Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Who would survive just about anything? Who could talk their way out of an execution? And which medieval figure would be an absolute disaster if left in charge of a rebellion?In this episode of Off the Record, Rebecca Larson and Amy McElroy are back with another round of Medieval Superlatives, putting some of history's most fascinating (and occasionally questionable) characters to the test.From William Marshal and Isabella of France to George, Duke of Clarence, and a few unexpected contenders, we're debating who deserves the title of best survivor, worst rebel, and everything in between.Expect plenty of laughter, a few disagreements, some questionable choices, and the usual historical chaos as we decide who's most likely to come out on top—and who's destined to make a complete mess of things.Think you have better answers? Listen along and let us know who you'd choose!--If you like this podcast, join the TD&B group over on Patreon. https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

William conquered England, but what about the women who helped shape his dynasty? Rebecca Larson welcomes historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore Matilda of Flanders and her daughters—their lives, influence, and the stories that too often get overshadowed by the men.From the questionable tales of William and Matilda’s courtship to her role governing Normandy, we discover a queen whose authority extended well beyond her marriage. We also meet their daughters, especially Adela and Cecilia, whose lives open up a fascinating discussion about crusading, education, and the power women could exercise within a convent.With plenty of laughter along the way, we consider how these women have been remembered—and why understanding their world means looking beyond our modern assumptions.Sharon's book on the subject - Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest--Love history and looking for a group of likeminded people? Head over to my Patreon page and join the conversation - whether you sign up as a free member or paid member, you're sure to lots of information and friends! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

William the Conqueror’s reign was marked by both ruthless force and careful efforts to secure his rule. In this episode, we look at the Harrying of the North, the resistance that gathered at Ely around Hereward, and William’s attempts to bring England’s landholders and resources under royal control. The Hereward stories include some memorable episodes—though parts of his daring exploits come from later legend.We also explore the Domesday survey and the Salisbury oath, then turn to William’s final days and the division of his lands among his sons: Normandy for Robert, England for William Rufus, and money for Henry. What kind of legacy did the Conqueror leave—and what tensions did his settlement create for the next generation?--Support Rebecca and the podcast over on Patreon and join a growing community of history lovers! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matthew Lewis

We’re handing out medieval superlatives! Think of the titles in a school yearbook: a superlative singles someone out as the “most” or “best” in a particular category.This time, we’re choosing people from medieval history, comparing our answers, and discussing the personalities, relationships, and reputations behind them. Some choices might seem obvious; others may surprise you. Listen along and see whether you agree—or have someone else in mind!--If you like this podcast and want to either support it or join our growing community of history lovers, please head over to my Patreon page: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Host: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Hans Holbein painted some of the most familiar faces of the Tudor court. But what did he think of the people sitting for him—and could a portrait reveal more than its subject intended?I’m joined by bestselling author Wendy Holden to discuss The Queen’s Painter, her historical novel that places Holbein at the center of a plot to avenge Anne Boleyn. We talk about his imagined alliance with Thomas Wyatt, Henry VIII’s search for a fourth wife, and the portraits of Christina of Denmark and Anne of Cleves that helped inspire the story. Wendy also shares her intriguing interpretation of The Ambassadors and explains why she wanted to look beyond Holbein’s genius to the man who had to make his way through a dangerous court.After this conversation, you may find yourself looking at those familiar Tudor portraits a little differently.A free article I wrote about it: https://bit.ly/4z3bk2thttps://www.wendyholden.net/Buy The Queen's Painter on Blackwells (free shipping)--Like this podcast? Consider joining our growing community of history lovers and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Wendy Holden

Rebecca and historian Matthew Lewis launch a new series exploring the Norman kings, beginning with the man who changed England forever: William the Conqueror.Born the illegitimate son of the Duke of Normandy, William survived a childhood filled with violence, betrayal and political uncertainty. Those early experiences helped shape the ruthless ruler who would eventually cross the Channel and claim the English throne.Rebecca and Matt follow William from his rise in Normandy and his complicated relationship with Harold Godwinson to the disputed oath that helped ignite the succession crisis of 1066. They examine the Battle of Hastings, William’s chaotic Christmas Day coronation and the brutal methods he used to secure his new kingdom—including castle building, the destruction of the Anglo-Saxon elite and the devastating Harrying of the North.Was William a brilliant military leader, a calculating propagandist or simply a conqueror willing to destroy anyone who stood in his way?--Do you enjoy this podcast? Join other history lovers over on my Patreon page - https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis

What would you choose: marry King John or Richard II? Follow Richard the Lionheart or Edward I into battle? Support Matilda or Stephen? Witness Bosworth or Hastings? And if you could solve one historical mystery, would you rather interview the people involved—or secretly watch the whole thing unfold?This week on Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca are playing Would You Rather: Medieval Edition, and some of these choices are much harder than they sound.From questionable royal husbands and medieval battlefields to the Anarchy, the Wars of the Roses, Cecily Neville’s household, and a day wandering the streets of medieval London, Amy and Rebecca debate where they’d go, whom they’d trust, and which moments in history they’d most like to witness firsthand.Along the way, the conversation takes an unexpected turn into Rebecca’s research for her upcoming book on Thomas Seymour, including how historians piece together conflicting evidence, the frustrations of Tudor handwriting, and what happens when the surviving sources don’t quite tell the story historians have long assumed they do.It’s medieval history with no script, plenty of opinions, and some surprisingly difficult choices.JOIN US AND MORE HISTORY FUN ON PATREON! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Queen Elizabeth I understood that clothing was never simply decorative—it was a powerful political tool. In this episode, Rebecca Larson speaks with Sylvia Barbara Soberton, author of Dressed to Impress: Queen Elizabeth I and the Art of Fashioning Power, about how Elizabeth used gowns, jewelry, color, and carefully constructed imagery to communicate legitimacy, authority, purity, and royal magnificence.They explore Elizabeth’s evolving style, from the restrained clothing of her youth to the spectacular wardrobe of the Virgin Queen. Sylvia also challenges some of the most persistent myths surrounding Elizabeth I, including claims that she covered her face with toxic white lead makeup and wore a steel breastplate during her famous speech at Tilbury.The conversation also examines Elizabeth’s relationships with Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Howard; the possible meaning of the Chequers Ring; Tudor sumptuary laws; the symbolism of the Rainbow Portrait; and what happened to Elizabeth’s enormous wardrobe after her death.Discover how Elizabeth I fashioned not only her appearance but one of the most recognizable royal identities in history.You can also find Sylvia on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/cw/SylviaBSo/postsFind book on Amazon--Join me and other history fans over on MY Patreon page, not only with you get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, but you'll also receive EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, and EARLY ACCESS! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton