Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson

Welcome to Tudors Dynasty & Beyond, the podcast where history comes alive through stories of royalty, rebellion, and resilience. Hosted by independent researcher Rebecca Larson, each episode dives into the Tudors and beyond—Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Katherine of Aragon, forgotten queens, rebels, and adventurers. Enjoy Sunday storytelling (or interviews), engaging historian chats, and the popular Thursday series Dr. Emma & Me, with Dr. Emma Cahill Marron. Discover love, power, intrigue, and survival in early modern England and across Europe.

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Thursday · 43 min
Mapping Margaret of Austria
Margaret of Austria’s life took her from the Burgundian court to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Along the way, she faced a broken betrothal, two marriages, and the demands of a powerful family. She also became one of the most capable political figures of her time. In this episode of Dr. Emma and Me, Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón joins me again to follow Margaret’s travels and explore how the places she lived shaped her. We talk about her role in raising the future Charles V, her negotiations with Louise of Savoy, and the remarkable church and tomb she commissioned at Brou. -- Where did Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life take her, and what can those places tell us about her? Join me and Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marrón for Traveling with Eleanor of Aquitaine, a five-part course following her journey across medieval Europe. Click the link for course details and registration! https://travelwitheleanor.eventbrite.com -- Join my growing community of history lovers over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty-- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón.
Tuesday · 52 min
Holbein, Anne Boleyn, and a Tudor Revenge Plot
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/4z3bk2t https://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 Larson Guest: Wendy Holden
September 27 · 1 hr
Historical Superlatives: Tudor Edition
Who would you want at your side in a Tudor court—and who would make you regret walking through the door? In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca hand out superlatives to some of history’s most memorable figures. There are strong opinions, a few difficult choices, and plenty of reasons to argue with us. Listen in, then tell us who you would have picked. We can't wait to hear your answers! -- Join the community over on Patreon! Not only will you join a great group of history lovers, but you'll also receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
September 24 · 55 min
William the Conqueror: From Bastard Duke to King of England (Norman Kings Series)
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 Larson Guest: Matt Lewis
September 22 · 1 hr 10 min
Finding Richard III and the Evidence That the Princes Survived
Philippa Langley became internationally known for leading the search that discovered the remains of King Richard III beneath a Leicester car park. Now she is challenging another of history’s most enduring mysteries: what really happened to the Princes in the Tower? Philippa joins Rebecca to discuss her remarkable search for Richard III, the evidence that led to the excavation of Greyfriars, and what the king’s remains revealed about the man behind Shakespeare’s infamous portrayal. She also shares the findings of the Missing Princes Project, a ten-year international investigation involving more than 350 researchers. Could Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, have survived into the reign of Henry VII? Philippa explains the archival discoveries supporting her controversial argument that the Yorkist claimants known as Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck were actually the missing princes. The conversation also examines Elizabeth Woodville’s actions, the destruction of records under Henry VII, and why Philippa believes the bones preserved at Westminster Abbey should undergo modern scientific testing. This is a fascinating examination of Richard III, the Princes in the Tower, and the evidence that could transform one of the greatest mysteries in British history. https://www.philippalangley.co.uk/bookshelf.html -- Join other history buffs on Patreon for early access, commercial-free episodes, exclusive bonus content, live discussions, and more. Your support helps keep independent history content coming—and brings you even closer to the stories and people of the past. Join us at Patreon.com/TudorsDynasty.--Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Philippa Langley
September 20 · 1 hr 10 min
Would You Rather: Medieval Edition
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
September 17 · 1 hr 5 min
The Spanish Travels of Katherine of Aragon
