Catherine de Medici & Bess of Hardwick: Wives & Mothers of Power (ep 239)

Catherine de Medici & Bess of Hardwick: Wives & Mothers of Power (ep 239)

February 11, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

The episode explores how Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick used marriage and motherhood to exert influence in the 16th century.

Throughout history, women have used their own ways to establish credibility and exercise influence. In the sixteenth century, two women took this to high art: Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick. In different countries and using different techniques, these two women demonstrate how the public performance of marriage and motherhood could change history. Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Su...

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Host: Carol Ann Lloyd

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