Talking Tudors

Host Natalie Grueninger welcomes Ellie Webster to Talking Tudors to explore the life of Mary Shelton: her noble family ties, role at Anne Boleyn’s court, and a brief affair with Henry VIII. The episode focuses on Shelton’s poems and annotations in the Devonshire Manuscript and what they reveal about love, reputation, and women’s voices in the Tudor court. The conversation also examines Shelton’s l...

Host Natalie Grueninger welcomes historian Dr Elizabeth Norton to discuss her new book, 'Women Who Ruled the World', a global history of reigning queens and female heads of state across 5,000 years. The episode explains the difference between queens consort and reigning queens, highlights 15th–16th century examples (including Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Isabel of Castile), and explores c...

Join Natalie Grueninger and Professor Tracy Borman as they explore the dramatic final days of Elizabeth I, the discovery that William Camden’s account was altered to favour James I, and the many rival claimants who might have inherited the Tudor crown. This episode examines the political manoeuvring behind James’s accession, the implications of the altered historical record, and how that shift sha...

Architectural Historian Roberto Prieto-Labrador joins Natalie Grueninger to explore the domestic world of the Tudor middling sort — tradespeople, merchants, and prosperous farmers. They trace architectural changes from medieval open-hall houses to floored, chimneyed homes during the Great Rebuilding, discuss materials, reuse and regional differences, and reveal household practices and apotropaic m...

In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Kate McCaffrey of Hever Castle about a newly unveiled portrait of William Carey, his role at Henry VIII’s court, and his marriage to Mary Boleyn. They discuss the portrait’s provenance and artistic origins, Tudor corridor portraits and genealogy displays, Hever’s wider Tudor collection (including Anne Boleyn’s books of hours),...

Host Natalie Grueninger welcomes historian Helene Harrison to explore how Anne Boleyn crafted her image and how it was reshaped after her death. They discuss Anne’s coronation symbolism, self-fashioning, and efforts by Henry VIII’s court to win public favour. The conversation examines key portraits and artefacts—from the Hever Rose portrait and the Chequers ring to the 1534 medal—and the ongoing d...

Join host Natalie Grueninger in this fascinating episode of Talking Tudors as she welcomes special guest Georgie Anderson, a PhD researcher at the University of Kent. Georgie delves into her intriguing study on race in medieval Europe, focusing on the portrayal of people of colour in chivalric romances from North Atlantic Europe. Discover how Georgie's research challenges modern conceptions of rac...

Join host Natalie Grueninger in this captivating episode of 'Talking Tudors' as she delves into the narratives of Edward Seymour's wives with historian and archaeologist, Rebecca Batley. Discover the mysterious life of Catherine Filliol, the enduring allure of Anne Stanhope, and the complex web of intrigue at the Tudor court. Gain insights into Seymour's rise to power, the enigmatic scandals surro...

Welcome to another riveting episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, we dive deep into the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, exploring his tyrannical rule and its profound impact on those around him. Joined by special guest Jackson van Uden, a historian and political theorist, we dissect the infamous moments of Henry's reign, analyse his personal relationships, and c...

Join Natalie Grueninger on this captivating episode of Talking Tudors as she explores the fascinating life of Isabella of Aragon. Discover how Isabella navigated the treacherous waters of 16th-century politics, transforming from a marginalised duchess into a formidable ruler in her own right. With guest historian Professor Darius von Güttner, delve into Isabella's strategic mind, her courtly innov...

Welcome to a special anniversary episode of Talking Tudors, celebrating seven remarkable years of exploration into the Tudor dynasty's intricate history. Join Natalie Grueninger as she reflects on her podcasting journey, sharing insights and stories from behind the scenes. Discover the origins of her fascination with the Tudors, sparked by a captivating novel in her teens, leading her to become a...

Join host Natalie Grueninger in this captivating episode of Talking Tudors as she welcomes historian Dr. Breeze Barrington. Dive into a riveting discussion about Dr. Barrington's latest book, 'The Graces: The Extraordinary Untold Lives of Women at the Restoration Court.' Discover the fascinating world of Maria of Modena, a young Italian Catholic princess turned resilient queen, and the remarkable...

In this episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger we delve into the fascinating childhoods of the children of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Our guest, Aimee Fleming, a historian and author, shares insights from her new book about the early lives of these Tudor princes and princesses. Discover how their upbringing and education shaped their futures and learn about the personal anec...

Join Natalie Grueninger in this engaging episode of 'Talking Tudors' as she welcomes award-winning writer and director Guy Jenkin to discuss his debut novel, 'Murder Most Foul.' Dive into the fascinating world of 16th century England and unravel the mysterious death of playwright Christopher Marlowe. Jenkin shares insights into the Tudor era's theatre scene, the inspirations behind his novel, and...

Join host Natalie Grueninger in this engaging episode of Talking Tudors, as she welcomes Dr. Joanne Paul, an award-winning historian, to discuss her latest biography of Thomas More. Dive into the complex life of this Tudor figure, exploring his beginnings, political career, religious beliefs, and his nuanced relationship with Henry VIII. This episode provides insights into More's early years, his...

In this captivating episode of Talking Tudors, Natalie Grueninger welcomes historian Dr. Oscar Patton to delve into the fascinating world of the Tudor Chapel Royal. Discover the intricate details of royal worship, ceremonial customs, and the evolution of church music during the tumultuous Tudor period. Dr. Patton, a historian of religious and cultural history, shares insights into the establishmen...

In this compelling episode of 'Talking Tudors,' host Natalie Grueninger delves into the widely misunderstood relationship between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII with guest Dr. Owen Emmerson. This conversation challenges the traditional narrative of Anne as a seductive manipulator holding Henry at bay and instead explores the complex political, religious, and personal motivations that may have defined...

In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger welcomes Dr. Valerie Schutte to delve into the fascinating world of Mary I and her engagement with humanism. Dr. Schutte, an acclaimed historian and author, shares insights into Mary's education, heavily influenced by humanist principles, and discusses the significant role Katherine of Aragon played in shaping her daughter's upbringing. To...

In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger welcomes Professor Tracy Adams to delve into the fascinating world of Anne Boleyn. Together, they explore the traditional narrative surrounding Anne's relationship with Henry VIII, examining historical evidence and love letters that have been central to the Tudor lore. Professor Adams challenges the widely held belief that Anne was a manip...

Join host Natalie Grueninger in an enthralling episode of Talking Tudors as she delves into the early life and heritage of Katherine of Aragon. Discover the captivating history of Katherine's origins, her family's dramatic rise to power in the Iberian Peninsula, and her influential journey to becoming the first wife of Henry VIII. Featuring insights from Heather R. Darcy, an independent researcher...

Join us in this gripping episode of Talking Tudors as we delve into the tumultuous final days of Anne Boleyn, one of the most enigmatic figures of the Tudor court. Hosted by Natalie Grueninger, this in-depth discussion with Dr. Owen Emerson uncovers the intricate web of power plays, political manoeuvres, and personal vendettas that led to Anne's tragic downfall. Explore the key moments that define...

Join us for a captivating episode of Talking Tudors, as host Natalie Grueninger welcomes back historian Heather R. Darsie. Together, they delve into the rich history of the Catholic Church's Jubilee year traditions and explore the intricate process of electing a new pope. Heather shares her insights on the recent events in Rome following the death of Pope Francis, and offers a unique glimpse into...

Join Natalie Grueninger as she delves into the captivating life of James VI/I with historian Gareth Russell. Explore the intricate dynamics of the Stuart court, James's complex personal life, and his impactful reign over Scotland and England. Discover dramatic tales of love, power, and the political chessboard that shaped Britain's first king. This episode offers a glimpse into the vibrant and tum...

Welcome to another captivating episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, Natalie is joined by renowned historian and author Professor Tracy Borman to discuss her latest book, 'Holbein: The Ambassadors.' Together, they delve into the mysteries and historical significance of Hans Holbein's famous painting, "The Ambassadors," created in the pivotal year of 1533. Tracy...

Join our host, Natalie Grueninger, as she invites the insightful Dr. Kavita Mudan Finn to unravel the life of the captivating Elizabeth Woodville. This episode is a fascinating exploration of Elizabeth's ascent from noblewoman to queen, her intriguing familial connections, and the intricate political landscape she navigated. We also touch on the enduring legacy of Katherine of Aragon, with Natalie...