Long before Katherine of Aragon sailed for England, she had already traveled across kingdoms, witnessed conquest, encountered new cultures, and experienced life at the heart of an itinerant royal court. In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Dr. Emma to retrace Katherine’s formative journeys through Spain—from her birth in Alcalá de Henares to Granada, Barcelona, Medina del Campo, Laredo, and finally La Coruña, where she departed for England in 1501. Together, they challenge the familiar image of Katherine as an isolated princess and reveal a very different childhood: one spent on the road as a “nomad princess,” surrounded by royal ceremony, political negotiation, and the practical administration of her parents’ expanding monarchy. Katherine witnessed the surrender of Granada, experienced the extraordinary surroundings of the Alhambra, and was present in Barcelona when Christopher Columbus returned with reports and objects from across the Atlantic. The conversation also explores Katherine’s surprising connections to the Americas and considers how the architecture and decorative traditions she encountered in Spain may later have influenced Tudor England. Before she became Henry VIII’s queen, Katherine of Aragon had already been shaped by a childhood of movement, spectacle, cultural exchange, and political power. -- 💛 Love the show? Join me on Patreon for early, commercial-free episodes, exclusive history content, and more—all while helping Tudors Dynasty & Beyond continue to grow. Join the court: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty --Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron
September 15 · 53 min
Dressed to Rule: How Elizabeth I Fashioned Power
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/posts Find 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 Larson Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton
September 13 · 52 min
The Yorkist Who Survived Henry VIII
Rebecca and Amy explore the remarkable life of Reginald Pole—a Yorkist survivor who went from Henry VIII’s favored scholar to one of the king’s most outspoken opponents. They discuss Pole’s education in Oxford and Padua, his rejection of the royal supremacy, and the devastating consequences his resistance had for the family he left behind in England. After years of exile, Pole returned under Mary I as her trusted confidant and the last Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury. His extraordinary story came to an end on November 17, 1558—just hours after Mary’s own death. -- Join the conversation over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty and you'll also get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes over there! Join us! -- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
September 10 · 1 hr 11 min
England's Version of Dance of the Dragon
What does House of the Dragon have in common with some of the bloodiest succession struggles in medieval history? Historian Matt Lewis joins Rebecca Larson to explore the real history woven into the world of Westeros—from Empress Matilda’s battle for the English throne during the Anarchy to the rivalries and shifting loyalties of the Wars of the Roses. They discuss female succession, disputed heirs, illegitimacy, sibling rivalry, propaganda, and the importance of controlling the capital. They also examine dragons as symbols of royal authority, the uneasy relationship between church and state, and the devastating human cost when the quarrels of powerful families spill into the streets. Westeros may be fictional, but its politics are unmistakably medieval. -- Join our group of history lovers over on Patreon! Over there you will also receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matthew Lewis
September 8 · 54 min
Anne of Cleves: What the Sources Really Say
Was the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves truly doomed from the beginning - or has hindsight distorted the story? Dr. Valerie Schutte joins me to challenge the familiar narrative of Henry’s immediate disgust and Anne’s disastrous failure as queen. We examine what the sources reveal when read chronologically, from their first meeting at Rochester and the couple’s communication difficulties to the questionable testimony used to secure their annulment. We also explore Anne’s religious identity, her status as the king’s “beloved sister,” and the remarkable relationship she maintained with Henry and his children long after the marriage ended. ⁠Buy - Anne of Cleves: The Historical and Cultural Legacy of a Queen-- Join our history community over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Dr. Valerie Schutte
September 6 · 1 hr 2 min
Would You Rather? Medieval & Tudor History Edition
Would you rather marry Henry VIII or spend five years in the Tower? Serve Katherine of Aragon during her downfall or Anne Boleyn during her rise? Discover the true identity of Perkin Warbeck or finally learn what happened to the Princes in the Tower? In this episode of Off the Record, Rebecca and Amy face a series of impossible medieval and Tudor choices involving royal marriages, dangerous courts, enduring mysteries and unforgettable historical events. From choosing between York and Lancaster to deciding whether they would rather serve Cardinal Wolsey or Thomas Cromwell, they reveal which risks they would take—and which historical figures they would trust with their lives. -- Join our growing group of history fans over on Patreon and you'll also receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
September 3 · 1 hr 25 min
Medieval Kings: The Questions We Never Asked
In the finale of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and Matt answer listener questions, challenge medieval monarchs with some very modern dilemmas, and revisit a few of history’s most persistent mysteries. Who would survive a siege, win Survivor, or make the worst podcast guest? Join us for one final round of crowns, controversy, and medieval kings chaos! -- Join our growing community of history lovers over on Patreon https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis
September 1 · 42 min
Searching for Anne Boleyn: Facial Recognition, Secret Codes, and the Tower Letter
What if some of the greatest mysteries surrounding Anne Boleyn have been hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Rebecca is joined by researcher Karen L. Davis to explore three fascinating and interconnected areas of her work: the use of facial-recognition technology to investigate Anne Boleyn’s portraiture, a concealed cipher within Henry VIII’s love letters, and new evidence concerning the authenticity of the disputed Tower Letter. Karen explains why the famous Windsor sketch labelled Anna Boleyn Queen may not be as securely identified as generations have assumed—and how scientific comparison of Holbein’s preparatory drawings, Anne’s relatives, and portraits of Elizabeth I could help bring us closer to her true appearance. The conversation also turns to an enigmatic sequence of letters and numbers hidden in one of Henry’s letters to Anne, as well as the biblical and reformist language that may connect Anne’s correspondence, John Skip’s controversial sermon, and the letter reportedly written from the Tower in May 1536. From broken provenance and mistaken portrait labels to Queen Esther, secret messages, and scholarly resistance, this episode asks what might emerge when inherited assumptions are tested using new technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a fresh examination of the surviving evidence. Karen’s findings are awaiting peer-reviewed publication, but they may open remarkable new avenues in the search for the real Anne Boleyn. -- Join the growing crowd of history fans over on my Patreon page - https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Karen L. Davies
August 30 · 1 hr 21 min
The Yorkist Who (Almost) Survived the Tudors: Arthur Plantagenet
Arthur Plantagenet survived the fall of the Yorkists and served four kings—but his loyalty could not save him from the suspicions of Henry VIII’s court. In this episode, Rebecca and Amy explore the remarkable life of Edward IV’s illegitimate son: half-brother to Elizabeth of York, uncle to Henry VIII, military commander, Knight of the Garter, and Lord Deputy of Calais. His illegitimacy may have protected him from the fate suffered by other Plantagenets, allowing him to become a trusted Tudor servant whom Henry reportedly called “the gentlest heart living.” But Arthur was a loyal and trusting man in a world that rewarded suspicion and political calculation. Isolated in Calais, burdened by administrative failures, and endangered by the religious sympathies of those around him, he was eventually drawn into an alleged Catholic conspiracy despite the lack of evidence against him. From Yorkist survivor to prisoner in the Tower, discover the tragic and often overlooked story of Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisle—and how the news of his freedom came just too late. -- Sarah-Beth Watkins book - ⁠Arthur Plantagenet: Henry VIII's Illegitimate Uncle⁠-- Join the fun on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson Amy McElroy
August 27 · 1 hr 15 min
The Final Year and Fall of Richard III
In the concluding episode of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine the turbulent final year of Richard III’s reign - and the rumors, rivalries, and betrayals that carried him toward Bosworth. Did Richard intend to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York? Did he hasten the death of his wife, Anne Neville? Or were these accusations part of a growing propaganda campaign designed to undermine his crown? From Richard’s public denial of the allegations to his negotiations for a Portuguese marriage, this episode separates contemporary evidence from the stories that later became accepted as fact. Rebecca and Matt also explore the political grievances behind Henry Tudor’s invasion, the crucial role played by the Stanleys, and Richard’s final, high-risk cavalry charge at Bosworth. His enemies did not necessarily rally behind Henry to avenge the Princes in the Tower - they brought old grudges, personal ambitions, and carefully cultivated rumors to the battlefield. This is the story of Richard III’s last year: a king surrounded by suspicion, abandoned by those he needed most, and ultimately killed fighting for his crown. --Join our growing community of history lovers on Patreon! Become part of the conversation and enjoy commercial-free episodes, early access, exclusive content, live chats, and more. Your support also helps keep the podcast - and independent history - going. Join us today using this link: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty --Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis
August 25 · 46 min
The Making and Murder of the Holy Maid of Kent
