Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Mary Boleyn - the “great whore” of Tudor history…or the victim of a bad translation?In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood women of the Tudor court and start peeling back the layers of myth that have followed her for centuries. Was Mary really the scandalous figure history made her out to be, or has her reputation been shaped by misread words and repeated assumptions?We take a closer look at the infamous mistranslation that helped cement her notoriety, and ask a deceptively simple question: was it actually Mary - or Anne Boleyn - who served Margaret of Austria?From there, we explore Mary’s place within the powerful Boleyn family, her relationships, and what those dynamics might really have looked like behind the scenes. And then there’s the mystery that raises more questions than answers - why did Mary remain a widow for so long before secretly marrying William Stafford? Was it love, necessity…or something else entirely?This is Mary Boleyn as you’ve rarely heard her - complicated, sidelined, and long overdue a second look.--Get from Blackwell's (even US residents) now: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Mary-Boleyn-by-Sylvia-Barbara-Soberton/9781837051014--DON'T MISS OUT!!SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

In this episode, I’m joined by historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore the life of Katherine Swynford - her relationship with John of Gaunt, the scandal that shook the royal court, and how her legacy would shape the future of the English throne.--Sharon's Website: https://historytheinterestingbits.com/author/sharonbennettconnolly/Sharon's Upcoming Events: https://historytheinterestingbits.com/forthcoming-events/Sharon's Books on Amazon US:https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B072156Z8V?ccs_id=2752d8c6-9e4d-4cca-b600-6046103545e6--BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

Was Edward I of England a brilliant reformer—or a ruthless tyrant?In this episode, we dig into the life and reign of one of England’s most formidable kings. From legal reforms and the shaping of Parliament to his brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward’s legacy is anything but simple. We explore the man behind the crown—his ambition, his grief after the death of Eleanor of Castile, and the decisions that still spark debate today.Was he building a stronger England…or ruling through fear?--BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis

Welcome back to Off the Record!Today, Amy and I dive into women “behaving badly”…or at least, that’s how history chose to remember them. And yes—we’re fully aware that women were judged by a very different standard than men.From alleged husband-murdering, to sharp-tongued insults, to a mother refusing her son the money he demanded, and even a woman boldly owning an affair (and naming her son after her lover)…we unpack the stories behind the scandal.Were these women truly outrageous—or simply refusing to play by the rules? Let’s get into it.--Margaret Wotton article: https://tudorsdynasty.com/margaret-wotton-unnatural-mother/Book I mentioned: A Biographical Encyclopedia of Early Modern Englishwomen: Exemplary Lives and Memorable Acts, 1500-1650.--Hosts:Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

After exploring the husbands of Mary, Queen of Scots, Mary I of England, and Mary II of England, we now arrive at the final Stuart queen—Queen Anne—and the often-overlooked man at her side: Prince George of Denmark.In this overview episode of The Queen’s Husband, Dr. Linda Porter and I take a closer look at George—frequently dismissed as dull or insignificant—and ask whether that reputation is truly deserved. What role did he play in Anne’s life, both personally and politically? Was he simply a supportive consort, or is there more to his story than history has allowed?Join us as we reassess George of Denmark and explore the dynamics of one of Britain’s quieter—but perhaps more meaningful—royal marriages--Others in the series: (Spotify Link)The Queen's Husband: The Men Who Wed Mary, Queen of ScotsThe Queen's Husband: Philip IIThe Queen's Husband: William III--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Linda Porter

What happens to the daughters of a king after everything falls apart?In this episode, we step into the turbulent aftermath of 1066 and follow the extraordinary—and often overlooked—lives of Gunhild of Wessex and Gytha of Wessex, daughters of Harold Godwinson—the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.Their stories are anything but quiet.One becomes a royal nun… who doesn’t quite stay that way. The other is swept into exile, navigating a world far beyond England’s shores, eventually tied to powerful dynasties abroad. These are women born into privilege, thrust into chaos, and forced to reinvent themselves in the shadow of conquest.From cloisters to courts, scandal to survival, we uncover how these sisters carved out lives that were anything but ordinary—and why their stories deserve far more attention.Because history didn’t end for Harold’s daughters at Hastings…it only got more interesting.--Website (and books): https://historytheinterestingbits.com/A Slice of Medieval Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DerekBirks-t3o (wherever you get podcasts)--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

What makes a marriage work - especially in a world where love was often optional and politics were everything?In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the messy, fascinating world of marriage in Tudor England - where alliances could build dynasties… or completely destroy them. We’re looking beyond Henry VIII’s famously disastrous relationships (don’t worry, he gets enough attention) and instead shining a light on other unions that reveal what “good” and “bad” really meant in the 16th century.From genuinely supportive partnerships like Henry VII and Elizabeth of York - where stability and mutual respect helped heal a kingdom - to deeply troubled matches like Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Stafford, where power struggles and personal cruelty played out behind closed doors… we’re breaking it all down.What did a “good marriage” actually look like in Tudor society? Was it about love, loyalty, survival—or simply staying out of trouble? And how do we even begin to judge these relationships by modern standards?Expect strong opinions, a few laughs, and plenty of moments where you’ll be glad you’re not navigating courtship in the 1500s.Because in Tudor England… marriage wasn’t just personal. It was political.--Hosts:Rebecca Larson Amy McElroy

