The Rise and Fall of the Boleyns

About this episode

This episode explores the rise and fall of the House of Boleyn, detailing their ascent to power and subsequent tragedy.

We trace the extraordinary rise and fall of the House of Boleyn. From humble Norfolk tenant farmers, the Boleyns used everything from wool trading to the diplomatic service to climb to the heights of Tudor power. Novelist and historian Philippa Gregory joins us to explain this family's dizzying ascent, and how their path ultimately led to tragedy, betrayal and execution. Philippa's book is 'Boleyn Traitor'. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and Peta Stamper, and edited by Dougal Patmore. We need your help! Let us know what you want from Dan Snow's History Hit by filling in our anonymous survey here: https://forms.gle/PvgayWLkWGjYT4St6 Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe . You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Dan Snow

Guest: Philippa Gregory

Topics covered

• House of Boleyn
• Tudor power
• historical rise and fall
• betrayal
• execution

Keywords

• Boleyns
• Tudor history
• Philippa Gregory
• historical podcast
• execution

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Hit

Books & works: Boleyn Traitor

More episodes of Dan Snow's History Hit

• Mary Beard on Ruling the Roman Empire · June 11, 2026 · 52 min
• Harald Hardrada · June 8, 2026 · 50 min
• The Rise of the Roman Empire · June 4, 2026 · 40 min
• The Great Fire of London · June 1, 2026 · 31 min
• SAS Hijacked A Fascist Train To Liberate A Concentration Camp · May 28, 2026 · 49 min
• Anglo-Saxons vs Vikings: The Battle That Gave Birth To England · May 21, 2026 · 42 min