Before she became known as the Holy Maid of Kent, Elizabeth Barton was an obscure housemaid suffering from mysterious trances and convulsions. Within a few short years, her prophecies had attracted thousands of followers, earned her audiences with some of Europe’s most powerful men, and placed her directly in the path of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Rebecca is joined by historian and author Hayley Nolan to discuss her new book, Notorious: Anne Boleyn and the Great Tudor Hoax. Together, they explore the machinery behind Barton’s rise, the men who profited from her celebrity, and the coercion that may have shaped her increasingly political visions. They also examine Anne Boleyn’s surprising attempt to bring Barton into her household, Barton’s extraordinary influence over the King’s Great Matter, and the brutal execution that transformed a manipulated young woman into one of Tudor England’s most notorious figures. Was Elizabeth Barton a prophet, a fraud, a political rebel—or a victim whose voice was controlled by the men around her? ORDER: Notorious: Anne Boleyn and the Great Tudor Hoax -- Please conider supporting the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Hayley Nolan
August 23 · 55 min
What If: Tudor Queen Consort Edition
What if one moment had gone differently for the women of the Tudor dynasty? In this episode of Tudors Dynasty, Rebecca and Amy are rewriting history once again with a new round of Tudor “What Ifs”—this time focused on the queens whose marriages, pregnancies, and choices helped determine the future of England. What if Anne of Cleves had been pregnant when Henry VIII decided he wanted their marriage annulled? Would even Henry have dared cast aside the mother of another Tudor prince? What if Katheryn Howard had fled before she could be arrested? Could she have escaped Henry’s reach—or would she simply have found herself a queen with nowhere to go? What if Jane Seymour had given birth to a daughter instead of Edward VI? Without his long-awaited son, how quickly would Henry have searched for wife number four—and what would that have meant for the ambitious Seymour family? And what if Henry VIII had simply remained married to Katherine of Aragon? No Anne Boleyn. No Elizabeth I. Perhaps no break with Rome as we know it. How different would the Tudor dynasty—and England itself—have become? Plus, Rebecca and Amy venture slightly beyond Henry’s wives to ask one more fascinating question: What if Elizabeth of York had lived long enough to see her son become king? Could the formidable Tudor matriarch have changed the course of Henry VIII’s reign? No time machines. No definitive answers. Just history, speculation, and the enormous ripple effects of changing one moment in the Tudor story. -- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
August 20 · 1 hr 16 min
Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies
In Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies, Rebecca Larson and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s landmark Parliament of 1484—an assembly whose legislation was praised even by historians otherwise hostile to his reign. Richard abolished forced “benevolences,” strengthened protections for people accused of crimes, confronted corruption within the jury system, protected English merchants and land buyers, and expanded access to justice for those unable to afford it. These were extraordinary reforms designed to restrain the powerful and protect ordinary people. But in challenging the privileges and practices of England’s nobility, was Richard also weakening the support upon which his crown depended? Beyond Parliament, Richard showed remarkable mercy toward those convicted of treason—including Margaret Beaufort, whose continued plotting would help place her son on the throne. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Woodville left sanctuary and entrusted her daughters to Richard’s court, Richard and Anne suffered the devastating loss of their only son, and Henry Tudor gained both an experienced commander and the backing of France. Richard III may have been governing for the people—but was he making enemies of the very men who had the power to dethrone him? -- Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis
August 18 · 1 hr 7 min
Bosworth: The Battle That Richard III Almost Won
The Battle of Bosworth is often remembered as the inevitable end of Richard III and the triumphant beginning of the Tudor dynasty - but Henry Tudor’s victory was anything but certain. In this episode, we examine the battle from Richard’s perspective, revealing an experienced commander who entered the field with the larger army and came within seconds of killing Henry Tudor. Far from a final act of desperation, Richard’s legendary cavalry charge may have been a sound tactical decision that almost changed the course of English history. We also explore Henry’s precarious invasion, the uncertain loyalties of the Stanleys, the three armies gathered at Bosworth, and the last-minute intervention that decided the battle. From French mercenaries and sweating sickness to political betrayal and a remarkably unlikely cast of Tudor supporters, this is the story of how Richard III almost won - and how narrowly the Tudor dynasty came to never existing at all. -- Mikes' Books on Amazon US (you can find them in most retailers as well) -- Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Dr. Michael Jones

Showing 1–20 of 42 episodes

Tudors Dynasty &amp; Beyond

Episodes 42

Tudors Dynasty & Beyond