Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
  • 4.5 (722)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. King John & His Brilliant Sisters

    23H AGO

    King John & His Brilliant Sisters

    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 😂 And honestly? These women were incredible—sharp, capable, and miles ahead of their brothers. I think you’ll feel the same once you hear their stories. In the second half, we finally turn to King John to see if—maybe—there’s a redeeming quality or two hiding in there. Spoiler alert: there isn’t. If anything, you might end up disliking him even more by the end… just like I did. What an absolutely terrible man! -- Check out Matt's books: https://mattlewisauthor.com/ Gone Medieval: https://access.historyhit.com/gone-medieval -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis

    1h 9m
  2. The Scandalous Wives of Edward Seymour

    2D AGO

    The Scandalous Wives of Edward Seymour

    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/4665 On Blackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/search/author/Rebecca%20Batley On 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 Larson Guest: Rebecca Batley

    56 min
  3. What If Thomas More Chose Exile Over Execution?

    4D AGO

    What If Thomas More Chose Exile Over Execution?

    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 Larson Amy McElroy

    57 min
  4. The Idiotic Sons of Henry II

    MAR 26

    The Idiotic Sons of Henry II

    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 Medieval Matt's books: https://mattlewisauthor.com/ -- Want to support the podcast? Head over to Patreon and become a patron! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis

    1h 12m
  5. Mental Health in Late Medieval England

    MAR 24

    Mental Health in Late Medieval England

    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 & Sword Michèle's books through Amberley Michèle's books on Amazon US -- Want to support the show, please head over to Patreon to see what benefits you get by being a patron! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Michèle Schindler

    41 min
  6. Was Anyone Safe Under Henry VIII?

    MAR 22

    Was Anyone Safe Under Henry VIII?

    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 Larson Amy McElroy

    1h 14m
  7. The Life of a Medieval Princess

    MAR 19

    The Life of a Medieval Princess

    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's Books on Amazon -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolluy

    56 min
  8. Myths of the Six Wives: Part Two

    MAR 17

    Myths of the Six Wives: Part Two

    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-fda8b7a51770 Sylvia's Substack Sylvia'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 Larson Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

    58 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.5
out of 5
722 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    638
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
  • Show Website
    Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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