The Tudor History & Travel Show

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast episode, recorded at Chirk Castle, which stands on a hill overlooking the Ceiriog Valley, above the meeting point of the Rivers Dee and Ceiriog near the English border in north-east Wales. Built between 1295 and 1310 on the orders of James of Saint George for Edward I, Chirk formed part of Edward's chain of castles designed to secure...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast episode, recorded at Raglan Castle in Wales. Unlike many earlier Welsh castles built primarily for war, Raglan was designed as both a fortress and a luxurious residence. Its distinctive polygonal towers, grand gatehouse, and moated Great Tower ("Yellow Tower") make it architecturally unique. Particularly interesting to Tudor enthusias...

In this episode of  The Tudor History And Travel Show , we travel to the Tower of London, whose ancient walls imprisoned some legendary inmates, including perhaps the most famous of all, Queen Anne Boleyn. Joined by Assistant Buildings Curator, Alfred Hawkins, we explore some of the well-known, and much less well-known, nooks and crannies of this notorious fortress/palace and prison.   This episod...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast episode, recorded at Tenby and Mill Bay. This is the second podcast episode of our two-part series, as we travel to the rugged coast of Pembrokeshire to explore the Welsh beginnings of the man who would become Henry VII. Long before the Battle of Bosworth and the founding of the Tudor dynasty, Henry’s story began in the castles, towns...

In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show , we travel to the Cotswolds. An area made rich by its wool trade in the medieval times, wool merchants would often fund the construction and renovation of churches in their communities as a way to display their wealth and status. The churches became known as "wool churches."   Joined by our guide, Dr Samantha Harper, we take a tour around two...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast episode, as Sarah travels to Norwich in Norfolk to go on the trail of Elizabeth I, as she arrives at the city during the pinnacle of her 1578 progress. Our expert guide in this episode is historian, Aidan Norrie, whose special interest is in Elizabeth, her iconography and Elizabethan pageants. This episode features exclusive material...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast episode, recorded at Lamphey Palace and Pembroke Castle. This is the first podcast episode of our two-part series, as we travel to the rugged coast of Pembrokeshire to explore the Welsh beginnings of the man who would become Henry VII. Long before the Battle of Bosworth and the founding of the Tudor dynasty, Henry’s story began in the...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast episode, recorded at Peterborough Cathedral in Cambridgeshire. The final episode in my three-part series to commemorate Katherine of Aragon, we discover beautiful Peterborough Cathedral, the site of Katherine's grave. Katherine is remembered there not just as Henry VIII’s discarded wife, but as a dignified, resilient woman who stood b...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this episode, recorded at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire.  We discover this incredible building - a former medieval stronghold that became Katherine of Aragon's final residence. Stripped of her title, separated from her daughter, Mary, and pressured to accept the annulment of her marriage, Katherine lived under strict supervision at Kimbolton and it was h...

Here i s a show notes page accompanying this episode, recorded at Buckden Towers, formerly known as Buckden Palace. This medieval fortified house and bishop's palace is most famous for its association with Queen Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife. After Katherine refused to accept the annulment of her marriage and the title of Dowager Princess of Wales, she was moved between several resi...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this  episode, recorded at Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire.  A highlight on any Tudor time traveller’s itinerary, Little Moreton Hall is a picture-postcard building - a charming, delightfully crooked, timber-framed black-and-white building encircled by a narrow moat. Construction of the present hall began in 1505 by William Moreton, during the closing years o...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this episode, recorded at Hoghton Tower in Lancashire, originally constructed in the 1560s–70s, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, by Thomas Hoghton. Built on a commanding hill with panoramic views over the Ribble Valley, the building combines defensive medieval architecture with the grace and symmetry typical of the Tudor Renaissance style.    If you wan...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this  episode, recorded in Norwich. We step back in time for a walking tour through the heart of Norwich, one of England’s most historic and fascinating Tudor cities. As we wander through its winding lanes and past half-timbered buildings, we’ll uncover the hidden gems and remarkable landmarks that shaped the city during the sixteenth century.   If you want t...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this  episode, recorded at Haddon Hall. N o ordinary house, Haddon stands as one of the oldest and most evocative residences in England. Untouched for nearly two centuries, Haddon was left to slumber, unmodernised, unspoiled. And because of that, stepping inside today is like walking straight into the Tudor world.   If you want to keep up to date with all the...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this  episode, recorded at one of the most evocative Tudor sites: Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. A place intimately connected with the childhood of Queen Elizabeth I, join me, as we walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth and uncover the layers of history here at Hatfield.   In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date with all the  Tudor Travel Guide's  adve...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this   special commemorative episode from Blickling Hall , as we mark the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s execution on May 19  1536. Often believed to be her birthplace, Blickling offers a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to reflect on Anne’s dramatic life, legacy, and tragic end.   In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date with all the  Tudor Travel Guide's...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast from Worcester Cathedral. To commemorate the anniversary of the premature death of Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, I have recorded a two-part podcast series. In this episode, Part II, I follow the story of Arthur's body’s transfer to Worcester Cathedral for burial.    In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date with all the  Tudor...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast from Ludlow Castle. To commemorate the anniversary of the premature death of Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, I have recorded a two-part podcast series. In this episode, Part I, I follow the story of Arthur's time at Ludlow, and his precipitous and untimely death there in April 1502.    In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date wi...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast from Hellens Manor. Nestled in the village of Much Marcle, Herefordshire, Hellens is one of England’s oldest historic homes, with roots stretching back to 1057. With its rich history, fascinating artefacts and centuries of intriguing stories, Hellens is a true hidden gem. In this episode, I take you inside this remarkable manor to unc...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast from Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire. Visited by Henry VII and Henry VIII and Catherine Howard in 1541, Rockingham Castle was once held by the crown. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the late eleventh century as a motte-and-bailey castle, it was later who transformed into a grand Tudor mansion in 1544. Shifting from...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast from Leicestershire in the Midlands to visit two sites: Groby Old Hall and Bradgate Park. Bradgate Park was part of the Manor of Groby and came under the ownership of the Ferrers family in the thirteenth century. It later passed to the Grey family, and Bradgate Park was the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey, the "Nine Days' Queen" of E...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast from the Beauchamp Chapel, part of St. Mary’s Church in Warwick. This exquisite chapel, built in the fifteenth century, was commissioned by Richard Beauchamp, the 13th Earl of Warwick. It contains the effigial monuments of Richard de Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick; Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick; and Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of L...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast Hedingham Castle, a remarkably well-preserved example of Norman architecture. Its imposing stone keep dates back to the early twelfth century and was built by Aubrey de Vere, a prominent Norman baron and the first Earl of Oxford. The de Vere family, one of the most powerful noble houses in medieval England, maintained ownership of the...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast at Pitchford Hall.  One of England’s finest examples of a half-timbered Elizabethan house, it is a real survivor, having passed through periods of prosperity and decline. Its current owners have been working tirelessly to restore the property to its former glory. Now a private residence, Pitchford Hall opens its doors for select event...

Here is a show notes page accompanying this on-location podcast at Layer Marney Tower in Essex, England. The eight-storey gatehouse is a towering structure and the tallest of its kind in Britain, standing at over 80 feet (24 meters). It is made of the classic red brick of the Tudor period, combined with intricate terracotta decorations, grand doorways, and large windows. Inside, fine wood panellin...