Edward Seymour is often remembered as the powerful Lord Protector who ruled during the minority of Edward VI—but what about the women behind him?In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight onto the wives of Edward Seymour—and trust me, their stories are anything but quiet.From his first marriage to Catherine Fillol, surrounded by whispers of scandal and betrayal, to his formidable second wife, Anne Stanhope, whose ambition and sharp presence at court earned her both power and enemies—these women played far more significant roles than history often gives them credit for.Was Catherine truly cast aside for infidelity… or was there something more strategic at play? And did Anne Stanhope help shape Seymour’s rise—and perhaps even his fall?This is a story of reputation, rumor, and ruthless court politics—where marriage was never just about love, and scandal could reshape dynasties.Let’s step beyond the Protector—and into the lives of the women who stood beside him.--Find Rebecca Batley's Books:On Pen & Sword website: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Rebecca-Batley/a/4665On Blackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/search/author/Rebecca%20BatleyOn Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rebecca-Batley/author/B0BLZPHJLL?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1774888814&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=fbe496f2-7200-4af3-a437-a221410a0fe2--Support the podcast over on Patreon and get commercial-free episode, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Rebecca Batley

As a king, having “an heir and a spare” is ideal—but Henry II of England may have taken things a bit too far with four ambitious sons: Henry the Young King, Richard I of England, Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany, and John, King of England.Join Matthew Lewis and me for a lively and unfiltered conversation about the unbelievable—and often chaotic—stories of the sons of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. Rivalries, rebellions, betrayals…this family drama has it all.It’s a wild ride (with a little swearing), so buckle up—Henry II certainly had to.--If you haven't already, check out Matt's podcast: Gone MedievalMatt's books: https://mattlewisauthor.com/--Want to support the podcast? Head over to Patreon and become a patron! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the grim realities of execution under Henry VIII. From Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, to Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Lord Dacre, and others, we explore the stories behind their downfalls. Ambition, loyalty, and suspicion collide in a series of fates that reveal just how dangerous life at the Tudor court could be—each ending as tragic as it is telling.--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

Today I’m joined again (Part Two) by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives (Anne of Cleves, Katheryn Howard, and Kateryn Parr) of Henry VIII. From long-standing misconceptions to stories that have taken on a life of their own, we start unpacking what’s fact and what’s fiction.Miss Part One? Watch HERE!--Sylvia's current books on Amazon. Here is the Amazon US link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XKCDHJX?ccs_id=5ef24eaf-a4aa-4191-9f01-fda8b7a51770Sylvia's SubstackSylvia's Mary Boleyn book through History Press - Preorder now!--There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! ⁠https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

In this episode of Rebecca & Friends, I’m joined by historian and author Matt Lewis to explore one of the most powerful—and complicated—couples of the Middle Ages: Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.Their marriage in 1152 created an empire that stretched from England to the Pyrenees, but ruling that empire was anything but simple. Together we dig into the personalities behind the power. Was Henry II really the tireless administrator history remembers—or was he sometimes a lazy king who left much of the heavy lifting to men like Thomas Becket? And what about Eleanor—was she truly the rebellious, difficult wife she’s often portrayed as, or might she have been a far better partner and political ally than later stories suggest?From political gambles and court culture to rebellion and reputation, we unpack the myths and realities behind a royal marriage that shaped medieval Europe.Join us as we take a closer look at the power, passion, and conflict that defined Henry and Eleanor’s extraordinary partnership.--Listen to Matt on Gone Medieval and Echoes of History podcasts!Check out Matt's books on Amazon.--We have an amazing upcoming SPECIAL EVENT happening on Sunday, March 22nd on Mary I that you will not want to miss - this event is led by two experts on Mary I: Dr. Johanna Strong and Dr. Peter Stiffell. Learn more HERE.--Want to support the show? Become a Patreon patron: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matthew Lewis

Welcome to another Sunday Funday of Off the Record with Amy & Rebecca!This time I take the lead (forgive me - I’m still getting used to that 😅) as we dive into a few Tudor and Elizabethan relationships that have always fascinated me. We talk about the secret love affair between Margaret Douglas and Lord Thomas Howard, the scandalous marriage of Bess Throckmorton and Walter Raleigh, and the explosive court drama surrounding Anne Vavasour and Edward de Vere.Then Amy does what Amy does best and ties a beautiful bow on the whole conversation by exploring one of the most complicated relationship dynamics of the era: Bess of Hardwick, George Talbot, and Mary, Queen of Scots.It’s messy, dramatic, and full of the kind of court intrigue we love to talk about - exactly what a Sunday Funday should be.--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy