Podcasts about Empress Matilda

With house of the dragon season 3 nearing its conclusion, I thought the time was right to explore the real life story behind it! Following the death of King Henry I in 1135, a disputed succession plunged the kingdom into nearly two decades of civil war, shifting alliances, and bitter rivalry between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. It was a conflict that tested loyalties, reshaped castles and kingdoms, and left contemporaries believing that "Christ and his saints were asleep." To guide me through this remarkable era, I'm delighted to welcome back historian, author, and broadcaster Matt Lewis. Together we'll explore the personalities behind the struggle, separate fact from legend, and discover how this extraordinary conflict paved the way for the rise of the Plantagenets. So, whether you're a medieval history enthusiast or simply love a gripping story of power, betrayal, and survival, stay tuned to find out all about The Anarchy!

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Born in 1102, Empress Matilda combined the blood of two dynasties: the house of Wessex and their conquerors, the dukes of Normandy. As a widowed German empress, she was named as heir successor by her father, Henry I. But, after his death in 1135, Matilda's place on the English throne was usurped by her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Civil war followed, and she ruled the south-west of England in opposition. In Empress Matilda: Queen of the Romans, Ruler of the English (Yale University Press, 2026), Professor Elisabeth van Houts explores the remarkable life of medieval England's only queen regnant. Van Houts examines female rulership in the Middle Ages, from Matilda's relationships with her husbands, to her self-identification as granddaughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda used her persuasiveness effectively with the men who surrounded her, including her father, husbands, half-brothers and cousins. This is a fascinating account, which reveals Matilda to be an assertive, if on occasion disappointed, woman who made the best of her position with intelligence and stamina. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

How did an empress become the most dangerous claimant to the English throne?From the Battle of Lincoln to her legendary escape from Oxford Castle, Matilda was a formidable political actor whose legacy shaped the Plantagenet dynasty.Dr Eleanor Janega is joined by Professor Elisabeth van Houts to explore Matilda's imperial upbringing, her contested claim after Henry I's death, the infamous White Ship disaster, and the brutal civil war known as the Anarchy.MOREThe Anarchy: Disruptive WomenListen on AppleListen on SpotifyHow to be a Medieval TeenagerListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. Audio editor is Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Watch Eleanor and Matt's new documentary The Rise of the Plantagenets with a History Hit subscription. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week PLUS Early access, ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History has a word for queens who had opinions and refused to be managed. Today we're looking at three of them across three centuries - Eleanor of Aquitaine, Empress Matilda, and Isabella of France - and asking whether "scandalous" means what history wants us to think it means. Eleanor governed, went on crusade, backed her sons against her husband, and got locked in a tower for sixteen years. Henry II never divorced her because Aquitaine went with her. That one fact tells you everything. Matilda had a legitimate claim to the English throne, backed by three sworn oaths from the English nobility. She fought a civil war for six years, won the decisive battle, and came within weeks of her coronation before London rioted and drove her out. History called her arrogant. The chronicles used language for her they would never use for a king doing the same things. Isabella spent twenty years being publicly humiliated by Edward II, had her lands confiscated, watched her children taken from her household -- then went to France on a diplomatic mission and simply didn't come back. She raised an army, removed a failing king, and installed her son on the throne. History called her the She-Wolf of France. That label was borrowed from Shakespeare, applied originally to a completely different queen, and stuck on Isabella by a single poem written four hundred years after her death. Three queens. Three centuries. One verdict: too much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empress Matilda wielded an extraordinary amount of power during the period known as the Anarchy in the 12th century, yet she just missed out on being crowned the first queen regnant in England.   Originally chosen as heir for her abilities as a ruler, Matilda was determined to fight her cause when her throne was usurped by her cousin Stephen. But how was she viewed by contemporaries, and what is the legacy she left behind?   Join Curator Charles Farris, alongside Professors Louise Wilkinson and Elisabeth Van Houts, for an in depth look into how Matilda pushed the limits and possibilities of female power. Who was her counter-part – Queen Matilda, and how did these women conform to, or disrupt medieval expectations of Queenship? 

In the tumultuous aftermath of Henry I's death, England was thrown into one of the most chaotic civil wars in its history – the Anarchy. At the heart of the struggle stood Empress Matilda: daughter of a king, widow of an emperor, mother of a future dynasty, and the woman who came closer than any before her to ruling medieval England in her own right. Yet, bold and authoritative, Matilda has historically been seen in a less than favourable light until recent reassessments. In this episode, Emily Briffett explores Matilda's extraordinary life and legacy with historian and author Dr Catherine Hanley – from her imperial upbringing in the Holy Roman Empire to her daring campaign against King Stephen and her life after the conflict. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg Jenner is joined in twelfth-century England by Dr Gabrielle Storey and comedian Cariad Lloyd to learn all about Empress Matilda and the medieval civil war known as the Anarchy.A granddaughter of William the Conqueror, Matilda was born into England's new Norman royal family. As a young girl she was used as a dynastic pawn by her father and sent to Germany to marry the Holy Roman Emperor. Here she was crowned empress and trained to rule.When her younger brother died, followed by her husband, Matilda returned to England to take her place as her father's heir. But after her father's death she was beaten to the throne by her cousin Stephen, and so began the medieval civil war known as the Anarchy. Although Matilda ultimately lost, her son, Henry, was made Stephen's heir, and he went on to rule with support and advice from his royal mother. So who was the real winner?This episode traces Matilda's dramatic life from daughter of a king to empress of Germany to queen-in-waiting of England. Along the way, we ask whether medieval sexism prevented her from taking the throne, and look at the ways a woman could rule in twelfth-century Europe.This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Clara Chamberlain Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

The saga continues as Charlie Higson brings you the story of Stephen & Matilda. When Henry I died, the crown should have fallen to his daughter, the Empress Matilda.BUTStephen of Blois got there first to claim the crown and together with his wife, a different Matilda, Matilda of Boulogne.....it all went horribly wrong as you'll hear.Charlie's proper historian guest is Cath Hanley author of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior.And remember, Willie Willie Harry Stee, the book of the podcast, is out now, so you can read about Henry as well as listen!https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/willie-willie-harry-stee-an-epically-short-history-of-our-kings-and-queens-charlie-higson?variant=55169046708603 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Mary I is the first undoubted queen regnant in English, later British history, but four hundred years before the crown was placed on her head, another woman attempted to get there first, she was Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I of England, who had been named by her father as the rightful heir to the throne. Upon Henry's death, Matilda was robbed of her throne when her cousin, Stephen snatched it from right beneath her feet. To discuss this utterly remarkable woman with me, I am pleased to welcome historian Dr Catherine Hanley onto the podcast for the first time. Catherine's biography of Matilda, Matilda, Empress, Warrior, Queen, acts as the basis for our conversation, so settle in, and get comfy, as we explore the life of the woman who should have been Queen Matilda

Greg Jenner is joined in twelfth-century England by Dr Gabrielle Storey and comedian Cariad Lloyd to learn all about Empress Matilda and the medieval civil war known as the Anarchy. A granddaughter of William the Conqueror, Matilda was born into England's new Norman royal family. As a young girl she was used as a dynastic pawn by her father and sent to Germany to marry the Holy Roman Emperor. Here she was crowned empress and trained to rule. When her younger brother died, followed by her husband, Matilda returned to England to take her place as her father's heir. But after her father's death she was beaten to the throne by her cousin Stephen, and so began the medieval civil war known as the Anarchy. Although Matilda ultimately lost, her son, Henry, was made Stephen's heir, and he went on to rule with support and advice from his royal mother. So who was the real winner? This episode traces Matilda's dramatic life from daughter of a king to empress of Germany to queen-in-waiting of England. Along the way, we ask whether medieval sexism prevented her from taking the throne, and look at the ways a woman could rule in twelfth-century Europe.If you're a fan of fearsome queens, violent family feuds and medieval royal drama, you'll love our episode on Empress Matilda.If you want more medieval queens with Dr Gabrielle Storey, check out our episode on Eleanor of Aquitaine. For more from Cariad Lloyd, listen to our episodes on Agrippina the Younger, Mary Wollstonecraft, and the Arts and Crafts Movement. And for more English royal feuds, there's our episode on the Causes of the British Civil Wars.You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Clara Chamberlain Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

In 2023, we did a 3-part series on Empress Matilda (icon) and the Anarchy that was her fight for the English throne. But how did England (and Normandy...) end up in this predicament in the first place? Ladies and gentlemen, we're discussing The White Ship Disaster. You can find more episodes like this on our Patreon and you can listen to our Empress Matilda series at this link. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:56 Empress Matilda and the White Ship Disaster 03:04 The Royal Family Drama 06:30 King Henry's Reign and Policies 11:26 The Party on the White Ship 20:12 The Blessing and the Inevitable Tragedy 21:56 Theories on Steven's Departure 28:30 The Tragic Shipwreck 30:33 Comparing the White Ship to the Titanic 38:55 The Aftermath and Historical Impact Queens podcast is part of Airwave Media podcast network. Please get in touch with advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Want more Queens? Head to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, check out our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ merch store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 years of Civil War, known as the Anarchy, was between first cousins King Stephen and Empress Matilda, but Sharon Bennett Connolly persuasively argues that it could be more accurately be thought of as a conflict between Queen Matilda, Stephen's wife and the Empress Matilda.I caught up with Sharon for her second interview with me, and oour first in person, at the Gloucester History Festival Spring Weekend.British History is a reader-supported publication. To support my work and help me continue to get more brilliant interviews with fascinating historians, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Until next time, Philippa

fWotD Episode 2895: Empress Matilda Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Tuesday, 8 April 2025 is Empress Matilda.Empress Matilda (c. 7 February 1102 – 10 September 1167), also known as Empress Maud, was one of the claimants to the English throne during the civil war known as the Anarchy. The daughter and heir of Henry I, king of England and ruler of Normandy, she went to Germany as a child when she was married to the future Holy Roman Emperor Henry V. She travelled with the emperor to Italy in 1116, was controversially crowned empress in St Peter's Basilica, and acted as the imperial regent in Italy. Matilda and Henry V had no children, and when he died in 1125, the imperial crown was claimed by his rival Lothair of Supplinburg.Matilda's younger and only full brother, William Adelin, died in the White Ship disaster of 1120, leaving Matilda's father and realm facing a potential succession crisis. Upon her widowhood in the Holy Roman Empire, Matilda was recalled to Normandy by her father, who arranged for her to marry Geoffrey of Anjou to form an alliance to protect his southern borders in France. Henry I had no further legitimate children and nominated Matilda as his heir, making his court swear an oath of loyalty to her and her successors, but the decision was not popular in his Anglo-Norman court. Henry died in 1135, but Matilda and Geoffrey faced opposition from the barons. The throne was instead taken by Matilda's male cousin Stephen of Blois, who enjoyed the backing of the English Church. Stephen took steps to solidify his new regime but faced threats both from neighbouring powers and from opponents within his kingdom.In 1139, Matilda crossed to England to take the kingdom by force, supported by her half-brother Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and her uncle David I of Scotland, while her husband, Geoffrey, focused on conquering Normandy. Matilda's forces captured Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln in 1141, but her attempt to be crowned at Westminster Abbey collapsed in the face of bitter opposition from the London crowds. As a result of this retreat, Matilda was never formally declared Queen of England, and was instead titled "Lady of the English" (Latin: domina Anglorum). Earl Robert was captured following the Rout of Winchester in 1141, and Matilda agreed to exchange him for Stephen. Matilda was besieged at Oxford Castle by Stephen's forces that winter, but escaped at night across the frozen River Isis (Thames) to Abingdon, reputedly wearing white as camouflage in the snow. The war degenerated into a stalemate, with Matilda controlling much of the south-west of England, and Stephen the south-east and the Midlands. Large parts of the rest of the country were in the hands of local, independent barons.Matilda returned to Normandy, now in the hands of her husband, in 1148, leaving their eldest son to continue the campaign in England; he was eventually declared Stephen's heir after the signing of the Treaty of Wallingford and succeeded to the throne as Henry II in 1154, forming the Angevin Empire. She settled her court near Rouen and for the rest of her life concerned herself with the administration of Normandy, acting on her son's behalf when necessary. Particularly in the early years of her son's reign, she provided political advice and attempted to mediate during the Becket controversy. She worked extensively with the Church, founding Cistercian monasteries, and was known for her piety. She was buried under the high altar at Bec Abbey after her death in 1167, until much later when her tomb was moved to Rouen Cathedral.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 02:01 UTC on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Empress Matilda on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Niamh.

In this enlightening episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the dynamic Sharon Bennett Conley, author of "Women of the Anarchy," to unravel the complexities of the Anarchy in Medieval England. Together, they explore the life and legacy of Empress Matilda, challenging the misconceptions that have clouded her reputation throughout history.Debunking the Myths:Sharon passionately argues against the portrayal of Empress Matilda as haughty and aloof, revealing how these perceptions stemmed from her enemies.She highlights the unfair double standards faced by Matilda compared to her male counterparts, emphasising the hypocrisy of historical narratives.The Anarchy Explained:Sharon provides a concise overview of the Anarchy, detailing the power struggle between Empress Matilda and King Stephen, and the significance of this period in English history.Listeners learn about the pivotal battles, alliances, and the roles of key figures, including Matilda's husband Geoffrey of Anjou and her loyal supporters.Leadership and Legacy:Examines Matilda's political and military acumen, showcasing her ability to garner loyalty and support in a male-dominated society.Discusses the impact of her reign on future female rulers and the ongoing relevance of her story in understanding women's roles in history.Sharon's insights shed light on the often overlooked Anarchy, urging listeners to appreciate the significance of this tumultuous period and the formidable women who shaped it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in medieval history and the fight for recognition in a patriarchal society.Guest Information:Purchase tickets to Sharon's talks at the Gloucester History Festival on the 26th and 27th of April. https://www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk/spring-weekend-2025/Explore her book, "Women of the Anarchy," available at the History Rage Bookshop.Listen to her podcast, "A Slice of Medieval," wherever you get your podcasts.Get InvolvedSupport History Rage: For just £3 per month on Patreon or Apple, enjoy early access to episodes, ad-free listening, and exclusive content.Follow Sharon Bennett-Connolly: Stay updated on her work by following her on Twitter @thehistorybits and Instagram @sharonbennettconnollyStay ConnectedJoin the conversation and keep the rage alive! Visit historyrage.com for past episodes and updates.Follow us on:Facebook: History RageTwitter: @HistoryRageInstagram: @historyrageStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire and Tod discuss HP Lovecraft's "The White Ship," first published in 1919 in The United Amateur. What better way to celebrate ☘️ St. Patrick's Day ☘️ than talking about Lord Dunsany at some length! Also, Claire, a sophisticated and educated lady of Irish decent, learns what a shillelagh is in this episode, so that's a bit of St. Patty's fun!Links for you:Lord Samuel's Lovecraft Metal Spotify PlaylistTod's Dreams and Nightmares Apple Music PlaylistCheck in on Fantasy Flight's Dark Side of the Moon at Board Game Geek, but it's out of print so you'll probably have to go to eBay to find itA short article about Lovecraft and Lord DunsanyA free version of Idle Days on the River Yann by Lord DunsanyDel Rey's Dream Cycle collection, which you can of course read for free at https://hplovecraft.comWeirdly, I don't think we swear at all in this episode, but I'll mark it explicit just to be on the safe side.Oh, and I spent a fair amount of time learning about The White Ship Disaster at Wikipedia, and then went down a rabbit hole learning about Empress Matilda and The Anarchy, but alas, it didn't make it into the show. Also, it has nothing to do with the story, so it's probably for the best.You can text us now. Why? That's between you and your Elder God. Support the showLike the show? Say so with money! Or just hang out with us on Mastodon, at @podsothoth@defcon.social. Or email us at hideous@podsothoth.club. Best thing? Rate us (positively!) in your favorite podcast app. That helps other people find the show!

Just in time for Women's History Month here in the US, Alicia has a story as old as time - an 8th century Queen of the central English kingdom of Mercia during the Anglo-Saxon period who maybe was the victim of a smear campaign centuries later. Obviously, contemporaneous records of the period are sparse, but what we do think we know is that Queen Cynethryth and her husband King Offa had a contentious relationship with the Archbishop of Canterbury in that period. Mercia confiscated some of the Archbishop's lands, and the Archbishop supported an uprising that saw Kent liberate itself from King Offa's rule. Things went far enough south between them that Offa eventually created an entirely new Archdiocese in Lichfield that would presumably be a bit more compliant with his wishes.And while Offa and Cynethryth would outlive that Archbishop of Canterbury, it seems that the Church would have the final say over Cynethryth's story. Coincidentally, that portrayal became extremely negative right around the time, centuries later, that Empress Matilda was attempting to exert her righteous claim to the English throne after the death of her father, King Henry I.Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast.To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com.SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/trashyroyals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just in time for Women's History Month here in the US, Alicia has a story as old as time - an 8th century Queen of the central English kingdom of Mercia during the Anglo-Saxon period who maybe was the victim of a smear campaign centuries later. Obviously, contemporaneous records of the period are sparse, but what we do think we know is that Queen Cynethryth and her husband King Offa had a contentious relationship with the Archbishop of Canterbury in that period. Mercia confiscated some of the Archbishop's lands, and the Archbishop supported an uprising that saw Kent liberate itself from King Offa's rule. Things went far enough south between them that Offa eventually created an entirely new Archdiocese in Lichfield that would presumably be a bit more compliant with his wishes. And while Offa and Cynethryth would outlive that Archbishop of Canterbury, it seems that the Church would have the final say over Cynethryth's story. Coincidentally, that portrayal became extremely negative right around the time, centuries later, that Empress Matilda was attempting to exert her righteous claim to the English throne after the death of her father, King Henry I. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Sponsors This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/trashyroyals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empress Matilda (1102 - 1167) was the daughter, wife, and mother of Kings. She also should have been England's first crowned female monarch, but the patriarchy got in the way. She also once escaped by camouflaging herself in white cloaks in the snow!! A true legend. References: Matilda: Empress, Warrior, Queen by Catherine Hanley She-Wolves by Helen Castor — Sign up for the Vulgar History mailing list! — Get 15% off all the gorgeous jewellery and accessories at common.era.com/vulgar or go to commonera.com and use code VULGAR at checkout — Get Vulgar History merch at vulgarhistory.com/store (best for US shipping) and vulgarhistory.redbubble.com (better for international shipping) — Support Vulgar History on Patreon  — Vulgar History is an affiliate of Bookshop.org, which means that a small percentage of any books you click through and purchase will come back to Vulgar History as a commission. Use this link to shop there and support Vulgar History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fighting for her rightful inheritance of the English crown, Empress Matilda (1110–1125) proved to be a grandmaster in the Anarchy's bloody chess game. The war of dynastic succession in 12th century England and Normandy is known as the Anarchy. (1135-1154). Barons and nobles of all ranks joined in the family quarrel over the succession to Henry I. Matilda, Henry's only surviving legitimate child and widow of Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, challenged her cousin and rival Stephen of Blois, who managed to seize the crown. This was a game of chess or chequers, in which seizing castles and fortified towns was what mattered, as well as bringing nobles with their retainers over to one's side. Matilda played astutely but only won when she ceased to pursue the crown for herself and demanded it for her son. She continued as the power behind Henry II's throne from Normandy. This episode's guest, Dr Catherine Hanley, is the author of the latest scholarly biography of Empress Matilda, Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior (Yale University Press, 2019). Holding a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Sheffield, she is the author of several history books.

Imagine the scene. You're the king but through tragic circumstances you have no legitimate male heirs. To maintain the lineage, you agree with those in power that your daughter would become Queen on your death. They all agree. Jobs a good 'un.That is until you die and your daughter's pesky cousin, a bloke, nips in and steals the crown.Farfetched? Not at all and in this episode, Charlie Higson uncovers the life of the woman who had the throne pinched from under her, Empress Matilda. To assist Charlie, he is joined once again by best-selling author and historian Helen Castor, author of She Wolves and last year's acclaimed The Eagle & The Hart - The Biography of Richard II.Oh and if you haven't listened to Episodes 5 & 6 of the first series of Willy Willy Harry Stee, you might want to start there, it tells the story of Matilda's father, Henry I and her throne-stealing cousin, Stephen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iain Dale talks to historian Gabby Storey about the life and disputed reign of the Empress Matilda.

Today I am talking to historian and author Emily Murdoch Perkins about her latest book, Regina - the queens who could have been. In this book, Emily charts the lives of royal women from over 1,200 years of English history and asks the question, would any of them made good queens regnant? From very well known figures such as Empress Matilda and Elizabeth of York, to characters seldom explored or discussed, including a medieval princess who pleaded with her father to be able to lose her virginity and to another who appeared completely naked before the entire court to prove she did not suffer from leprosy. Buckle in to explore the lives of so many remarkable royal women, many of whom remained in the shadows, until now!

Matt Lewis is joined by Alice Loxton to explore the lives of 18-Year-Olds through historyFrom Bede surviving a devastating plague to Empress Matilda's unexpected rise to power after the White Ship disaster, and Geoffrey Chaucer's adventurous youth in royal courts and French campaigns, discover how turning 18 has dramatically evolved over the centuries. Learn about the key moments and experiences that shaped these young lives and how they relate to the challenges faced by today's youth.Music from Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis and edited by Amy Haddow. The producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

Dr Eleanor Jackson is a curator at the British Library, responsible for creating the incredible new exhibition they have on display, Medieval Women, Voices and Visions. This remarkable exhibition brings together artefacts including letters, statues, trial records, table wear and so much more, beautifully telling the stories of medieval women. Many of the items have ties to some of the most iconic women from history, including the Empress Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Margaret of Anjou and even Joan of Arc. Equally, there are tales of your every day medieval woman, from a girl who broke a rib whilst ice-skating to a court case against a 14th century sex worker, who though born male, lived, identified and worked as a woman, so join me as we journey back through four hundred years of medieval history brought together in this remarkable exhibition.

“I love finding out people's back stories. It's the grittier, it's the weirder, it's the bits where people's lives go wrong that shines a light on their glories later on.” ~Alice Loxton History's most famous figures are remembered only for their great deeds and achievements, but rarely for their lives before. What were the likes of Empress Matilda, Richard Burton or Chaucer like when they were teenagers - when they were just 18? Alice Loxton, one of Britain's most exciting young historians, explores this in her new book Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives. You may have spotted Alice on social media where she has more than 2 million followers. She's also the author of Uproar: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian London. Alice explores how, despite narrow curriculums and stuffy history shows on TV, social media is changing how we perceive history, making it more compelling for a wider and younger audience. She explains why she felt it would be so powerful to tell the stories of the 18 year old versions of history's greatest names. And she shares fascinating insights into their lives, highlighting the strange paths many walked before finding fame. In this episode you will learn: How some figures from history are still waiting for their stories to be told. The importance of giving your characters histories and backstories of their own. Why it might be worth your while starting a social media channel. Find out more about Alice here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

Join us on this Patreon exclusive episode from 2022 episode that went hand in hand with our 3-part Empress Matilda series. In this episode we're discussing Empress Matilda's mom, Matilda of Scotland. We talk about her saintly pedigree, her bumpy journey to becoming queen of England and all she did in her life to make her one of the most popular queens of her time. Enjoy, y'alll! Time stamps: 01:32 Introducing Matilda of Scotland 02:21 Matilda's Early Life and Family 11:41 Education at the Abbey 17:53 Rumors and Return to Scotland 23:09 The War That Changed Everything 27:13 Escape to England 30:49 Henry's Quest for a Queen 36:50 The Nun Controversy 39:11 A Popular Queen 44:56 Legacy of Edith Matilda Queens Podcast is sponsored this month by Happy Mammoth. For a limited time, you can get 15% off on your entire first order at happymammoth.com with the code QUEENS at checkout. Queens podcast is part of Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast.Want more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down over Zoom for a fascinating talk with Sharon Bennett Connolly where we discussed the women involved in the Anarchy. The main women being the Matildas; Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and Queen Matilda, wife of King Stephen. Paid Subscribers to the British History Substack enjoy early access to all the interviews released on this channel.British History is a reader-supported publication. If you are not already, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Alternatively you can join the British History Patreon (scroll for details).There's more! There is an extended version of this interview where Sharon and I discuss the women of Magna Carta plus she answered questions submitted by Patrons. You can watch the extended, ad-free edit of this interview, and put your questions forward for future guests by joining the British History Club at www.Patreon.com/BritishHistory. You will also enjoy Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and VIP booking for tours! All for £5/month.I hope you enjoy this interview, let me know your thoughts in the comments.* Philippa Get full access to British History at philippab.substack.com/subscribe

Matilda of Scotland has often been overshadowed in her accomplishments because of her saintly mother and empress daughter, but it was because of her mother that she became who she needed to be to make sure her daughter could be even better. Matilda had a rough but pretty normal Scottish royal childhood with a lot of murder and succession crises, but it hardened her to make her an astute politician in the court of her husband, Henry I. In addition to that, Matilda was worldly and generous and made her court one of culture and arts, and she made active efforts to be kind and helpulf to the less fortunate, a trait instilled in her by her mother. Come join me to learn about her facinating story. Bibliography Brown, Laura. “Queen Matilda of Scotland.” The Scots Magazine, October 25, 2019. https://www.scotsmagazine.com/articles/series/queen-matilda-of-scotland/. Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “Empress Matilda.” Wikipedia, April 13, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Matilda. ———. “Henry I of England.” Wikipedia, April 3, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_I_of_England#Family_and_children. ———. “Malcolm III of Scotland.” Wikipedia, February 21, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_III_of_Scotland. ———. “Matilda of Scotland.” Wikipedia, April 18, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_of_Scotland#Death. ———. “Saint Margaret of Scotland.” Wikipedia, April 15, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Margaret_of_Scotland. ———. “William Adelin.” Wikipedia, January 28, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Adelin. Lewis, Jone Johnson. “Biography of Matilda of Scotland, Wife of Henry I of England.” ThoughtCo, November 28, 2011. https://www.thoughtco.com/matilda-of-scotland-3529598. New World Encyclopedia. “Matilda of Scotland.” Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Matilda_of_Scotland. The Freelance History Writer. “Matilda of Scotland, Queen of England,” June 10, 2012. https://thefreelancehistorywriter.com/2012/06/10/matilda-of-scotland-queen-of-england/. “Matilda of Scotland, Queen of England.” Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/normans_6.html#google_vignette. pixeltocode.uk, PixelToCode. “Matilda (Maud) Wife of Henry I.” Westminster Abbey. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/royals/matilda-maud-wife-of-henry-i. Susan. “Matilda of Scotland, Queen of England.” Unofficial Royalty, September 1, 2016. https://www.unofficialroyalty.com/matilda-of-scotland-queen-of-england/. Rebecca Starr Brown. “The Almost Saint Matilda of Scotland,” May 1, 2017. https://rebeccastarrbrown.com/2017/05/01/the-almost-saint-matilda-of-scotland/.

Step into the realm of medieval majesty and uncover the tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the powerhouse Duchess who defied convention. Our narrative takes you through the thrills and perils of her life post-divorce, her clever prenuptial maneuverings, and her strategic marriage to Henry FitzEmpress, setting the stage for a reshaped European landscape. Witness Eleanor's defiance against would-be captors and her astute political savvy, ensuring her legacy wasn't left to the whims of fate but instead, forged by her own hands.As we traverse Eleanor's ascent to the English throne beside King Henry II, the intrigue deepens. The contrast of her fertility with Henry versus her first marriage, the ensuing power struggles catalyzed by their descendants, and her nuanced relationship with Empress Matilda all paint a portrait of a woman navigating through the treacherous waters of royal courts and governance. Her return to Aquitaine marks not an end but a crowning achievement, where her rule further cements her as an indomitable force in history. Join us on this journey through love, power, and the enduring impact of one of history's most formidable women.Support the Show.Show Notes: https://www.thepithychronicle.com/resourceshttps://www.tiktok.com/@thepithychroniclershttps://www.instagram.com/the.pithy.chronicle/

In this episode I'm covering the spares whose lines leapfrogged into the direct line due to the unexpected death of their elder sibling. I'll be discussing Empress Matilda and King Stephen, Richard the Lionheart, Henry VIII, Charles I, George V, who became heirs on the deaths of William Aethling, Henry the Young King, Arthur Tudor Prince of Wales, Henry Frederick Prince of Wales, and Prince Albert Victor, respectively. Click here to watch this episode on YoutubeLinks to other videos you may enjoy:Prince Arthur - https://youtube.com/live/dqXXpxdqslg?feature=shareKing Henry IX? - https://youtube.com/live/L0hWlVdkaFcLinks mentioned:https://www.britishhistorytours.com/history-tours for The Anne Boleyn Tour 2025 (two dates available) https://www.patreon.com/britishhistory for the British History Patreon with exclusive content, early access and opportunity to ask questions of historians, and take part in historical book club! for a free weekly history travel newsletter. Get full access to British History at philippab.substack.com/subscribe

During the period of history known as the Anarchy, two women named Matilda stood in opposition: Empress Matilda and Queen Matilda (wife of Stephan of Blois). Sharon Bennett Connolly tells their stories.Show Notes:Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydThe Tudors by Numbers, published by Pen and SwordSharon Bennett Connollyhistorytheinterestingbits.comTwitter: @thehistorybitsFactbook: HistorytheinterestingbitsInstagram: @sharonbennettconnollyBooks: Women of the Anarchy, King John's Right Hand Lady: The Story of Nicholaa de la Haye, Ladies of Magna Carta, AND MANY MOREHeroines of the Tudor World coming summer 2024Creative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: History by Andy_Grey via Audio Jungle, Music Broadcast LicenseLet's shake up history together!@shakeuphistory

In this episode of Half-Arsed History, learn all about the Anarchy, a devastating civil war that took place in 12th-century England in the wake of a succession crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empress Matilda, with all her rightful claim, seemed destined to become the first queen of England. However, her cousin Stephen, backed by the influential lords and barons, seized the opportunity from her grasp. King Stephen's wife, Matilda, added another layer to this historical drama with her significant presence. Eventually, the two formidable women found themselves in a fierce face-off, locked in a battle for the throne. This time in history is similar to the Wars of the Roses centuries later! -- Credits: Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly #womenoftheanarchy #queens #england #royalhistory #royals #history #womeninhistory #empressmatilda #empressmaud #kingstephen #henryi #williamtheconqueror #newforest #murder #queens #kings #podcast #tudorsdynasty --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-larson/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rebecca-larson/support

History is not without examples of powerful women, to be sure, but even in that pantheon, Eleanor of Aquitaine is a special case. In this first part of her story, Alicia takes us through her early life in the French province of Aquitaine, where her father was the ruling Duke, and her first, disastrous marriage to the future (it turns out by a matter of days) Louis VII of France. A marriage that would, after many unhappy years, be annulled, allowing Eleanor to create one of history's most audacious political romances: she married the future Henry II of England, son of Empress Matilda, paving the way for Eleanor to have been both Queen of France and Queen of England through separate marriages! Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

History is not without examples of powerful women, to be sure, but even in that pantheon, Eleanor of Aquitaine is a special case. In this first part of her story, Alicia takes us through her early life in the French province of Aquitaine, where her father was the ruling Duke, and her first, disastrous marriage to the future (it turns out by a matter of days) Louis VII of France. A marriage that would, after many unhappy years, be annulled, allowing Eleanor to create one of history's most audacious political romances: she married the future Henry II of England, son of Empress Matilda, paving the way for Eleanor to have been both Queen of France and Queen of England through separate marriages! Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the unfortunate incident with the boating accident that killed Heir Presumptive William in 1120, King Henry I had a choice to make when it came to succession planning. While he had nephews through his sister and illegitimate children (galore), it was his daughter Matilda, Holy Roman Empress since her arranged marriage at the age of eight, that he tapped to take the throne when he shuffled off his mortal coil. There was a big gathering of nobles to mark the occasion, and in the presence of Henry and Matilda, they all swore fealty to their future lady king, presumably with their fingers crossed behind their backs. Life went on for everyone for a few years yet. Matilda was re-married to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and had a couple of babies, and it was in Ajou that she learned in December of 1135 that her father the king was dead. Long live the lady king! But not really. Matilda's cousin Stephen acted with swiftness on the news of his uncle's death and, despite having sworn fealty to Matilda in the presence of said uncle back in 1127, got himself crowned King of England, with the support of all those nobles who had also sworn fealty to Matilda back in 1127! And this is how the First Cousins' War - better known as the Anarchy - began!As you may know, there is no Queen Matilda in England's royal history, but after a protracted and draining conflict, Stephen agreed to pass the crown to Matilda's eldest son, Henry Plantagenet, launching a dynasty that would hold the English throne for centuries.Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After the unfortunate incident with the boating accident that killed Heir Presumptive William in 1120, King Henry I had a choice to make when it came to succession planning. While he had nephews through his sister and illegitimate children (galore), it was his daughter Matilda, Holy Roman Empress since her arranged marriage at the age of eight, that he tapped to take the throne when he shuffled off his mortal coil. There was a big gathering of nobles to mark the occasion, and in the presence of Henry and Matilda, they all swore fealty to their future lady king, presumably with their fingers crossed behind their backs. Life went on for everyone for a few years yet. Matilda was re-married to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and had a couple of babies, and it was in Ajou that she learned in December of 1135 that her father the king was dead. Long live the lady king! But not really. Matilda's cousin Stephen acted with swiftness on the news of his uncle's death and, despite having sworn fealty to Matilda in the presence of said uncle back in 1127, got himself crowned King of England, with the support of all those nobles who had also sworn fealty to Matilda back in 1127! And this is how the First Cousins' War - better known as the Anarchy - began! As you may know, there is no Queen Matilda in England's royal history, but after a protracted and draining conflict, Stephen agreed to pass the crown to Matilda's eldest son, Henry Plantagenet, launching a dynasty that would hold the English throne for centuries. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Empress Matilda (c. 1102-1167) attempted to expand the idea of who was fit to run a country in 12th century England. She was named the heir to the English throne by her father, King Henry I, but was challenged from the moment she was nominated. Nevertheless, she didn't let this deter her and fought for her right to the crown until the end.  For Further Reading: Empress Matilda Empress Matilda: Lady of the English Matilda: daughter of Henry I of England, consort of the Holy Roman emperor Henry V This month, we're pulling back the curtain to reveal women overlooked in their own lifetimes or in our historical accounts of the eras in which they lived. We're talking about the activists, thinkers, leaders, artists, and innovators history has forgotten. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn't help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should. Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we'll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more.  Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.  Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, and Abbey Delk. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. Original theme music composed by Miles Moran. Follow Wonder Media Network: Website Instagram Twitter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Danièle shares letters written by some of the most iconic women of the Middle Ages, including Empress Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Christine de Pizan.To subscribe and listen to ExtraMedieval, please visit https://www.danielecybulskie.com/extramedieval

Here is the second part to the last episode! Powerful queens throughout history have often been misunderstood and reduced to stereotypes, as they were judged through biased lenses that distorted their actions and motivations. By examining their lives, we can dispel these myths and gain a better understanding of their true character and legacy. Women like Empress Matilda and Eleanor of Aquitaine defied expectations and challenged the status quo, proving that women have played important roles in history by breaking gender norms. Today, Steph is joined by Dr. Valerie Schutte. Valerie Schutte earned her PhD in History from the University of Akron, and is author or editor of eight books on Queen Mary I, unexpected heirs, and queens in Shakespeare. She is currently working on a cultural biography of Anne of Cleves and edited collections on Tudor myths, the making and remaking of Lady Jane Grey and Mary I, and Mary I and Continental humanism. Valerie's research interests include Queen Mary I, Anne of Cleves, Tudor queenship, book dedications, books related to Tudor kings. -- Commercial FREE for patrons! Sign up Now! Love the Tudors? Read the stories of the Tudors on Tudors Dynasty! -- Credits: Host: Steph Stohrer Guest: Dr. Valerie Schutte Edited by: Rebecca Larson Voice Over: David Black Music: Ketsa, Alexander Nakarada, and Winnie the Moog --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rebecca-larson/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rebecca-larson/support

Powerful queens throughout history have often been misunderstood and reduced to stereotypes, as they were judged through biased lenses that distorted their actions and motivations. By examining their lives, we can dispel these myths and gain a better understanding of their true character and legacy. Women like Empress Matilda and Eleanor of Aquitaine defied expectations and challenged the status quo, proving that women have played important roles in history by breaking gender norms. Today, Steph is joined by Dr. Valerie Schutte. Valerie Schutte earned her PhD in History from the University of Akron, and is author or editor of eight books on Queen Mary I, unexpected heirs, and queens in Shakespeare. She is currently working on a cultural biography of Anne of Cleves and edited collections on Tudor myths, the making and remaking of Lady Jane Grey and Mary I, and Mary I and Continental humanism. Valerie's research interests include Queen Mary I, Anne of Cleves, Tudor queenship, book dedications, books related to Tudor kings. -- Commercial FREE for patrons! Sign up Now! Love the Tudors? Read the stories of the Tudors on Tudors Dynasty! -- Credits: Host: Steph Stohrer Guest: Dr. Valerie Schutte Edited by: Rebecca Larson Voice Over: David Black Music: Ketsa, Alexander Nakarada, and Winnie the Moog --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rebecca-larson/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rebecca-larson/support

Welcome back to part 3 of our Empress Matilda saga. And this episode is where the action happens. Get ready for lots of Game of Thrones references, given that Empress Matilda and the Anarchy (the 18-year civil war that goes down in this episode) are the inspiration for George RR Martin's "Fire and Blood" aka, House of the Dragon. And if you just found us, you may want to check out part 1 and part 2 before jumping in! Here are some fun sources for this episode:https://www.thoughtco.com/empress-matilda-biography-3528825https://www.medievalists.net/2013/04/empress-matilda-lady-of-the-english/https://www.historyofroyalwomen.com/empress-matilda/empress-matildas-coronation-as-queen-of-the-romans/https://www.historytoday.com/archive/wedding-princess-matildaWant more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram!Our awesome new intro music is thanks to @1touchproduction !Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/queenshistorypodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back for episode 2 of Empress Matilda's story. (You can find episode 1 here). In this one we see even more parallels to where George RR Martin likely got his inspiration for House of the Dragon and the story leading up to the Dance of the Dragon (spoiler alert). When we last left Matilda she was a newly grieving widow. So, what's a young widow to do besides moving back in with the parents and hope to be named heir of an empire? Here are some fun sources for this episode:https://www.thoughtco.com/empress-matilda-biography-3528825https://www.medievalists.net/2013/04/empress-matilda-lady-of-the-english/https://www.historyofroyalwomen.com/empress-matilda/empress-matildas-coronation-as-queen-of-the-romans/https://www.historytoday.com/archive/wedding-princess-matildaWant more Queens? Head to our Patreon, check out our merch store and follow us on Instagram!Our awesome new intro music is thanks to @1touchproduction !Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/queenshistorypodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history and one of the longest-reigning in the world. To mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, we have brought together some of today's best historians to discuss the life and times of Britain's long history of queens from the Medieval period, right up to the present day.Joining Dan is Professor Anna Whitelock who discusses Queen Elizabeth I; Dr Hannah Greig on Queen Anne; Dr Eleanor Janega on Eleanor of Aquitaine and Empress Matilda; Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks through the Tudor Queens Mary I and Mary, Queen of Scots, and lastly Professor Kate Williams on Queen Victoria.Discover how these queens came to wield power, their role in peace and war, what society made of female rule, if queens are better leaders than their male counterparts, their impact and influence and, of course, which queen you'd most want to party with.Produced by Charlotte Long and Mariana Des ForgesResearch by Hannah WardMixed and Mastered by Dougal PatmoreIf you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download the History Hit app please go to the Android or Apple store. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.