Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back my longtime friend and the ever-insightful historian, Leanda de Lisle. Together, we explore how faith shaped the Tudor dynasty, from Henry VIII’s seismic religious upheaval to Elizabeth I’s reign and the unifying vision of James I. Leanda's books Website: https://www.leandadelisle.com/about/ -- Looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to Patreon !...

In this episode, I’m diving into all things Seymour! I’ll explore the origins of the Seymour family, the history of their famous estate, Wolf Hall, and the powerful (and sometimes rocky) relationships they had with Queens Mary I and Elizabeth I. We’ll also take a closer look at Anne Stanhope, the formidable Duchess of Somerset, and her role in the family's legacy. And, of course, I’ll tackle o...

Explore the lives of Empress Sisi of Austria and Queen Min of Korea—two powerful women who defied tradition, navigated political intrigue, and fought for their nations' futures, only to meet tragic ends. -- Narrated by: Rebecca Larson Researched by: Emily Airey

In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Helene Harrison to discuss her book Elizabethan Rebellions . We explore how every major rebellion in Elizabeth I’s reign can be traced back to one pivotal moment—Mary, Queen of Scots fleeing to England. From the Northern Rebellion to the Babington Plot, we unravel how Mary’s presence became a catalyst for unrest and examine how these uprisings fi...

**Join us for a LIVE chat on Sunday, March 2 3rd (10am CDT/11am EDT/3pm GMT) on Zoom using passcode: 878586 Recent news suggests that the Wrest Park portrait may depict none other than Lady Jane Grey. In today’s episode, I’m joined by art historian Melanie Taylor and historian and author Sylvia Barbara Soberton to explore the evidence. Who is the true sitter—Jane Grey or someone else? Let’s find o...

Artemisia Gentileschi and Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun were two trailblazing women who defied societal expectations to make their mark in the art world. Artemisia, a Baroque master, channeled personal struggle into her dramatic, emotionally charged works. At the same time, Élisabeth became one of the most sought-after portraitists of the 18th century, best known for her depictions of Marie-Antoinette. T...

Catherine of Braganza, Charles II’s Portuguese queen, faced political turmoil, religious strife, and a scandalous court—yet her influence endured. In this episode, historian Susan Abernethy  joins me to discuss her book on Catherine’s remarkable life, from royal duty to lasting legacy. Don’t miss this fascinating look at a queen who shaped England in unexpected ways! Book: Charles II's Portugu...

It's Women's History Month, and Dr. Emma joins me to explore the remarkable women of the Spanish monarchy. Get ready to dive into the stories of Katherine of Aragon (#KatherineofSpain), her mother, and her sisters. Should we be calling her Katherine of Spain instead of Katherine of Aragon? Was she secretly a spy? And which of the Trastámara sisters left behind the most powerful legacy? Tune in for...

Ada Lovelace and Florence Nightingale came from different worlds but shared a determination to defy expectations and change history. Ada, the visionary mathematician, laid the groundwork for modern computing, while Florence revolutionized healthcare and nursing. In this episode, we explore their groundbreaking achievements, the obstacles they overcame, and the lasting impact they left on technolog...

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Adam Pennington to the show to discuss his new book, Henry VII and the Plantagenet Poles.  We dive into the fascinating story of Margaret Pole and her children, exploring the threat they posed to Henry VIII and his ruthless response. Our conversation also delves into Henry’s efforts to have Reginald Pole silenced. As direct descendants of George, Duke of Clarence...

Today, I'm joined by the wonderful Carol-Ann Johnston for a fascinating discussion about Jane Seymour and her family. As you know, I have a soft spot for the Seymours, so this episode was an absolute delight to record. I hope you enjoy it! Book: Jane Seymour: An Illustrated Life -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Carol-Ann Johnston

In honor of Women's History Month, today, I am airing a rerun episode where Dr. Nikki Clark joins me to discuss the ladies who served the Tudor queens. This fascinating topic attracts much interest, and we delve into everything from who these women were to how they were appointed and what roles they played. ⁠ The Waiting Game: The Untold Story of the Women Who Served the Tudor Queens ⁠ -- Credits:...

The wonderful Brigitte Webster returns to share her expertise on Tudor dining and cuisine! Did you know that in London, some people had homes without kitchens? In this episode, Brigitte reveals how and where they ate, along with fascinating insights into Tudor food and dining customs. Book: Eating with the Tudors -- Do you prefer a commercial-free experience? Head on over to Patreon ! Love to lear...

The brilliant Sophie Bacchus-Waterman returns to the show to explore the fascinating story of Anne Boleyn's psalter. What exactly was a psalter? Who gave it to Anne? And did she gift it to her mother before her execution? -- Prefer a COMMERCIAL-FREE experience? Head on over to Patreon ! Love to read about the Tudors and other parts of history? Check out my website: https://tudorsdynasty.com

Pauline Bonaparte and Maria Carolina of Naples—two women with power, ambition, and a deep loathing for each other. One, Napoleon’s scandalous sister; the other, a fierce Habsburg queen determined to destroy him. Their clash wasn’t just personal—it was political, shaping the fate of Europe. In this episode, we unravel their intense rivalry, the schemes, the scandals, and the battle for dominance in...

Today, I’m joined by art historian Melanie V. Taylor to explore a fascinating theory—could a long-overlooked miniature actually depict the secret son of Elizabeth I? For centuries, historians have insisted she had no children, but Melanie's research might just challenge everything we thought we knew. Melanie's book: Truth of the Line -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Melanie V. Taylor

A few weeks ago, Dr. Emma took to social media to announce that she believes she has positively identified a Holbein sketch as Anne Boleyn. In this episode, we delve into her groundbreaking discovery and explore the significance of Holbein's work in Tudor history. -- Read articles on the Tudors and beyond: https://tudorsdynasty.com Become a patron or show support for the show: https://patreon....

Mary and Anne Stuart, daughters of James II, played key roles in shaping Britain’s monarchy. Mary and her husband, William of Orange, took the throne in 1689 during the Glorious Revolution, deposing her Catholic father. Anne later became queen in 1702 and oversaw the Act of Union in 1707, uniting England and Scotland. Her death in 1714 ended the Stuart line, ensuring a Protestant succession. -- Na...

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by the incredible Dr. Ellie Woodacre to discuss an exciting project aimed at deepening our understanding of queenship and the resources available to royal women. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss—Dr. Woodacre delves into some truly fascinating topics! https://www.queensresources.org/ https://www.tudorchamberbooks.org/ -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Dr....

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by the brilliant author and historian Amy McElroy to discuss her latest book on Mary Tudor, the sister of Henry VIII and dowager queen of France. Though often overshadowed by her famous brother, Mary was far from a mere figure in the background—she was an active player in her own right, shaping her own destiny in a world dominated by men. ORDER BOOK NOW: Mary Tudor...

Lady Jane Franklin and Lady Hester Stanhope defied 19th-century societal norms with their daring adventures and relentless curiosity. Lady Jane, wife of Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, became legendary for her tireless search for his lost expedition, funding multiple missions and shaping Arctic exploration. Meanwhile, Lady Hester, niece of Prime Minister William Pitt, abandoned English society...

Today, I'm joined by award-winning playwright Melisa Annis and multi-Grammy-nominated songwriter Jamie Floyd to dive into an exciting new Tudor musical you won’t want to miss—plus, get a sneak peek at one of the songs from the show! Tickets to The King's Wife Instagram -- Credits: Host: Rebecca Larson Guests: Melissa Annis & Jamie Floyd

Today I am joined by historian and author Michele Schindler to discuss a rarity - a well-documented woman from history. Today we discuss Alice Chaucer. Book: What is Better Than a Good Woman? -- Become a Patron/Member on Patreon! Read articles on royal history here: https://tudorsdynasty.com -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Michele Schindler

Elisabeth-Charlotte, Duchess of Orléans, was a woman of sharp wit, unflinching honesty, and fierce independence. Married into the French royal family, she navigated the intrigues of Louis XIV’s court while maintaining a prolific correspondence that offers a rare, candid glimpse into 17th-century aristocratic life. In this episode, we explore her turbulent marriage, her fraught relationship with Ma...

*Attention: This episode contains content that may be disturbing to some. Today, I'm joined by historian and author Annie Whitehead to delve into the chilling tales of murder in Anglo-Saxon England. We'll explore the stories, the intrigue, and the gruesome details behind some of the most documented murders of the era. Book: Murder in Anglo-Saxon England: Justice, Wergild, Revenge   -- Host: Rebecc...