Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Today, I’m joined by the lovely Sylvia Barbara Soberton for a fascinating conversation about Tudor women in portraiture. We explore the stories behind the images—like Margaret Beaufort wearing spectacles (and not always dressed like a nun!) and the hidden message tucked inside Elizabeth I’s Exchequer Ring. I also do my best to show you the portraits as we discuss them! Links to books about Margare...

He was meant to marry her sister, but fate had other plans. In this episode, we uncover the remarkable life of Constance Mozart, the woman history often calls a footnote. Far more than a second choice, she was a devoted wife, mother, musician, and fierce guardian of Mozart’s legacy. Discover the strength, heartbreak, and brilliance of the woman behind the music. -- Are you looking for a commercial...

Dr. Emma and I explore the powerful women who shaped Henry VIII’s world. While history often highlights the men who influenced him, today we turn our attention to the fierce and formidable women who whispered in the ear of a king. -- If you love the show and want exclusive content, commercial-free episodes, and more, head over to ⁠Patreon⁠ ! Love to read about history? Head to my website: ⁠https:/...

In this episode, we explore Tony Riches' Bess – Tudor Gentlewoman , uncovering the life of Bess Throckmorton, a woman who captured Sir Walter Raleigh's heart and played a subtle yet powerful role in the Tudor court. Riches’ book reveals the secrets, ambition, and quiet strength of this fascinating figure in Elizabethan history. Tony's Book on Amazon -- If you love the show and want exc...

Anne Neville’s life was anything but ordinary. Born to the powerful “Kingmaker” Earl of Warwick, she survived exile, two royal marriages, civil war, and the loss of a son—ultimately becoming Queen of England beside Richard III. In this episode, we uncover the remarkable journey of a woman often overlooked in history, yet whose story reveals the quiet strength and resilience required to survive one...

Alejandro Vergara-Sharp’s upcoming book Clara Peeters explores the life and work of the pioneering Flemish still-life painter. As one of the few women artists of her time, Peeters mastered the art of depicting luxurious banquets and subtly included self-portraits in reflective surfaces. This book highlights her role in shaping 17th-century still-life painting and the cultural world of early modern...

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Amy McElroy for a deep dive into the fascinating life of Erasmus of Rotterdam! This conversation was full of unexpected twists—just when I thought I had a handle on his story, another surprise popped up. You won’t want to miss it! *Find Amy's books everywhere, but here is the Amazon link -- Would you prefer a commercial-free episode, early access a...

In this episode, we dive into the dramatic and controversial life of Joan of Kent—daughter of scandal, wife of two men at once, and mother to a future king. Known for her beauty and boldness, Joan defied convention and royal expectation with a secret marriage that nearly brought down the crown. From forbidden love to political power, discover the woman who became England’s "Fair Maid" an...

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back historian and author Helene Harrison for a captivating discussion on the love triangle that changed the course of history—the infamous "Great Matter" involving Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn. Their tangled story sparked a series of events that helped make the Tudors one of the most iconic dynasties in history. Helene's Books on Amazon Tudor Blo...

Today, I'm joined by Shakespeare lecturer and author Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones for a fascinating conversation about one historical figure who has long remained an enigma to me—William Shakespeare. We delve into why Shakespeare remains an enduring icon, what he may have been like in real life, how his writing evolved, the ways his work shaped our understanding of history, his famously sharp insults...

In 1566, Agnes Waterhouse became one of the first woman executed for witchcraft in England. Accused of killing her neighbor with the help of a talking cat named Sathan, her trial marked the beginning of a dark chapter in English history. In this episode, we explore the haunting story of Agnes, the rise of witchcraft laws under Elizabeth I, and how fear, superstition, and gender shaped one of the e...

Dr. Peter Stiffell joins guest host Dr. Emma for a fascinating discussion on the work of Anthonis Mor at the court of Queen Mary I. Together, they explore the rich symbolism in his portraits and compare them to other images produced in his workshop. -- Are you looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to my Patreon page ! Love to Read? Check out my website which is full of articles to re...

Today, I’m joined by the wonderful Alison Weir to dive into the fascinating life of Thomas Wolsey. If you’ve ever thought Wolsey was boring, this episode will change your mind! Alison and I explore the twists and turns of his life, her research process, and share a lively conversation about all things Tudor. Find The Cardinal on Amazon -- Are you looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over...

Separated by centuries but united by boldness, Empress Theodora and Lola Montez shattered societal expectations to transform scandal into power. In this episode, we explore how each woman defied the odds, using wit, ambition, and sheer will to rise above the roles society tried to force upon them. Their stories remind us that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest influence. --...

Today, I’m joined by trained midwife and author Brigitte Barnard for a fascinating deep dive into pregnancy and childbirth in Tudor England. We’ll explore the realities faced by women of the time—and you won’t want to miss Brigitte’s theory on what really caused Jane Seymour’s death. Spoiler: it’s not childbed fever! Find book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tudor-Queens-Midwife-Book/dp/B0DS6Y2W...

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Sharon Bennett Connolly as we turn our attention to the often-overlooked daughters of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II of England. While their sons have long dominated the spotlight, it’s high time we gave their remarkable daughters the recognition they deserve! Sharon's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B072156Z8V?ccs_...

Today, we dive into the extraordinary life of John Dee — mathematician, astrologer, alchemist, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. A true Renaissance polymath, Dee’s mind spanned the scientific and the mystical, from celestial navigation to conversations with angels. But was he a genius ahead of his time or a man lost in the shadowy spaces between science and magic? Tune in as we explore the enigmat...

Today, Dr. Jemma Field returns to join Dr. Emma and me for a fascinating discussion about Anna of Denmark—her fashion, her portraits, and the influence she wielded at the Stuart court. -- Visit: Yale Center for British Art https://britishart.yale.edu/ -- Looking for a commercial-free experience? Head over to Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Guest:...

This episode explores the remarkable stories of Dido Elizabeth Belle and Sophia Duleep Singh—two women of royal lineage who challenged the expectations of their time. From Dido's unique position in Georgian England to Sophia’s activism in the suffragette movement, we uncover how they used their voices to fight for justice, identity, and equality in British history. -- Narrated by: Dr. Emma Cah...

In this episode, we journey back in time—long before the Tudors—to the final days of the Anglo-Saxon era and the dawn of the medieval age with William the Conqueror's invasion. Who were these men, and how did they shape the course of history? -- Paula's Website: https://www.threadstothepast.com/ Book shop mentioned: https://www.eastgrinsteadbookshop.co.uk/ Search for the Last Anglo-Saxon K...

Whenever I have the opportunity to debunk myths or bring to light the real history I am in my happy place. Dr. Johanna Strong joined me to look at Mary I in a way that we don't always see her - she was so much more than her "Bloody Mary" moniker! Today we discuss some of the injustices against her, her part in John Foxes Act and Monuments, the role of the queen in chess, Mary's relationship with K...

Female friendship in the Early Modern Period is often misunderstood. This episode explores the deep bonds between aristocratic and upper-middle-class women through their letters and diaries, revealing how language, space, and society shaped their relationships. - Find JoJo on Twitter/X as @dickinson_jojo -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: JoJo Dickinson

Dr. Elizabeth Norton joins me today for a fascinating discussion on women in history. We begin with Emma of Normandy and journey through time to Anne of Denmark, exploring the remarkable lives of these influential women. Elizabeth’s depth of knowledge on the subject is truly impressive, and I can’t wait for you to watch and share your thoughts! -- Website: http://www.elizabethnorton.co.uk/ Books o...

Today, I’m thrilled to share the story of two remarkable Stuart women who shaped history—Anne of Denmark and her daughter, Elizabeth Stuart, the legendary "Winter Queen." -- *Would you prefer a commercial-free experience, early access or exclusive content? Head over to PATREON ! *Like to read about history and people, places and events of the time? Check out my website where we cover man...

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 !...