Podcasts about tudor england

Today we're stepping into one of the most joyful parts of a Tudor Christmas - the music. Whether your festive soundtrack is Michael Bublé or Bing Crosby, Tudor England had its own musical traditions… and many of their carols are far older than you might expect. In this episode, we explore: - How music shaped Tudor Christmas celebrations - Which carols the Tudors actually knew - Why carols were originally dances - songs performed in circles, homes, streets, and seasonal revelshe role of the waits - Music in Tudor homes - Carols in wassailing traditions Thank you for joining me for this musical journey through Tudor Yuletide. If you enjoyed it, please like, subscribe, and click the bell, and tell me in the comments: Do you have a favourite Christmas carol? Or a Christmas soundtrack? See you tomorrow for more Tudor Christmas delights!   #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #ChristmasCarols #MedievalMusic #RenaissanceMusic #ClaireRidgway #TheAnneBoleynFiles #HistoryYouTube #YuletideHistory #HistoricalMusic #Waits #CoventryCarol #Gaudete #EarlyMusic

Today we're stepping into one of the most colourful, energetic, and wonderfully noisy traditions of the Tudor festive season, Morris dancing. You might picture modern dancers with bells and handkerchiefs on a village green… but in Tudor England, Morris dancing was bolder, brighter, and far more theatrical. In this video, we'll explore: - What Morris dancing really looked like in the 15th and 16th centuries - bells, ribbons, masks, mock combat, clashing staves, blackened faces, and vibrant costumes How it became part of court entertainment - including Henry VII's Christmas revels and Henry VIII's masques - Its deep roots in English folk culture - from May Day to Whitsun ales, parish festivals to civic pageantry - The unforgettable stock characters - Maid Marian (played by a man!), jesters, hobby-horses, Robin Hood, even dragons! - Why it mattered at Christmas and Twelfth Night - joy, misrule, community, and celebration at the darkest time of year - And how Morris dancing survives today - a living tradition linking us directly to the Tudor world If you've ever seen Morris dancing and wondered where it came from, or if you simply love the colour, spectacle, and spirit of Tudor celebrations, this episode is for you. Thank you so much for watching! If you're enjoying this festive journey through Tudor Christmas, please like, subscribe, and click the bell - there's more Yuletide history coming your way tomorrow.   #TudorChristmas #MorrisDancing #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #ChristmasTraditions #HistoryYouTube #TwelfthNight #TudorCourt #EnglishFolkDance #YuletideHistory #TheAnneBoleynFiles #HistoryChannel #BritishHistory

Tudor England loved true crime just as much as we do today. In this episode, we look at a few cases that gripped 16th-century audiences: the 1551 murder of Thomas Arden of Faversham, and the 1592 killing of John Brewen, preserved in a sensational printed pamphlet. These stories reveal how early printers, ballad sellers, and public executions shaped a uniquely Tudor form of crime storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yule Logs, Twelfth Night Cakes & the Lord of Misrule. Step into a Tudor Christmas with me! I'm historian Claire Ridgway, and today's Advent episode looks at the real Yuletide customs of Tudor England, from the dramatic arrival of the Yule log to the playful misrule of Twelfth Night. Why did Tudor households bring home an enormous log on Christmas Eve? What role did a humble bean play in choosing the “king” of the festivities? And how did these rituals blend ancient midwinter beliefs with Christmas celebrations? Discover the symbolism, the revelry, and the wonderful strangeness of a Tudor Yuletide, a world of firelight, games, and meaning woven into every tradition. Join me for a journey into the customs that made Christmas magical for the Tudors. If you're enjoying this Advent series, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell — more Tudor Christmas delights are on the way! #TudorChristmas #YuleLogTraditions #TwelfthNight #TudorHistory #LordOfMisrule

Intermittent fasting might feel like a modern idea, but Tudor England practiced a full winter fast during Advent. People cut out meat and dairy, relied on fish and simple grains, and often waited until evening prayers for their main meal. In this episode we look at what the Advent fast involved, how it shaped daily life in December, and why it ends up sounding a lot like the fasting routines people follow today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Day 6 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! Today we're diving into one of the most enchanting feast days of the Tudor calendar, St Nicholas's Day, and uncovering how this 4th-century bishop eventually became the Santa Claus we know today. We'll explore: The real St Nicholas of Myra, miracle worker and protector of children The extraordinary Boy Bishop tradition, where a child led church services from 6–28 December How Henry VII supported the custom… and why Henry VIII banned it How Hereford and Salisbury Cathedrals still keep the tradition alive today Why St Nicholas didn't bring gifts in Tudor England The medieval legends, chimneys, stockings, secret gold, that shaped later folklore How Dutch “Sinta Klaas” became Santa in America Why Father Christmas in Tudor England wasn't a gift-giver at all So no, Tudor children didn't hang stockings, but the stories surrounding St Nicholas created the foundation for Santa Claus, from night-time gift-giving to flying through the sky. Join me tomorrow for Tudor Christmas Decorations! And if you're enjoying this series, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell. #StNicholas #BoyBishop #SantaClausHistory #TudorChristmas #ClaireRidgway #HistoryYouTube #MedievalTraditions #ChristmasOrigins #Sinterklaas #FatherChristmas #TudorHistory

Step into Tudor England at its bloodiest and most unhinged, where monarchs changed religions on a whim and the price of disagreeing with the crown was burning alive. In this episode, we unravel the real story behind Mary I—“Bloody Mary”—and the Oxford Martyrs whose deaths became political theater. But to understand why Protestants and Catholics were so violently at odds, we go back even further: the Medici, Martin Luther, a warrior pope and a rant that changed the world. This is a story of fire, faith, and rebellion, so you love messy history, morally gray heroes, and the way centuries-old scandals still shape modern identity and politics, this episode is your new obsession.And if you want more deep dives, feminine power lessons, and weekly transformation, join The Shallontourage—my global girl gang for confidence, strategy, and seduction. Your new era starts here.

Today we're looking at the Privy Council and the work it handled behind the scenes in Tudor England. This small group managed intelligence, arrests, foreign diplomacy, religious enforcement, and the constant flow of problems from every corner of the kingdom. It's a closer look at how the Tudors actually governed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again, Good Nobles, so Alicia is taking us on a magical tour of (mostly) Tudor England's holiday season! Think Advent, the 12 Days of Christmas, and a full on two-week break to eat, drink, and be as merry as you can be with Henry VIII as your king.Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast.To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What did Tudor families do at Christmas once the feasting slowed, the music quietened, and the Yule log glowed on the hearth? They played games, and some of them are still incredibly fun today. Welcome to Day 4 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! I'm historian and author Claire Ridgway, and today we're stepping into the warm, bustling world of Tudor fireside entertainment. From nobles in great halls to sailors aboard the Mary Rose, people in Tudor England filled the long winter evenings with: - Dice games like Cent, Raffles, and Passage - Card games from gentle Noddy to high-stakes Primero — Henry VIII's favourite - Board games including backgammon (“tables”), chess, Fox and Geese, and Nine Men's Morris - Shove-board and early billiards for the elite - And simple household fun like pick-up sticks These games weren't just entertainment. They were connection - a way for families and communities to share laughter, competition, mischief, and companionship throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas. If you're enjoying this festive journey through Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell - more Christmas magic is coming tomorrow!   #TudorChristmas #TudorHistory #ChristmasTraditions #HistoryWithClaire #HenryVIII #MedievalGames #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #AnneBoleynFiles #ChristmasHistory

A skull found in a Mexican mine 90 years ago has features that no single known medical condition can fully explain. Doctors and scientists have studied this misshapen skull for decades, but no one can agree on what it actually is.IN THIS EPISODE: If you are into aliens or conspiracies, you've likely heard of the StarChild skull – a strange skull that appears either misshapen, or – as many believe – is the skull of a hybrid between extraterrestrials and human beings. What is the truth behind the StarChild? (What Is The StarChild?) *** In the 1700s life-saving techniques were obviously not as advanced as those we have today. Case in point – one doctor wanted to know if and how a drowned person might be brought back to life. The solution? Go to a hanging and try to revive the executed man. How do you think that went? (The Hanged Man) *** We've spoken often here on Weird Darkness about shadow people – what their purpose is, where they come from, whether they are malevolent or not… but are they ghosts, or something else entirely? (Are Shadow People Considered Ghosts?) *** A Reddit user shares his true story of hiking in the wilderness and suddenly being tracked and hunted over several days by a stranger with unknown intentions. (A Strange Man Hunted Me Through The Park) *** Within the walls of one of England's most picturesque castles, a queen gave birth to her only child and set in motion a chain of events that would become one of Tudor England's most intriguing mysteries. (The Unexplained Disappearance of the Queen's Daughter)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:01:28.939 = Show Open00:03:41.187 = What Is The Starchild?00:22:20.388 = *** The Hanged Man00:30:05.929 = A Strange Man Hunted Me Through The Dark00:35:03.546 = *** The Unexplainable Disappearance of the Queen's Daughter00:47:09.487 = *** Are Shadow People Considered Ghosts?00:56:43.391 = Show Close*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakSOURCES and RESOURCES...“The Hanged Man” by Romeo Vitelli for Providentia: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/32j6zyb7“Are Shadow People Considered Ghosts?” by Jacob Shelton for Ranker's Graveyard Shift: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/uej2nyca“A Strange Man Hunted Me Through The Park” by Redditor u/ValyrianJedi: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/436p34t7“The Unexplained Disappearance of the Queen's Daughter” by Lydia Starbuck for Royal Central:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bfhkxthc“What Is The Starchild?” by Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell, posted at Anomalien: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ewccfd5c, and from StarChildProject.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/wb8daydd=====(Over time links 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= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: April 12, 2021EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/starchildABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#StarchildSkull #AncientMystery #UnexplainedMysteries #AlienHybrid #MexicanMine #AncientDNA #ParanormalMystery #ArchaeologicalMystery #UnsolvedMysteries #WeirdDarkness

Most of us think Advent means calendars, chocolate, and switching on the Christmas playlist… But for our medieval and Tudor ancestors, Advent meant something completely different. Welcome to Day 1 of my Tudor Christmas Advent series! Today we're stepping into the medieval and Tudor world to explore what Advent really meant, and how it prepared people for the true Christmas feast that didn't begin until 25 December. In this episode, I cover: - Why Advent was more like a mini-Lent — a season of fasting and restraint - Why Christmas Eve was the strictest fasting day of all - How the Church shaped December as a time of preparation, not celebration - The older midwinter traditions behind the season - Why a Tudor walking into our modern homes would think we'd started Christmas FAR too early - How Advent set the stage for the Twelve Days of Christmas, with all their feasting, revelry and topsy-turvy fun For the Tudors, Advent wasn't about treats, it was about waiting. Join me every day as we journey through Tudor Advent and Christmas, exploring St Nicholas and the Boy Bishop, Tudor food and drink, wassailing, mumming, the Lord of Misrule and much more. Do you mark Advent in any special way? Let me know in the comments! If you'd like to walk through a full Tudor Christmas with me, don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for tomorrow's instalment. #TudorHistory #TudorChristmas #Advent #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #MedievalChristmas #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #HistoryNerd #BritishHistory #TudorTok #ChristmasHistory

Today we're looking at the closest thing Tudor England had to newspapers: the crime pamphlets that reported real murders, scandals, and witchcraft cases in the sixteenth century. We'll dig into the 1573 killing of George Saunders, the 1592 murder of John Brewen, and a witchcraft case printed that same year, and explore how these pamphlets shaped public ideas about justice long before regular news existed.Yuletide with the Tudors is starting on Monday! Don't forget to add some festive history to your season!https://www.englandcast.com/yuletide-with-the-tudors/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this session from Tudorcon 2025 Sarah Pixley Papandrea from Agecroft Hall breaks down the real twelve-day Christmas season of Tudor England, from mumming and wassailing to role-reversal games, feast days, and the Lord of Misrule. It's a lively look at the traditions that shaped winter celebrations across the Tudor world.Yuletide with the Tudors begins Monday, December 1. It's my digital advent experience running through Twelfth Night, with daily stories and activities exploring these same festive customs. Join at the link in the show notes.https://www.englandcast.com/yuletide-with-the-tudors/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The de la Pole family were one of the great noble houses of Tudor England, who awkwardly possessed a big dollop of York royal blood, tracing direct descent from Elizabeth of York, a sister of Kings Edward IV and Richard III. It was the de la Pole family whom Richard III intended to be his successors, and would in turn become figureheads of rebellion against the Tudors. Today, I am pleased to welcome historian and author Richard Anderton, onto the podcast, for a discussion based on his latest book, The Last Yorkists, Edmund and Richard de la Pole. We discuss these two brothers lives, early days, their connections to the other noble houses, their roles in rebellion against the Tudors and of course, how this would, inevitably, lead to their destruction.

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – Bloody Mary and the Virgin Queen shape Tudor England through fear, religious coercion, and absolute authority. Though divided by faith, both queens enforce conformity through imprisonment, execution, and law. Their shared legacy of civil and religious tyranny helps drive dissenters, including the Pilgrims, toward exile in search of freedom...

In this episode, we explore the life of Jane Lumley, a Tudor noblewoman whose translations made her one of the earliest female scholars in English literature. Through her, we trace the intertwined stories of the FitzAlan and Lumley families, the politics that shaped their world, and the remarkable library that preserved her work. From Nonsuch to the Lumley Chapel at Cheam, her life offers a rare window into the quieter, book-filled side of Tudor England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not every Tudor courtier met a grisly end... Some outlived the danger, and shaped history doing so. On this day in 1542, Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex, died quietly after a life of high-stakes politics, military glory, and fierce loyalty to Henry VIII. From disgraced heir to trusted royal insider, Radcliffe navigated the Reformation, royal marriages, rebellions, and thrived. Join me for a fascinating look at a noble who helped make Tudor England, and lived to tell the tale. Watch, like & subscribe for more Tudor insights. Comment below: what surprised you most about Robert Radcliffe's career, his military service, his marital alliances, or his role under Henry VIII?   #RobertRadcliffe #EarlOfSussex #TudorNobility #Dissolution #PilgrimageOfGrace #GreatMatter #LordGreatChamberlain

Small groups of crypto-Jews are known to have made their way to England. We know the names and occasionally the stories of some. But no one had a greater impact on England's history or on Queen Elizabeth I, than Roger Lopez: Physician, Double Agent, Diplomat & Court Jew.   Jews were News even during the period of their supposed forced absence.   And what is the real story behind Henry VIII's set of Talmud?   Chapters 00:00:00 Doctor Lopez and the Earl of Leicester 00:00:26 Podcast Introduction and Listener Letter  00:36:32 Rodrigo Lopez: Early Life and Arrival in England  00:05:10 Lopez's Rise and Role at Court  00:08:14 Espionage and the Don Antonio Affair  00:09:41 Jewish Community as Diplomatic Asset  00:11:02 International Intrigue and Spanish Spies  00:13:39 The Spanish Armada and Aftermath  00:15:22 Lopez's Espionage and Double Agency  00:16:40 The Andrada Case and Rising Suspicion 00:19:12 Arrest and Trial of Lopez  00:21:52 Charges, Confession, and Execution  00:24:35 Was Lopez Guilty? 00:27:08 Lopez's Legacy and Impact on Literature  00:30:44 Jewish Life in England: 1300s–1400s  00:32:50 Conversos and Marranos in Tudor England  00:36:32 Risks and Persecution of Marranos  00:38:42 Elizabethan Era and Secret Jewish Life  00:40:35 Religious Practice and Open Jews 00:43:10 Persistence of Jewish Identity 00:45:12 The Talmud in England: The Henry VIII Legend  00:48:35 Conclusion and Next Series Teaser     

Free speech is today more contested than ever before. In many places, differing views about politics, sex, and religion are suppressed and punished. In the West, debates rage over its limits and meaning. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Fara Dabhoiwala to trace the roots of this conflict back to the 18th century, when America embraced the First Amendment, while most of the world adopted a different principle: rights balanced by responsibilities. Together Suzannah and Fara explore the surprising and often troubling origins of free speech, from medieval punishments for slander and Henry VIII's treason laws to the American Revolution's selective embrace of liberty.MORE:17th and 18th Century Sexual RevolutionListen on AppleListen on SpotifySinging the News in Tudor EnglandListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is 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.

On this day in history, 25 November 1467, Thomas Dacre was born; a man who rose from the turbulent Anglo-Scottish border to become one of Tudor England's most influential northern magnates. Soldier, strategist, landowner, and power-broker… his story is far richer than the brief mentions he usually gets in the history books. From a dramatic marriage to a pivotal role in one of Henry VIII's greatest military moments, Dacre helped shape politics and warfare far from the royal court. Join me as I explore the life of a man who deserves far more attention than he gets. If you enjoy deep dives into lesser-known Tudor figures, don't forget to subscribe and ring the bell. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ThomasDacre #BattleOfFlodden #Tudors #HenryVIII #BritishHistory #HistoryYouTube #TudorEngland

In 1921, builders in the quiet Essex village of St Osyth unearthed a chilling sight: Two female skeletons. Buried deliberately. With iron rivets hammered into their knees and elbows - a brutal, centuries-old method used to stop a witch from rising from the grave. For a hundred years, villagers have whispered the same names: Ursula Kemp. Elizabeth Bennet. Two women hanged for witchcraft in 1582. But who were they really? In this episode of my Tudor True Crime series, I uncover the dark world behind the St Osyth witch trials, a story of neighbourly grudges, grief, superstition, and a magistrate hungry for fame. You'll discover: How a fallen-out friendship sparked a chain of accusations Why Ursula Kemp was both a healer… and feared How an eight-year-old boy was persuaded to testify against his mother The terrifying role of magistrate Brian Darcy, who wanted a sensational trial What really happened at the Chelmsford Assizes Why two women ended up at the gallows And whether the skeletons found in 1921 really belonged to them… This is not just a witchcraft story, it's a story about fear, power, and the dangerous consequences of a single accusation in Tudor England. If you'd like to explore more Tudor witch trials and the wider Essex witch-hunt, I've added related videos below. • The Essex Witches - https://youtu.be/hpmkvJyc6x8 • The Tudor Witch-hunter - https://youtu.be/E7fbjYHVeGU • Witchcraft in Tudor Times - https://youtu.be/4XqRVOnsvps If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor true crime, superstition, and the stories that get left in the dark, please like, subscribe, and ring the bell. Because Tudor history isn't just kings and queens… It's the shadows too.   #TudorHistory #TrueCrime #WitchTrials #EssexWitches #StOsyth #UrsulaKemp #ElizabethBennet #DarkHistory #HistoryMystery #WitchcraftHistory #TudorTrueCrime #TheAnneBoleynFiles

How England Celebrated Accession Day Like a National Holiday   Every year on 17th November, England erupted in bells, bonfires, and jousting tournaments, all to celebrate Queen Elizabeth I's Accession Day. It wasn't just royal pageantry,  it was faith, theatre, and politics rolled into one. Knights broke lances before the Queen, the people burned effigies of the Pope, and Elizabeth became “England's Deborah,” the saviour of Protestant England. Discover how one day in 1558 became the biggest celebration in Tudor England, and how it lived on for centuries after the Virgin Queen's death. Listen now to uncover the story behind England's greatest royal festival. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #AccessionDay #Gloriana #TudorEngland #History

A lively, irreverent romp through the history of the codpiece – that flamboyant flap of cloth that began as a modesty patch and ended up as the Renaissance's most outrageous brag. From its humble medieval origins to its glorious, padded, jewel-encrusted heyday under Henry VIII, the piece traces how the codpiece became both fashion and farce, weapon and wink. Stuffed with anecdotes, double entendres, and a dash of scandal, it explores how this unlikely garment strutted its way through art, politics, and amour before quietly retreating from the stage. A story of swagger, status, and sheer nerve – proof that in Tudor England, size really did matter.

Today we're looking at what a “passport” meant in Tudor England. There were no little booklets, but anyone leaving the kingdom needed royal permission in the form of licences and safe-conducts. Let's do a quick dive into how these documents worked and why the Privy Council watched foreign travel so closely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The other day we looked at the nobility and what they did - today, a look at the gentry, the thousands of families who handled the everyday work of running the kingdom. From managing estates to serving as Justices of the Peace, they kept local government functioning while pursuing their own ambitions. It's a quick tour of the people who made Tudor England operate behind the scenes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An aspect of Tudor history seldom discussed or, perhaps more accurately, all but ignored, is the role black people living and working in England across the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, to unpick the stories of some of Tudor England's African population, I am pleased to welcome Dr Miranda Kaufmann onto the podcast for a discussion based around her book, Black Tudors, The Untold Story. We look at the stories of several figures from the time, including John Blanke, a black trumpeter for whom a contemporary image exists, to Diego the Circumnavigator, who helped Sir Francis Drake explore the globe, to Cattelena of Almondsbury, who livid in the Tudor countryside and made her way in the world owing to her most prized possession, a cow!

The Blounts of Mountjoy were everywhere in Tudor England, from Bessie Blount, Henry VIII's mistress and mother of his only acknowledged son, to Charles Blount, Elizabeth I's trusted commander and scandalous lover of Penelope Rich. This episode looks at how one family quietly threaded through a century of royal power, war, and intrigue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what a Tudor duke actually did all day? In this minicast, we dig into the real jobs of England's nobles, landlords, courtiers, commanders, and sometimes survivors of royal politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this day in Tudor history, 4th November 1551, theologian, royal chaplain, and scholar John Redman, the first Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, died of consumption. Redman was one of Tudor England's most brilliant and balanced minds, a man who sought to reconcile faith, scholarship, and conscience in an age of division. Serving both Henry VIII and Edward VI, he defended traditional Catholic ideas while embracing elements of reform, earning respect from both sides of the religious divide. In this video, I explore the remarkable life of John Redman - from his early days at Oxford and Cambridge to his roles as Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, royal chaplain, and architect of Tudor theology. Discover how he helped shape the Edwardian Prayer Book, advised the crown on religion, and tried to hold England's faith together during one of its most turbulent transformations. On This Day in Tudor History brings forgotten Tudor figures back to life. Subscribe and ring the bell for daily stories from the world of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and the people who shaped their age. #TudorHistory #JohnRedman #TrinityCollege #Cambridge #Reformation #HenryVIII #EdwardVI #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes Tudor historian and author Dr. Joanne Paul to dissect the life and legacy of the enigmatic Thomas More. As they navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor England, they delve into the myths and misconceptions surrounding this controversial figure, aiming to separate fact from fiction. Episode Highlights:- The Man Behind the Myths: Joanne shares her journey into the world of Thomas More, shedding light on his complex character and the historical context that shaped him.- The Pope and the People: Discover the truth behind the popular belief that More died in defence of the Pope, as Joanne reveals his nuanced views on authority and governance.- Martyr or Tyrant?: The discussion explores the reasons behind More's execution, questioning whether it was a matter of conscience or political necessity.- Family Man: Joanne highlights More's role as a devoted family man, challenging the notion that his personal life was overshadowed by his political ambitions.- Ideological Legacy: The episode examines how various ideologies have co-opted More's image, from communism to conservatism, and what this says about our interpretations of history.- Debunking the Torture Chamber: Joanne confronts the myth that More had a torture chamber, providing a more accurate portrayal of his actions and beliefs regarding heretics.Join us for a riveting conversation that not only unravels the complexities of Thomas More but also prompts us to reflect on the nature of power, authority, and individual conscience in turbulent times. Dr. Joanne Paul's new book, Thomas More: A Life and Death in Tudor England, is available now, and you can find a link to purchase it in the show notes.Buy the Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008370740 Connect with Dr. Joanne Paul:- Follow her on X: @joanne_paul_- Follow her on Instagram: @drjoannepaul Support History Rage:If you're enjoying the show, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Instagram: @historyrage Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd November 1568, a remarkable mind was lost to the world of learning. Nicholas Carr, physician, classical scholar, and Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge, died after a lifetime devoted to scholarship and teaching. Though his name is rarely remembered today, Carr stood among the generation of Tudor humanists who kept the flame of classical learning burning, following in the footsteps of John Cheke and Roger Ascham, and ensuring that Greek studies remained central to England's universities during the Reformation. In this video, I explore Carr's fascinating life, from his early education under Nicholas Ridley to his fellowship at Trinity College, his writings on learning and reform, and his later work as a physician supporting his family in turbulent times. Carr's quiet legacy reminds us that not all Tudor influence was forged in courtly intrigue. Love discovering the overlooked figures of Tudor England? Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more daily Tudor stories, and find out more about my forthcoming event, The Other Tudors: The Forgotten Figures Who Shaped a Dynasty: https://claireridgway.com/events/the-other-tudors-the-forgotten-figures-who-shaped-a-dynasty/ #TudorHistory #NicholasCarr #Cambridge #Humanism #TudorScholar #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

Forget pumpkins and plastic skeletons, in Tudor England, Halloween was sacred.   On 31st October, All Hallows' Eve marked the start of Hallowtide, a three-day festival blending pagan Samhain customs with Christian devotion: - All Hallows' Eve (Halloween) – ringing bells, lighting bonfires, wearing masks to ward off spirits, and “souling” for cakes to pray for the dead. - All Saints' Day (1 November) – honouring every saint and martyr in heaven. - All Souls' Day (2 November) – remembering all the departed, especially those in Purgatory. In this episode, I step back into Tudor England to uncover: - The origins of apple bobbing and “Nutcrack Night” - How souling became the forerunner of trick-or-treating - Why Hallowtide was both festive and deeply spiritual, a time to bridge the worlds of the living and the dead So if you've ever wondered what Halloween meant before horror films and sweets, this is the story of how the Tudors honoured the dead, celebrated life, and kept the darkness at bay. #Halloween #TudorHistory #HalloweenHistory #Hallowtide #OnThisDay #AllHallowsEve #AllSaintsDay #AllSoulsDay #AnneBoleynFiles

In this episode Natalie Grueninger interviews Dr Elizabeth Goldring about her new biography 'Holbein: Renaissance Master'. They trace Hans Holbein's journey from Augsburg and Basel to Tudor England, his key patrons including Erasmus and Thomas More, his role at Henry VIII's court, and his lasting impact on portraiture and Tudor culture. The conversation also highlights archival discoveries, Holbein's workshop practices, the Greenwich revels, and the painter's remarkable ability to adapt politically and artistically through changing times. Learn more about Dr Goldring https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/ren/centrestaff/elizabethgoldring/ The Tudor Heart Appeal https://www.britishmuseum.org/tudor-heart-appeal Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!  

He was handsome, charming, and one of Henry VIII's most trusted courtiers, until he fell from grace with Queen Catherine Howard. But whispers survive of a darker story: an accusation of violence, a royal pardon, and a crime that seemed to vanish from the record. Was Thomas Culpeper guilty of a shocking offence, and did Henry VIII himself protect him from justice?   Or was this just dangerous Tudor gossip, muddled by the existence of two Thomas Culpepers at court? Join me as I investigate one of Tudor England's most disturbing mysteries — where power, privilege, and silence could decide a man's fate.   Sources: - Letter from Richard Hilles to Heinrich Bullinger, Original letters relative to the English Reformation: written during the reigns of King Henry VIII, King Edward VI and Queen Mary, chiefly from the archives of Zurich, ed. Rev. Hastings Robinson, https://archive.org/details/originallettersr01robiuoft/page/226/mode/2up? - New Insight on the Accusation Against Thomas Culpeper, Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, Jonathan McGovern, Notes and Queries, gjaf112, https://doi.org/10.1093/notesj/gjaf112Published: 17 October 2025. - "Katherine Howard: The Tragic Story of Henry VIII's Fifth Queen" by Josephine Wilkinson - "Young and Damned and Fair" by Gareth Russell - “Catherine Howard: The Queen whose adulteries made a fool of Henry VIII” by Lacey Baldwin Smith

Most people know Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Cromwell, but not the man who kept their orders moving, their money counted, and their papers straight. John Uvedale (or Woodall) royal service took him from Henry VII to Edward VI, and he even held the title of secretary to Queen Anne Boleyn. He worked the border wars, the Council of the North, and the quiet engine room of Tudor power: the Exchequer. On this day in Tudor history, 20 October 1549, he died after nearly fifty years of service. Discover the world of Tudor clerks, paymasters, and fixers, the men who kept things running smoothly behind the scenes of Tudor government. #OnThisDay #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #EdwardVI #TudorHistory #JohnUvdeale #Cromwell #CouncilOfTheNorth #TudorBureaucracy #HiddenTudors

Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Dr Tabitha Stanmore about cunning folk in Tudor and early modern England — the everyday practitioners of practical magic who offered healing, fortune-telling, love spells and buried-treasure rituals. They discuss how cunning folk differed from accused witches, the rituals and sources used to study them, surprising historical cases, and the Seven-County Witch Hunt Project that uncovers the lives behind wartime witchcraft accusations. Visit Dr Stanmore's official website https://www.tabithastanmore.co.uk/ SEVEN COUNTY WITCH HUNT PROJECT https://medium.com/@Witches7Hunt TUDOR TAKEAWAY 'Mother Bombie' by John Lyly Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon

On 13 October 1549, Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, the man who had ruled England as Lord Protector for young Edward VI, lost it all. By the next day, he was in the Tower. How did the most powerful man in Tudor England fall so fast? In this episode, I uncover the character flaws, bad decisions, and political missteps that doomed Somerset's rule. He was a soldier, reformer, and visionary, but also proud, volatile, and deaf to counsel. Discover: - The letter that warned Somerset he was heading for disaster - How anger and obstinacy turned allies into enemies - Why his leadership failed both at home and abroad - And how ambition finally led him to the scaffold in 1552 Was Somerset a well-meaning reformer crushed by politics, or an arrogant ruler who couldn't share power? Tell me what you think in the comments. #TudorHistory #EdwardSeymour #DukeOfSomerset #EdwardVI #HenryVIII #Reformation #TudorDrama #OnThisDay #HistoryTok #BritishHistory

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

Direct descendants of the Plantagenets were once at the very heart of Tudor politics, yet their story is often overlooked. From Margaret Pole, niece of Edward IV and Richard III, to her son Cardinal Reginald Pole, the family's fortunes mirrored the turbulent shift from Plantagenet to Tudor rule.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Adam Pennington to uncover the dynasty's dramatic journey from survival after the Wars of the Roses to Margaret Pole's shocking execution in the Tower of London.More:Henry VIII's Nemesis, Cardinal PoleHenry VII: Rise of the Medieval TudorsPresented 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 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tudor England was full of dangers, and some deaths were downright bizarre. From accidents with oxen and brewing vats to poisoned mushrooms and infamous executions, these unusual stories reveal the strange and unpredictable side of Tudor life.Order or preorder the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Ways-Die-Tudor-Ages/dp/1036108732/Tudorcon From Home tickets here: https://www.englandcast.com/TudorconFromHome Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

In Tudor England, time was shifting from the rhythms of the sun and church bells to the tick of mechanical clocks. This episode explores how the Tudors measured their days, from sundials and cathedral clocks to Anne Boleyn's gilt-bronze timepiece and Henry VIII's spectacular astronomical clock at Hampton Court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's autumn, and the spider webs are everywhere. But in Tudor England, spiders weren't just pests. They carried layers of meaning: omens of luck, remedies for illness, and even ties to witchcraft. In this minicast, we'll look at how Tudors thought about spiders, their place in folklore and medicine, and why these creepy crawlies are still tied to Halloween today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Howard family rose from Bosworth's ashes to become one of the most powerful dynasties of Tudor England, producing queens, poets, and traitors. In this episode, we trace their rise at Flodden, their heights under Anne and Catherine Howard, their dramatic falls under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and their survival into the Stuart age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When did people first start eating out in England, and how did the Reformation play a role? This episode traces the rise of taverns, cook shops, and ordinaries in medieval and Tudor England, from the first tablecloths in Westminster to the explosion of alehouses after the monasteries closed. Discover how eating out shifted from charity to commerce, and why it mattered for more than just food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not every Tudor marriage ended in disaster. In this episode, we look at the rare good guys of Tudor England: from William Cecil's partnership with Mildred Cooke to Thomas More educating his daughters, Gilbert Talbot's affectionate letters, and Philip Sidney's romantic poetry. Even in the sixteenth century, some women didn't have to settle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, outlasted Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I. a feat few could match in Tudor England. In this episode, we trace how he survived plots, imprisonment, and shifting regimes to die in power instead of on the scaffold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.