Tudors Dynasty

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-t

This week, I’m joined by historian Dr. Steven Veerapen for a deep dive into one of history’s most fascinating—and controversial—figures: Mary, Queen of Scots.Was Mary a reckless romantic… or a ruler navigating an impossible political landscape?Together, we unravel the layers of her story—her queenship, her marriages, the scandal of Darnley’s murder, and the shadow of Bothwell. We also tackle the question that refuses to go away: was Mary truly guilty, or has history been too quick to condemn her?We explore her rivalry with Elizabeth I—was it real, or something shaped by later narratives? And how much did religion, gender, and perception influence the way Mary was judged, both in her own time and ever since?From political missteps to matters of the heart, from imprisonment to execution, this conversation looks at how Mary’s legacy was shaped—not just by what she did, but by how her story has been told.And, of course, we end with the biggest question of all…After everything—who was Mary, Queen of Scots, really?

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 relation

My brother from another mother, Matt Lewis, is back—and we’re continuing the story of the children of Henry II of England (and Eleanor of Aquitaine). But since King John was…well…such an idiot, we decided to start with his sisters to make things far more enjoyable

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 & Swo

In this episode, we spin off from our recent discussion on who was truly safe under Henry VII - and turn the spotlight on Thomas More. What if he had made a different choice? Instead of staying, what if he had fled into exile? Where would he have gone - and would he have taken his family with him? And perhaps most importantly… how would history remember him if he hadn’t died on the scaffold? We explore the possibilities, the risks, and the life Thomas More might have lived.--Show your support over on Patreon and get early access, exclusive content, and more! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

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

What did people in medieval England really understand about mental health?In this episode, I’m joined by Michèle Schindler, author of Mental Health in Late Mediaeval England, to explore a subject that is often misunderstood—and oversimplified. From the famous collapse of Henry VI to lesser-known noble case studies, we move chapter by chapter through her research to uncover how mental illness was recorded, interpreted, and treated in the late Middle Ages.Were those suffering seen as “mad”… or simply unwell?Did medieval society respond with cruelty—or with compassion?And how did religion, law, and community shape the experience of mental illness?We also dive into the difficult topic of suicide, challenging long-held assumptions about how strictly Church doctrine was applied in practice.This conversation may change the way you think about the medieval mind—and the people who lived within it.--Michèle's books through Pen & SwordMichèle's books through AmberleyMichèle's books on Amazon US--Want to

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

In this episode, we go beyond the fairytale image to uncover the real expectations placed on royal daughters. Princesses were far more than ornaments of the court - they were political assets, diplomatic bridges, and the key to securing dynastic futures. As daughters, they forged alliances. As wives, they strengthened kingdoms. As mothers, they ensured survival.But what happened when they stepped outside those expectations?From Joan, the illegitimate daughter of King John and wife of Llywelyn the Great, whose scandal rocked Anglo-Welsh relations… to Eleanor de Montfort, a king’s sister caught up in rebellion… to Juliana, Henry I’s daughter, who allegedly tried to kill her own father - this episode explores the moments when royal duty clashed with personal ambition, loyalty, and survival.Were these women simply reacting to impossible situations? Or were they exercising power in ways history has long misunderstood?Join us as we explore the duties of a princess - and the consequences of defying them.--Sharon'

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--

It's time for another historical WHAT IF, and today we are looking at Henry VII and what if he had remarried after the death of Elizabeth of York in 1503. This was an interesting topic to discuss, especially when we get to the end and talk about what would happen if he had children by his new wife. We ask YOU some questions at the end and we want to hear what you think!--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--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

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.--Li

Today I’m joined by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives 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. But we had so much fun talking about the first three queens that we completely ran out of time… so this episode is Part One of a two-part conversation.--Find Sylvia's books on Amazon!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

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

When people think of the English civil war known as the Anarchy, one name often stands at the center: Empress Matilda, the daughter of Henry I and the woman who almost became England’s first ruling queen. But who was Matilda really-and why did she never wear the crown?In this episode, Rebecca is joined by historian Matt Lewis to explore the fascinating and often misunderstood story of the woman sometimes called “The Queen Who Never Was.” After the death of her father, Matilda was his designated heir, yet the throne was seized by her cousin Stephen of Blois, plunging England into nearly two decades of conflict.Matt takes us through Matilda’s extraordinary life-from her time as Holy Roman Empress to her return to England to claim her inheritance. Together, Rebecca and Matt discuss Matilda’s personality and political style, the challenges she faced as a woman claiming power in the 12th century, and the moments when the crown seemed almost within her grasp.But this conversation also complicates the traditional na

It’s been a little while since our last installment in this series - and Dr. Porter begins by explaining the reason for the delay.In today’s episode, we turn to the husband of Mary II - a figure who plays a pivotal role not only in her life, but also in the story of Mary of Modena, whom we recently explored with Dr. Breeze Barrington. The connections between these royal lives make this discussion especially compelling.I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about a man I previously knew very little about: William of Orange, the future William III. I hope you enjoy Dr. Porter’s insights as much as I did.--Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Linda Porter

There are big “what-ifs” in history… and then there are the ones that quietly change everything.In this episode, we ask: What if Margaret Tudor had no surviving children with James IV?When James IV was killed at Flodden in 1513, Scotland did not just lose a king - it faced political instability, factional rivalry, and the urgent question of succession. But what if there had been no infant James V? No Tudor heir to carry the Stewart line forward?Who were the potential heirs to the Scottish throne at that moment? We look at the rival branches of the Stewart family, the strength of dynastic claims, and how Scotland might have chosen - or fought for - its next ruler.We also explore Margaret’s controversial second marriage to Archibald Douglas, which produced Margaret Douglas - a figure who would later play her own crucial role in the English succession. How would her position have shifted if there had been no surviving royal son from Margaret’s first marriage?And then there’s England.If Margaret’s line through Ja

Today would normally be a Dr. Emma & Me episode, but as many of you know from the last show and the notes here on Patreon, the series is on a brief hiatus.While Emma takes the time she needs (and we’re all sending her love), I’m so excited to introduce something new in its place: Rebecca & Friends.And I truly could not have picked a better person to launch this with than my good friend Matt Lewis.I’m going to be completely honest with you - this may be the most fun I’ve ever had recording an episode. If you watch the video, just look at my face throughout… you can actually see the moments where I’m completely blown away. The theory Matt brings to the table is one of those rare historical ideas that makes you stop mid-conversation and think, wait… what?!I won’t spoil it here. But if there’s even a chance it’s true, it’s the kind of thing that will absolutely blow your mind.I cannot wait to hear what you think.--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis

In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Michèle Schindler to explore one of the most dangerous - and politically charged - experiences in medieval life: royal childbirth.For queens and noblewomen, pregnancy was never just personal. It was dynastic. The survival of kingdoms rested on their bodies. We dive into what childbirth actually looked like inside medieval chambers - the rituals, the midwives, the prayers, the relics, and the intense female networks that surrounded labor.What happened when things went wrong? How did repeated pregnancies shape a queen’s health - and her political value? And how did the birth (or death) of an heir change the course of history?From the expectations placed on royal women to the very real medical risks they faced, this conversation sheds light on the physical realities behind medieval monarchy - and the immense pressure carried by women whose primary duty was to secure the future of a realm.It’s intimate. It’s personal. And it might change the way you think about crowns