects, including a book on royal consorts. Links The Tudor Chest: Website: thetudorchest.com Podcast: The Tudor Chest (available on major platforms) Instagram: @thetudorchest Simply Tudor Tours: Website: simplytudortours.com Instagram: @simplytudortours The Book: "Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty" Publisher: Pen and Sword (2024) Takeaways History is always present in Adam's life. Films can ignite a passion for history. Margaret Pole was a significant historical figure. The Tudor claim to the throne was tenuous. The Exeter Conspiracy involved complex family dynamics. Margaret Pole's execution was a tragic event. Reginald Pole survived as a key figure. Simply Tudor Tours aims to make history accessible. The role of consorts in history is often overlooked. Adam's upcoming projects will explore royal history. Soundbites "The House of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne." — Adam on how tenuous the Tudor claim really was. "Margaret was a niece in the male line of two of England's kings. She had a lot of royal blood, and that royal blood was passed on to her children." — Adam introducing Margaret Pole. "Anne Boleyn has become the poster girl of the 16th century for many Tudor history fans. For me, it was the film Anne of a Thousand Days that really introduced me to her." — Adam on his gateway into Tudor history. "He compared Henry VIII to ancient dictators like Caligula and Nero. He accused him of being worse than a rotting beast. Understandably, this did not go down well." — Adam on Reginald Pole's blistering attack on the king. "They can find absolutely nothing against Margaret Pole. She absolutely nails it. But even so, an act of attainder is passed against her." — Adam on the injustice of Margaret's conviction. "She's woken on the morning of the 27th of May 1541 and told, 'You're to die within the hour.' It was so rushed that there hadn't been a scaffold prepared." — Adam on Margaret Pole's brutal end. "Even thinking about the King's death made you guilty of high treason. So speaking of the King's death was categorically treason." — Adam on the 1534 Treasons Act. "We're historians running a tour company rather than a tour company running tours about history. The history is always the central part." — Adam on Simply Tudor Tours' philosophy. "Reginald and Mary die on the very same day. Mary dies early in the morning and Reginald follows her to the grave eight hours later." — Adam on Reginald Pole's remarkable return and end. "A few streets away from where I live there's a road called Anne Boleyn's Walk. We have a Seymour Avenue, Aragon Close. It's always sort of around me." — Adam on growing up surrounded by Tudor history. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Henry VIII and the Plantagenets 01:56 Exploring Tudor Fascination and Education 03:09 The Roots of Tudor Fascination 05:59 The Impact of Film on Historical Interest 08:54 The Mystery of Nonsuch Palace 12:01 Transitioning to a Tudor Historian 14:53 The Pole Family and Their Threat to the Tudors 17:42 Margaret Pole: A Matriarch's Story 20:29 The Events Leading to Execution 27:38 The Exeter Conspiracy Unveiled 30:34 Margaret Pole's Execution: A Reflection of Henry VIII's Mindset 34:52 Reginald Pole: The Survivor's Journey 36:51 Understanding Margaret Pole: A Historian's Revelation 39:57 The Complexities of Treason in Tudor England 44:42 Simply Tudor Tours: Bringing History to Life 50:36 Upcoming Books: Exploring Royal Consorts and Misunderstood Royals 55:35 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4 Video Version

Anne Boleyn may be one of the best-known figures in British history. But how much do you know about her connections to Alnwick Castle and the Percy family?In this episode of the Alnwick Castle Podcast, we explore the Boleyn-Percy connection in depth with two amazing experts: Natalie Grueninger, from the Talking Tudors podcast, and Owen Emmerson, from Hever Castle. Natalie and Owen explain the origins of the story that Anne Boleyn was engaged to the future 6th Earl of Northumberland, and the effect this would have on both their lives.They also spend time discussing the Ecclesiasties, an amazing prayer book that survives in the Alnwick Castle archives and that once belonged to Anne Boleyn. Everything about this book, from the bindings to the images and ideas inside, is remarkable, and you will hear all about it.You can see the Ecclesiastes in person this year at Hever Castle, where it has been loaned for the new exhibition about Anne, called Capturing A Queen. Visit their website for more details.For more Tudors on the Alnwick Castle Podcast, please explore our back catalogue - there are several episodes to choose from! And look out for next month's episode where we will be joined once again by the brilliant Tracy Borman to discuss her latest book, The House Of Boleyn.

"Bad ass."   Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and COB fave Louis Bayard.  They revel in the Olympics glow and mourn again Washington Post layoffs, the loss of "Book World" in particular.  Poet, teacher, and inspired author Rebecca Lehmann zooms in to share "The Beheading Game."   Few are brave enough to tackle the well-trod ground of Anne Boleyn, the first of Henry the Eighth's six wives to lose her head.  Lehmann does so with imagination, empathy, and provocative thinking. Could not put it down.

Was Anne Boleyn really too socially inferior to marry Henry Percy, heir to the powerful Earldom of Northumberland? For centuries, Anne Boleyn has been portrayed as an ambitious social climber, a woman of comparatively humble origins who dared to reach beyond her station. According to popular tradition, her relationship with Henry Percy was doomed because she was simply too low. But the historical evidence tells a very different story. In this video, I examine the truth behind one of the most persistent myths in Tudor history and reveal why Anne Boleyn was not an outsider at court, but a woman firmly embedded within England's elite aristocratic networks. Discover: • Anne Boleyn's powerful Howard and Butler ancestry • The overlooked importance of the Ormond inheritance • Why Anne arrived at court as a prospective countess • How Tudor society actually viewed rank, lineage, and marriage • Why Henry Percy's proposed marriage was politically dangerous, not socially impossible • How post-1536 propaganda reshaped Anne Boleyn's reputation Far from being a middle-class newcomer, Anne Boleyn was the granddaughter of the Duke of Norfolk and connected to one of the most influential noble dynasties in Ireland. At the very moment Percy considered marriage, royal policy itself was preparing her for an aristocratic match. So why has history continued to describe her as “too low”? #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryPercy #HenryVIII #Tudors #BritishHistory #RoyalHistory #HistoryDebunked #TudorCourt #WomenInHistory #EnglishHistory #HistoryDocumentary

In May 1536, Anne Boleyn went from Queen of England to execution in just eighteen days. It remains one of the most shocking political collapses in English history - a moment that destroyed families, reshaped the Tudor court, and sent shockwaves across Europe. Having researched Anne Boleyn's life and fall since 2009, I still find these events deeply affecting. Each return to the primary sources - letters, trial records, ambassadorial reports and eyewitness accounts - raises the same question:  Was Anne Boleyn's fall truly a tragedy… or had her fate already been decided? To mark the 490th anniversary, I'm hosting a live anniversary intensive exploring Anne Boleyn's final weeks through contemporary evidence and Tudor political reality. If you'd like to study these events in depth with me, you can find full details here: https://claireridgway.com/events/last-18/ Early Bird Offer ends 27 February Use code AB2026 for $20 off. Thank you for supporting my work and for continuing to explore Tudor history with me.

Donjon millénaire où a coulé le sang royal, la Tour de Londres renferme encore bien des secrets. Anne Boleyn y a perdu la tête, et les fantômes de deux jeunes princes disparus hanteraient toujours ses murs. Aujourd'hui, écrin des joyaux de la Couronne britannique, elle reste un monument habité par l'histoire. Partez à la découverte de cette forteresse de pierre gardée par des corbeaux, au bord de la Tamise. Crédits : Lorànt Deutsch, Ayrton Morice Kerneven.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Donjon millénaire où a coulé le sang royal, la Tour de Londres renferme encore bien des secrets. Anne Boleyn y a perdu la tête, et les fantômes de deux jeunes princes disparus hanteraient toujours ses murs. Aujourd'hui, écrin des joyaux de la Couronne britannique, elle reste un monument habité par l'histoire. Partez à la découverte de cette forteresse de pierre gardée par des corbeaux, au bord de la Tamise. Crédits : Lorànt Deutsch, Ayrton Morice Kerneven.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

There were moments in Mary Tudor's life when escape seemed like the safest choice. Imperial ambassadors discussed secret routes to the coast. Ships waited across the Channel. Loyal advisers urged her to leave England before her enemies could move against her. In this video, we look at the most dangerous periods of Mary's early life, first under her father Henry VIII, when Anne Boleyn's rise left her isolated, illegitimate, and under constant pressure, and then again under her brother Edward VI, when her refusal to abandon the Catholic Mass brought her into direct conflict with the Protestant government. At least once, imperial ships were ready to carry her to safety in the Low Countries. All she had to do was go. But Mary refused every plan. She stayed in England, even when it put her at risk, and that decision would shape the dramatic events of 1553, when she claimed the throne. This is the story of the times Mary nearly escaped, and why she chose not to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1522, Anne Boleyn returned to the English court, and within a few years, she was already at the centre of political tension, whispered promises, and poetic legend. Long before Henry VIII began his pursuit, Anne was linked to two influential men: Henry Percy, heir to the Earl of Northumberland, and Sir Thomas Wyatt, courtier and poet. Did Anne Boleyn and Henry Percy secretly promise to marry? Was there a binding precontract, something that, under Tudor canon law, could have invalidated a later royal marriage? Why did Cardinal Wolsey intervene? And what really lies behind Wyatt's famous poem “Whoso List to Hunt” and its haunting line: “Noli me tangere, for Caesar's I am”? In this episode, I explore: Anne Boleyn's place in the Tudor marriage market The political implications of a precontract The Cavendish account of Percy and Anne The later denials in 1532 and 1536 The myths surrounding Thomas Wyatt The Spanish Chronicle story How Anne's reputation began forming long before she became queen Subscribe for more Tudor history deep dives, myth-busting, and documentary-style episodes on Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, and the Tudor court.    #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryPercy #ThomasWyatt #HenryVIII  

Was Henry VIII's fifth wife a promiscuous teenager and then heartless adulteress and schemer? Celebrated, scrutinised, and endlessly talked about at court, Katherine Howard's reign was dazzlingly brief; within two years of marrying the king, she was accused of adultery and treason and executed.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Gareth Russell and Dr Nicola Clark to get to know the real young woman who was plucked from obscurity, whose life was cut short by the unforgiving power politics of Tudor England.MORE:Anne Boleyn's Final YearListen on AppleListen on SpotifyAnne Boleyn & Katherine Howard's Uncle, Thomas HowardListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happened during Mary Boleyn's lost years? Between 1513 and 1522, Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne Boleyn, slips in and out of the historical record, leaving behind one of the most debated gaps in Tudor history. Over time, that silence has been filled with confident claims: that she served Queen Catherine of Aragon, that she was present at court throughout the period, and most famously, that she was the mistress of King Francis I of France. But how much of this is supported by actual evidence, and how much is repeated assumption? In this video,I take a careful, source-led look at Mary Boleyn's so-called “lost years,” separating what can be proven, what can be reasonably inferred, and what needs to stop being stated as fact. You'll discover: • What we really know about Mary Boleyn's time in France • Where the claim that she slept with Francis I comes from, and why it's problematic • Why later hostile sources shaped Mary's reputation • The evidence for Mary's relationship with Henry VIII • Why 1522 is a convenient but misleading turning point • How Mary Boleyn's life highlights the gaps in how women appear in Tudor records #MaryBoleyn #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #TudorCourt #RoyalMistress #HistoryDebunked #TudorMyths #WomenInHistory #BritishHistory #EarlyModernHistory  

Sir Thomas Wyatt was more than a courtier with a gift for words. He was a man whose life unfolded against the turbulent backdrop of Henry VIII's reign — a world of shifting alliances, dangerous intrigue, and sudden reversals of fortune. Though best remembered today for introducing the sonnet into English literature, Wyatt was also a diplomat, a one time prisoner of the Tower of London, and a figure whose personal story has long been entangled with that of Anne Boleyn. Thomas's life shows us a vivid window into the volatile world of Tudor England, so lets explore his story!

Anne Boleyn myths destroyed live at Katherine of Aragon FestivalRecorded live at the Katherine of Aragon Festival, this special episode of History Rage sees host Paul Bavill joined on stage by Owen Emerson (Assistant Curator, Hever Castle) and Alfred Hawkins (Curator, Tower of London) to challenge the biggest myths surrounding Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII and Tudor England.Anne Boleyn remains one of the most mythologised figures in British history. Was she a ruthless schemer? A Protestant heroine? A tragic innocent? Owen Emerson argues that much of what we “know” about Anne was shaped by Victorian historians. Far from being a woman without substance, she was highly educated, shaped by Renaissance France, politically aware and deeply engaged in religious reform — though not the architect of the English Reformation.The panel explores:Anne Boleyn's relationship with Catherine of AragonWhether Anne pursued Henry VIII — or resisted himThe political reality behind the Break with RomeThe truth about her execution and burialWhy we don't actually know what most ordinary people thought of herAlfred Hawkins also tackles a major misconception: the idea that the Tower of London is simply a grim execution site. While Anne's death looms large, the Tower was a royal palace, administrative hub, armoury, archive and community for centuries. Reducing it to a Tudor “theatre of death” ignores over 1,000 years of English history.This live discussion is packed with Tudor historiography, debates about historical “expertise”, the limits placed on queenship, and why applying modern labels to early modern women can distort more than it clarifies.If you're interested in Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII, the English Reformation, Tudor queens, or the Tower of London, this episode restores complexity to one of the most dramatic periods in British history.Guest DetailsOwen Emerson Assistant Curator, Hever Castle Visit: https://www.hevercastle.co.ukAlfred Hawkins Curator, Tower of London Visit: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-londonFollow & Support History Rage

When Anne Boleyn returned to England from France in late 1521, she wasn't coming back for love, ambition, or a crown. She was being recalled for politics. Her return was prompted not by royal interest, but by a proposed marriage, a diplomatic solution to a dangerous inheritance dispute in Ireland. If that plan had gone ahead, Anne might have become Countess of Ormond, living at Kilkenny Castle. No queenship. No religious revolution. No execution at the Tower of London. In this episode of my Anne Boleyn series, I explore: Why Anne was recalled from France The Ormond inheritance dispute and Tudor Ireland The political marriage planned between Anne and James Butler How marriage functioned as a tool of Tudor diplomacy Anne's return to court and her first public appearance at Château Vert Why this moment is not the start of a royal love story with Henry VIII Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don't miss the next episode in this series. For printable resources, a monthly Tudor magazine, and members-only Zoom discussions, check out my YouTube channel memberships. #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #TudorCourt #WomensHistory #HistoryDocumentary #BritishHistory #TudorEngland #HiddenHistory #AnneBoleynSeries

Season six premiere! Taylor tells Josie about the temperamental Tudor King of England, Henry VIII, and his six ill-fated wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.

We're tracking Henry's VIII rise from second son to King, the shocking controversy surrounding Anne Boleyn, the moment he took over the Church of England, and the brutal reality of his later years, including the tragic execution of two of his wives. Get ready for some high-stakes history! Welcome to HISTORY CAMP!

Claire Foy is an actor who's enjoyed great success playing two queens, one of whom enjoyed a significantly longer reign than the other, as Anne Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth II. Before going to see her in her new film, an adaptation of Helen Macdonald's fabulous memoir, H is for Hawk - what better way to understand the woman behind the camera lens that hearing the music most important to her.Inherited: When You Were Sweet 16 by Perry Como Passing on: Blóðberg by Sigur RósProducers: Ben Mitchell and Anna Bailey

The idea that Anne Boleyn was "corrupted in France has been repeated in popular histories and documentaries, often stated as fact, sometimes even placed in quotation marks, as if it were securely sourced. But is it? In this video, I trace where that idea comes from and what the evidence actually says. We'll look at: Anne's seven formative years at the French court The oft-quoted remarks attributed to Francis I The claim that Henry VIII told the Imperial ambassador that Anne had been “corrupted” in France How later writers inflated ambiguous phrases into supposed proof And how a chain of interpretation, historical “Chinese whispers”, turned rumour into “fact” When you follow the sources back to their origins, the picture changes.  What emerges is not a story of sexual scandal, but one of education, cultural formation, and Renaissance courtly polish. If you haven't already, watch my full episode on Anne Boleyn's years abroad to see the wider context - https://youtu.be/TozlLK97oJw #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #TheAnneBoleynFiles #HistoryMyths #WomenInHistory #Renaissance #TudorEngland #MythBusting #SixWives #EarlyModernHistory #HistoricalSources #FrancisI #Chapuys

Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpScWes_g_Z95ViTF5vdkiA/joinLink to the song at the end of the video - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/neenab/diagnosisLet us know if you agree in the comments below! Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. ----email us at----thepanicbuttonpodcast@gmail.comNew REACTIONS Every Week!SUPPORT THE CHANNEL

Anne Boleyn didn't arrive at Henry VIII's court as an inexperienced girl dazzled by a king. She arrived as someone who had already been shaped inside two of the most sophisticated Renaissance courts in Europe. In this second episode of my Anne Boleyn series, we go back to the years that formed her: first to Mechelen, to the court of Margaret of Austria, regent of the Low Countries and one of the most powerful women in Europe - her court a cultural powerhouse famed for learning, art, music, and the rituals of courtly life. And then to France, where Anne served Queen Claude for nearly seven years, witnessing queenship up close and immersing herself in the Renaissance. Along the way, we'll explore: why Margaret's court was called Europe's “premier finishing school” Anne's own letter from abroad and what it reveals about her formation the French court of Francis I and the Renaissance world Anne moved in major events Anne may have witnessed, including the Field of Cloth of Gold and the courtly love culture Anne absorbed abroad, and how that style of sociability would later be used against her in England If you want to understand why Anne stood out when she returned home, and why Henry VIII saw her as more than a fling, you have to start here. Watch Episode 1 here: https://youtu.be/rF5zNyct0Lo #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #Tudors #Renaissance #HistoryDocumentary #WomenInHistory #TudorEngland #FieldOfClothOfGold #FrancisI #ClaudeOfFrance #MargaretOfAustria

What if Anne Boleyn had agreed to become Henry VIII's mistress instead of his queen? This thought experiment explores how a single private decision might have altered the English Reformation, the fate of Catherine of Aragon and Princess Mary, and the course of Tudor history itself without catastrophe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this, our 309th Evolutionary Lens livestream, we discuss science and scientism, experts and expertise. Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson objects to the reduction in the Childhood Vaccine Schedule, and promises to bring “science” back to the state. In fact, the new recommendations are putting the U.S. more in line with what European countries recommend, and are quite conservative. Also, while Ferguson was the WA Attorney General, he imposed and enforced Covid vaccine mandates; many people lost their jobs and their livelihoods. Also in Washington: Brandi Kruse outs Democratic majority leader Jamie Pedersen as being unclear about the nature of male and female (or unwilling to say what he knows). On Broadway, Dylan Mulvaney, a male, will be playing Anne Boleyn, one of the most famous and influential women in history. Finally: words in honor and memory of Scott Adams.*****Our sponsors:SaunaSpace: deep radiant heat from red and infrared incandescence—detox and decrease pain, reverse screen fatigue and improve your mood. Sauna.Space/DarkHorse for 10% off sitewide.  Masa Chips: Delicious chips made with corn, salt, and beef tallow—nothing else—in loads of great flavors. Go to masachips.com/DarkHorse, use code DarkHorse, for 25% off.Xlear: Xylitol nasal spray that acts as prophylaxis against respiratory illnesses by reducing the stickiness of bacteria and viruses. Find Xlear online, or at your local pharmacy, grocery store, or natural products store.*****Join us on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.com/Heather's newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.comOur book, A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century, is available everywhere books are sold, including from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AGANGg (commission earned)Check out our store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://darkhorsestore.org*****Mentioned in this episode:Governor Ferguson: https://x.com/govbobferguson/status/2011482561206231340 HHS Immunization Assessment: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/assessment-of-the-us-childhood-and-adolescent-immunization-schedule-compared-to-other-countries.pdf New vaccine guideline summary: https://www.hhs.gov/childhood-immunization-schedule/index.html Hanson v Ferguson: https://www.silentmajorityfoundation.org/medicalfreedom Kruse takes on Pedersen: https://x.com/BrandiKruse/status/2010068851858518456 Mulvaney to play Anne Boleyn: https://www.iheartradiobroadway.com/content/2026-01-16-six-welcomes-new-queens-on-february-16/ Scott Adams: https://x.com/dawnsmission/status/2011123367794118822Support the show

Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with historian Ella Brook Muir about how queenly clothing in 16th‑century England and France acted as political communication, conveying magnificence, legitimacy, loyalty and cosmopolitan identity through fabrics, colours and emblems. The episode examines case studies (Katherine of Aragon, Claude of France, Anne Boleyn, and Eleanor of Austria), the makers and household staff who produced these garments, the impact of global trade on materials, and the scarcity and mystery of surviving textiles. Visit Ella's official website https://www.ellabrookmuir.co.uk/ Learn about our sponsor! https://simplytudortours.com/ Find out more about your host at  https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!

What if Catherine of Aragon had agreed to an annulment in 1527?Today we explore a Tudor what-if with enormous consequences. If Catherine had stepped aside quietly, Henry VIII might never have broken with Rome, Anne Boleyn might have had time to secure her position, Mary Tudor's future could have been settled early, and England might have remained a far quieter place.A meditation on how one refusal, rooted in conscience, reshaped a kingdom.Check out the Vday collection: https://tudorfair.com/collections/valentines-day-2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on the History of Jackson podcast as we delve into the fascinating life of Anne Boleyn with renowned historian Estelle Paranque. Discover the untold stories and unique perspectives on one of history's most intriguing figures.

Before Anne Boleyn left England for the European courts, before Henry VIII, before scandal, drama, queenship, and tragedy... there were two places that shaped her earliest world, places that were home to her.   Those two places were the Boleyn seats of Blickling Hall in Norfolk and Hever Castle in Kent. In this episode, we explore: Blickling Hall as the heart of the family's Norfolk roots, and the probable birthplace of Anne Boleyn The medieval origins of Hever Castle and its transformation into a refined Tudor home How Thomas Boleyn reshaped Hever to reflect his growing power at court Why these estates mattered to Anne's sense of self and future This video forms part of my ongoing series on Anne Boleyn. In the next episode, we follow Anne beyond these family estates, as she leaves England for the courts of Margaret of Austria and France. #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #BoleynFamily #HeverCastle #BlicklingHall #TheMakingOfAnneBoleyn #TudorEngland #HenryVIII #HistoryDocumentary #BritishHistory #WomenInHistory #TudorCourt #HistoricalPlaces #MedievalCastles #EnglishHeritage #HiddenHistory

In this, the first episode of the year I am pleased to be welcoming Craig Lightoller onto the podcast for the first time. Craig is a historical re-enactor and a playwright. He is here today to speak about his upcoming play, The Falcon's Last Flight, in which Craig will play King Henry VIII. This play dares to ask the question, what would a conversation between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn on the eve of Anne's execution have looked like. Playing Anne Boleyn opposite Craig is Karen L Davies. In this chat, Craig explains the basis for the play, what viewers can expect to see, how it strips away king and queen, refocusing them as two human beings whose legendary relationship altered the course of history.

Was Anne Boleyn thirty-five when she died… or just twenty-eight? Because the answer completely changes how we read her downfall in 1536. I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and in this companion episode to my Anne Boleyn documentary series I'm diving into one of the most contested questions in her biography: when was Anne Boleyn actually born – 1501, 1507, or somewhere in between? In this video we'll look at: • Thomas Boleyn's comments about his children being born “every year” • Anne's early service with Margaret of Austria and what her letter tells us about her age • the traditional 1501 date and why many historians still favour it • the rival 1507 date, based on William Camden and Jane Dormer • new thinking from court household records about the normal age for maids of honour • why a mid-range date around 1504–1505 now looks increasingly persuasive Drawing on the work of historians including Eric Ives, Retha Warnicke, Sophie Bacchus Waterman, and Gareth Russell, I explore how each possible birthdate affects our understanding of: • Anne's education in Europe • her status and suitability as queen • and, crucially, Henry VIII's motives in 1536 What do you think? Do you lean towards 1501, 1507, or the 1504–1505 middle ground? Let me know your view  in the comments. For channel members: Members can access companion resources for this video and my wider Anne Boleyn series, including transcripts, timelines, reading lists and extra notes that don't always make it into the main episodes. If you'd like to support the channel and unlock those extras, you'll find the Join button beneath this video or go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioSUqeGrdFq6DEVK3-DXGQ/join, and if you're already a member, thank you so much, your support genuinely helps me keep producing in-depth Tudor content.   #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #TudorCourt #BritishHistory #HistoryYouTube #AnneBoleynSeries #TudorQueens

Stop pitting Tudor queens against each other and confront the real villain.Two of the most famous women in Tudor history are still framed as enemies—but what if that story is fundamentally wrong?In this History Rage festival special for the Katherine of Aragon Festival, castle historian and Assistant Curator of Hever Castle, Kate McCaffrey, dismantles the deeply entrenched myth that Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn were bitter rivals defined by loyalty versus seduction. Instead, this conversation reveals two strikingly similar women shaped by education, intelligence, faith, and survival in a brutally patriarchal court.Kate draws on her original research into Anne Boleyn's Books of Hours—including a remarkable discovery that both Anne and Katherine owned copies of the same edition—to expose moments of shared piety, cultural sophistication, and even reluctant solidarity. These sources challenge simplistic labels such as “Catholic martyr” and “Protestant temptress” and reveal how both queens were politically astute, internationally educated, and fiercely protective mothers to England's first two queens regnant.The episode explores how Henry VIII's needs, insecurities, and ambition have long been obscured by narratives that pit women against each other. From Katherine's prolonged legal resistance to Anne's calm dignity in the face of a foregone conclusion, this is a reassessment of queenship, downfall, and legacy that puts responsibility firmly back where it belongs.If you're interested in Tudor history, women's power, religious reform, or how historical myths are created and sustained, this episode offers a compelling, evidence-based rethink of one of the most enduring rivalries in popular history.Festival Info:The Katherine of Aragon Festival Talks are on January 31st and February 1st 2026 at Peterborough Cathedral:Tickets are available at: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/about/history/katharine-of-aragon/kofa_26/ Guest: Kate McCaffreyKate McCaffrey is Castle Historian and Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, co-creator of Owen & Kate History, and a PhD researcher specialising in Tudor material culture, religion, and queenship.Follow & contact KateInstagram: @kateemccaffreyhistorianInstagram: @owenandkatehistoryPatreon: Owen & Kate History – monthly videos, articles, and behind-the-scenes curator research https://www.patreon.com/cw/OwenandKateHistoryMore from History RageHistory Rage is the podcast where historians challenge myths, confront bad history, and rage against lazy narratives.Follow & listenInstagram / X / Facebook: @HistoryRageWebsite : www.historyrage.comSupport the podcast£3 per month – ad-free listening via Apple Podcasts or Patreon£5 per month – bonus content, exclusives, and the coveted History Rage mugSupport here: patreon.com/historyrageRecommended listeningEpisode 182 – Anne Boleyn did not withhold sex to become Queen (Nicola Clark) - https://pod.fo/e/2aa892Episode 155 – In defence of Thomas Boleyn (Lauren Mackay) - https://pod.fo/e/2714d3History isn't a catfight. It's complicated, political, and far more interesting than the myths we inherit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Boleyn is so often remembered at the height of drama, standing at the centre of Henry VIII's court, caught in politics, passion, and tragedy. But Anne did not appear from nowhere. Before the scandals, the Reformation, and the dramatic fall, there was a child, shaped by powerful families, privilege, education, and expectation. In this episode, I explore the world that formed Anne Boleyn - her lineage, identity, upbringing, and early surroundings at Blickling and Hever. Far from the myth of a “low-born girl who rose too high”, Anne belonged to three great dynasties: • the Boleyns - wealthy, ambitious, rising through land and service • the Butlers of Ormond - one of the greatest Anglo-Irish noble houses • the Howards - ancient English aristocracy with royal blood Through these families we uncover: • how Anne's status and upbringing shaped her confidence and outlook • what her childhood world looked like in elite Tudor households • the roles of Blickling and Hever in her early life • how her education prepared her for courts across Europe • why understanding her origins changes how we see her later story This episode traces Anne's background up to her departure to the Continent, setting the stage for the next chapter of her life, and the making of the woman who would one day change English history. Let me know in the comments what surprised you most about Anne's early life, and whether you think her upbringing has been misunderstood in popular history. This is part of my new deep-dive Anne Boleyn series, designed to tell her story with context, nuance, and humanity, so please make sure you're subscribed to my channel and have hit the notification bell so you don't miss my other episodes. Want more behind-the-scenes research and companion resources? Channel members receive (depending on level) extra resources like: • transcripts • reading lists • timelines and family-tree resources • Monthly YouTube livestreams • Monthly zoom call discussions to get deeper into these topics You can join via the Join button under this video, or by going to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioSUqeGrdFq6DEVK3-DXGQ/join  — and thank you so much to everyone who already supports the channel

Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Kate McCaffrey of Hever Castle about Anne Boleyn's books of hours, the hidden inscriptions they contain, and the Kentish women who preserved Anne's memory after her fall. The episode explores female networks, the material life of devotional books, and how these discoveries challenge the lonely, male-focused myth of Anne Boleyn, plus a preview of Hever Castle's upcoming exhibition "Capturing a Queen." Learn more about Kate McCaffrey https://kateemccaffrey.wordpress.com/ Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn Exhibition https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/capturing-a-queen/ Find out more about your host at  https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!

Owen Emmerson, and Kate McCaffrey join Jackson van Uden they unravel the fascinating tales of Anne Boleyn and Katharine of Aragon, two iconic figures locked in history's eternal conflict. Discover their stories, their strength, and their legacy.

Jane Boleyn did not orchestrate the downfall of Anne and George BoleynIn this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Tudor historian and author Adam Pennington to unravel the tangled web of intrigue surrounding Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford. Adam passionately dismantles the long-held belief that Jane was an evil schemer responsible for the downfall of her husband, George Boleyn, and sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn.Reassessing Jane Boleyn:Adam challenges the narrative that paints Jane as a malicious figure, arguing instead that she was a loyal wife and a supportive member of the Boleyn family.He delves into Jane's background, her marriage to George, and the dynamics of their life at the Tudor court, highlighting the absence of evidence for the claims against her.The Trials of Anne and George Boleyn:Exploring the trials of Anne and George, Adam reveals the lack of credible evidence linking Jane to their accusations, urging listeners to reconsider the role she played during this tumultuous period.He discusses the historical context of their trials and how misconceptions have perpetuated the myth of Jane as a treacherous figure.The Downfall of Catherine Howard:As the episode unfolds, Adam examines Jane's later involvement in the court of Catherine Howard, questioning her motivations and the circumstances that led to her own tragic end.The discussion highlights the complexities of Tudor court politics and how Jane's actions were often misinterpreted through a modern lens.Join Paul and Adam as they navigate the murky waters of Tudor history, urging listeners to challenge preconceived notions and seek the truth behind the myths. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real stories of the Tudor dynasty.Guest Information:Check out Adam Pennington's podcast, The Tudor Chest, available on all major platforms.https://podcasts.apple.com/eg/podcast/the-tudor-chest-podcast/id1704070565Buy Adam's book, Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles, through the link in the show notes to support independent bookstores.https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399071710Follow Adam on Social Media @thetudorchestSupport History Rage:For exclusive content and early access to episodes, consider supporting History Rage on Patreon for just £3 per month at patreon.com/historyrage.Stay Connected:Follow us on all social media for updates and more historical discussions @historyrageStay angry, stay informed, and let the truth of history prevail! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2 of 12 in the “Twelve Nightmares of Christmas” series!In this episode: “The USS Constellation”, “Lord Combermere Returns”, “The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall”, “The Ghost of Anne Boleyn”, “The Eilean Mor Lighthouse”, “The Mystery of the Mary Celeste”, “The Palatine Light”SOURCES AND ESSENTIAL WEB LINKS…All stories in this episode are from the book, “The Spirits of Christmas: The Dark Side of the Holidays” by Sylvia Shults:https://amzn.to/3uT2vMAJoin the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateMusic by Midnight Syndicate: http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =https://weirddarkness.com/BrownLadyWeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.

In this week's episode we have an episode from our Podcast of the Year Winner, Talking Tudors where Host Natalie Greninger speaks with historian Sophie Bacchus-Waterman about her new biography, exploring Elizabeth Boleyn's early life, marriage to Thomas Boleyn, and her long court career within the Howard and Boleyn networks. The episode highlights Elizabeth's political astuteness, her close relationship with Anne Boleyn, fresh archival finds (including pay-books and household records), and how the book reshapes our understanding of the Boleyn family. Follow Sophie Bacchus-Waterman on Insta!https://www.instagram.com/sophiebwaterman/TUDOR TAKEAWAY Digital Bodleian https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.comIf you want to get in touch with History with Jackson email: jackson@historywithjackson.co.ukTo support History with Jackson to carry on creating content subscribe to History with Jackson+ on Apple Podcasts or support us on our Patreon!To catch up on everything to do with History with Jackson head to www.HistorywithJackson.co.ukFollow us on Facebook at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on Instagram at @HistorywithJacksonFollow us on X/Twitter at @HistorywJacksonFollow us on TikTok at @HistorywithJackson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the winter stillness of Hever Castle with me, the beloved home of the Boleyn family, and a place that witnessed far more than festive cheer. In today's Tudor Christmas Advent episode, I'm sharing Hever as you may never have seen it: dressed in its glowing Christmas finery and wrapped in the quiet magic of midwinter. But Hever is more than beautiful… it is the backdrop to a moment Dr Owen Emmerson and I believe changed the course of Tudor history. During the Christmas season of 1526 into early 1527, something happened here, something that shifted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's future, and with it, the future of England. Anne was away from court, surrounded by family, and finally had the space to reflect on Henry's increasingly urgent pursuit. What unfolded at Hever that Christmas would set the stage for everything that came next. In this episode, I'll take you through Hever's festive rooms and frosted gardens, sharing photographs taken this December by Dr Owen Emmerson and some of my own from Christmases past… while we explore how one winter retreat became a turning point in Tudor history. If you visit Hever at Christmastime, I invite you to imagine Anne here in 1526, facing a decision that would shape not only her destiny, but the destiny of a kingdom. Let's step into Hever Castle at Christmas…  And if you'd like to know even more about Anne's family and their beloved home, do take a look at "The Boleyns of Hever Castle". #HeverCastle #AnneBoleyn #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #BoleynFamily #HeverAtChristmas #ChristmasHistory #HistoryYouTube #TudorTok #TheAnneBoleynFiles #BritishHistory #CastleHistory #LearnHistory #ChristmasAdventSeries

What if the most powerful woman in Anne Boleyn's story never spoke on the record? Elizabeth Boleyn steps out of the shadows in this revelatory Tudor deep-dive. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to piece together the elusive life of Anne Boleyn's mother, from Howard girlhood to court matriarch, exploring power, silence and survival amid the dangerous glitter of Henry VIII's court.MOREJane Boleyn with Philippa GregoryListen on AppleListen on SpotifySix Wives: Anne BoleynListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most of us can agree that Anne Boleyn was perhaps the most controversial woman to ever sit on the throne of England, but, her life has rarely been examined through a legal lens, until now. Today, historian Heather explains why religious reform and the break from Rome not only predate Anne Boleyn but the Tudors all together, why and how Anne Boleyn regularly broke the law and, perhaps most interestingly of all, why Heather firmly believes that even if Anne Boleyn had given birth to a son, that Henry would still have got rid of her, and that it would have been death. Controversial I know, but carry on listening to find out why.

"I'm a magnet for madness. Other people's madness." It's Kristen-mastime on the podcast! Going into the holiday season, we are looking back at some of our favorite roles of Kristen Stewart on the podcast. We're starting our holiday season with one of Kristen's most acclaimed and watched  Spencer from 2021. The second in the trilogy of Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín's iconic women of history, Spencer is the ultimate swing for the fences, kooky, and non-traditional biopic its subject needed. It's a queer holiday classic that we never knew we needed in our lives, and got Kristen an Oscar nomination for best actress. Presented as "A fable from a true tragedy," we follow Diana Spencer visiting the in-law royals at their Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England. A bizarre and oddly moving portrait of mental health and a marriage in crisis, this ain't your Queen Mum's biopic! Seriously, most of this movie plays as a straight-up horror movie complete with ghosts of Anne Boleyn, haunted houses, scarecrows, and body horror that would belong in a Cronenberg movie. We talk about how pitch-perfect Kristen is here and how much she nails Diana, Princess of Wales's mannerisms. Our fascination with everything about the Royals and their portrayal in pop culture.  Thank you for listening, and don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on Apple Podcasts! www.patreon.com/moviesthatmadeusgay Facebook/Instagram: @moviesthatmadeusgay Bluesky: @MTMUGPod.bsky.social Scott Youngbauer: Twitter @oscarscott / Instagram @scottyoungballer Peter Lozano: Twitter/Instagram @peterlasagna

Why did Elizabeth I's brother, Henry VIII's heir, Edward VI, choose his cousin Jane Grey to succeed him, rather than either of his wily Tudor sisters? Later, how did Elizabeth survive the reign of her once dear Catholic sister, “Bloody Mary”, given Mary's growing resentment? And, while imprisoned in the Tower of London, how did Elizabeth avoid the same bloody fate as her beheaded mother, Anne Boleyn…? Join Tom and Dominic as they recount the course of Elizabeth I's dangerous early life, as she outfaced her rivals following Edward VI's death, witnessed the execution of the young Jane Grey, and survived the reign of her sister and rival, Mary Tudor… _______ Hive. Know your power. Visit https://hivehome.com to find out more.  _______ Learn more at https://www.uber.com/onourway Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editor: Jack Meek  Social Producer: Harry Balden Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude  Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happened to the infant Elizabeth I following the bloody execution of her mother Anne Boleyn? How did her father Henry VIII and his next four wives treat her? And, what became of Elizabeth following the death of Henry, and the succession of her protestant brother Edward…?  Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the next, unsteady phase of the young Elizabeth's life, as she was transformed from adored royal princess, to outcast bastard; learnt to navigate her father's infamous next four marriages, and overcame a dangerous sex scandal… Hive. Know your power. Visit https://hivehome.com to find out more.  Learn more at https://www.uber.com/onourway Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Social Producer: Harry Baldwin Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude  Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did Elizabeth I's tumultuous early life in the court of her wife murdering father, Henry VIII, influence the rest of her life? What was the nature of the Tudor world she was born into? Why did Henry VIII so desperately desire a son? And, why did Henry and Anne's marriage following his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, change the fate of Britain forever? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the story behind the birth of Britain's greatest queen - Elizabeth I. From her father Henry VIII's reign and early marriages, to Tudor court politics, and the ruthless execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn…. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editor: Jack Meek Social Producer: Harry Balden Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices