About this episode

Natalie Grueninger interviews historian Jessica Carey-Bunning about her book on the wives of Henry VIII, exploring new perspectives and archival research.

Host Natalie Grueninger talks with historian Jessica Carey-Bunning about her book 'The Wives of Henry VIII', presenting fresh archival research and new perspectives on each queen. They discuss Catherine of Aragon’s finances after annulment, Anne Boleyn’s use of dress and image, Jane Seymour’s complex reputation and faith, Anne of Cleves’ later life, Catherine Howard’s queenship, and the contested danger faced by Catherine Parr. Carey-Bunning urges listeners to question traditional narratives and to return to primary sources to better understand the messy realities of Tudor court life. Visit Jessica's official website https://tudortreasures.net/ Learn more about 'Simply Tudor Tours' https://simplytudortours.com/ JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!

People in this episode

Host: Natalie Grueninger

Guest: Jessica Carey-Bunning

Topics covered

• Henry VIII
• Tudor queens
• historical research
• archival findings
• court life
• traditional narratives

Keywords

• Catherine of Aragon
• Anne Boleyn
• Jane Seymour
• Anne of Cleves
• Catherine Howard
• Catherine Parr
• Tudor history
• queenship
• primary sources

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Simply Tudor Tours, Talking Tudors, Tudor Treasures, 365 Days in Elizabethan England

Books & works: The Wives of Henry VIII

More episodes of Talking Tudors

• Episode 349 - The Life & Works of Erasmus with Amy McElroy · June 13, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 348 - A New History of Tudor England with Professor Nandini Das · June 6, 2026 · 30 min
• Episode 346 - Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion with Martha Tatarnic · May 23, 2026 · 54 min
• Queen Anne Boleyn's Imprisonment Through the Eyes of William Kingston with Natalie Grueninger & Dr Owen Emmerson · May 17, 2026 · 1h 32m
• Episode 344 - Bess of Hardwick: An Elizabethan Magnate with Dr Wyn Derbyshire · May 10, 2026 · 33 min
• Episode 342 - The House of Boleyn with Professor Tracy Borman · April 26, 2026 · 34 min

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