The Most Important Woman in Tudor England You've Never Heard Of

About this episode

This episode explores the significant role of Tudor midwives in society and their unique power and responsibilities.

Before hospitals, painkillers, or germ theory, the Tudor midwife was the most powerful person in the room. Licensed by the Bishop, sworn to secrecy, she outranked duchesses, performed sacraments no other woman was allowed to touch, and knew every secret in the neighborhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Heather Teysko

Topics covered

• Tudor England
• midwives
• women's history
• healthcare
• sacraments
• power dynamics

Keywords

• Tudor midwife
• historical women
• sacraments
• Bishop
• healthcare history
• Tudor England
• women's roles

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bishop

Books & works: The Most Important Woman in Tudor England You've Never Heard Of

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