Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Claire Ridgway
  • 4.7 (71)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED DAILY

Step back into a world of intrigue, passion, and ruthless ambition — welcome to Tudor England. Join historian and bestselling author Claire Ridgway as she uncovers the riveting stories of the Tudor dynasty. From the scandalous love affairs of King Henry VIII to the tragic fall of Anne Boleyn, the fierce reign of Elizabeth I, and the lesser-known secrets of Tudor court life, this podcast brings history to life in vivid detail. Hear dramatic tales of betrayal, execution, forbidden love, and political manoeuvring that shaped England forever. Discover daily Tudor history with fascinating “On This Day” episodes — unique insights you won’t find in typical history books. Get behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s own research trips to historic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, and more. Enjoy interviews with top historians and experts in Tudor studies, plus lively Q&A sessions tackling listeners’ burning Tudor questions. 🖋 Who is Claire Ridgway? Claire is the author of the bestselling On This Day in Tudor History series and numerous other Tudor books loved by readers around the world. She founded The Tudor Society, connecting enthusiasts with experts through live online events, and runs the hugely popular history websites The Anne Boleyn Files and www.ClaireRidgway.com. Her mission: to uncover the human stories behind the crown — the hopes, fears, and triumphs of not only kings and queens but also the courtiers, rebels, and ordinary people who lived under the Tudor rose. What can you expect? - Gripping accounts of famous events like the Field of Cloth of Gold, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the Babington Plot. - Intimate portraits of Tudor figures: Anne Boleyn’s charm and downfall, Thomas Cromwell’s rise and brutal fall, Elizabeth I’s cunning survival. - Dark mysteries and unsolved deaths — who really killed Amy Robsart? Was Katherine Howard truly guilty? - Special episodes on Tudor fashion, food, medicine, and the day-to-day lives of Tudor men and women. Join thousands of Tudor fans worldwide Never miss an episode — subscribe now and become part of a global community that can’t get enough of Tudor drama. Explore more with Claire’s books, free resources, and live historical events at www.ClaireRidgway.com. Ready to travel back 500 years? Press play and let the adventure begin.

  1. 18H AGO

    From Empty Tomb to Easter Feast: Easter Sunday in Tudor Times

    Easter Sunday marks one of the most important moments in Christian history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this video, I explore the events of that first Easter morning through the Gospel of John, including Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and her powerful encounter with the risen Christ. I also share a passage from William Tyndale's Bible, a version of the New Testament that brought these words to English readers in the 16th century. But how was Easter Sunday celebrated in Tudor England? From darkened churches being filled with light again, to the opening of the Easter sepulchre and joyful feasting after Lent, this video looks at both the spiritual meaning of Easter and the traditions that surrounded it. We also explore the symbolism that continues today, from roast lamb to Easter eggs, all reflecting themes of resurrection, renewal, and hope. Do you celebrate Easter? I’d love to hear your traditions in the comments. #EasterSunday #EasterHistory #ChristianHistory #TudorHistory #Resurrection #OnThisDay #BibleHistory #EasterTraditions

    4 min

  2. 1D AGO

    The Dark Side of Elizabeth I’s Golden Age (What They Don’t Tell You)

    Elizabeth I’s reign is often remembered as a Golden Age, a time of stability, cultural flourishing, and triumph over the Spanish Armada. But was it really golden for everyone? In this video, I go beyond the myth to explore the realities beneath the surface of Elizabeth I’s England, because while this period brought opportunity and power for some, for others it was marked by poverty, conflict, and fear. We’ll look at: The growing gap between rich and poor Rising inflation, poor harvests, and economic hardship The devastating impact of war in Ireland England’s early involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, including the voyages of John Hawkins The increasing danger faced by Catholics after Elizabeth’s excommunication This is not about dismissing Elizabeth’s achievements, but about understanding the full picture of her reign. Watch next: My video on Elizabeth's Golden Age and why she's seen by many as England's greatest monarch - https://youtu.be/0rEsyt_7PHE Let me know in the comments: Do you think Elizabeth’s reign deserves to be called a Golden Age? #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Tudors #GoldenAge #HistoryMatters #WomensHistory #EarlyModernHistory

    8 min

  3. 2D AGO

    Good Friday in Tudor England: Ritual, Power, and the Reformation

    Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment at the heart of the Christian faith, remembered as the ultimate act of sacrifice and redemption. But how was Good Friday marked in Tudor England? In this video, I explore both the meaning of Good Friday and the powerful, physical rituals that shaped its observance in medieval and Tudor times. From the biblical account of Christ’s trial before Pontius Pilate and crucifixion at Calvary, to the dramatic church practices of the period, including the Easter Sepulchre and the deeply symbolic ceremony of “creeping to the cross”. By the reign of Henry VIII, even the monarch took part in these rituals, approaching the cross on his knees in an act of humility. But the Reformation brought change and controversy. Under Edward VI, such practices were abolished, only to be restored with intensity under Mary I of England, whose Good Friday ceremonies also included the blessing of cramp rings and the royal healing touch. With the reign of Elizabeth I, these traditions were once again swept away, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of the Tudor period. This is a glimpse into a world where faith was not just believed, it was expressed physically, emotionally, and publicly, by both ordinary people and monarchs. How is Good Friday marked where you are? Let me know in the comments. #TudorHistory #GoodFriday #HenryVIII #MaryTudor #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Reformation #Easter #OnThisDay

    8 min

  4. 3D AGO

    From Henry VIII to Today: The History of Maundy Thursday

    Maundy Thursday is often overlooked today, but in Tudor England it was marked with powerful and symbolic royal rituals. In this video, I explore the meaning of Maundy Thursday - from the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet, to the development of royal Maundy ceremonies in medieval and Tudor England. By the reign of Henry VIII, the monarch would wash the feet of poor people and give alms, with the number of recipients reflecting the monarch’s age. We also have a fascinating eyewitness account from the reign of Mary I of England, showing just how personal and devotional this ceremony could be, with the queen washing, drying, and even kissing the feet of poor women before giving them gifts. Although the foot-washing ritual eventually ended, the tradition of Maundy money continues today. Charles III still distributes Maundy coins each year in recognition of service to the community. This is a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Tudor life,  one that combines faith, monarchy, and charity. Do you mark Maundy Thursday in your community? Let me know in the comments.

    6 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Why Is Elizabeth I Remembered as England’s Greatest Monarch?

    Elizabeth I is often remembered as England’s greatest monarch, but why? Her reign lasted over 44 years and saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the rise of Shakespeare and the arts, and the emergence of England as a global power. It’s often described as a Golden Age, but how did Elizabeth achieve all of this? In this beginner’s guide to Elizabeth I’s reign, I explore how a woman who began life as the daughter of an executed “traitor”, declared illegitimate and even imprisoned in the Tower of London, rose to become one of England’s most iconic rulers. We’ll look at: How Elizabeth secured her power as a female monarch Why she refused to marry and called herself “married to her kingdom” Her religious settlement and attempts to heal a divided nation Her diplomatic strategy and how she avoided major wars The flourishing of culture during the Elizabethan Golden Age And the dramatic defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 In the next part, we’ll explore the darker side of Elizabeth’s reign - poverty, conflict, and religious persecution - and ask whether it really was a Golden Age for everyone. If you enjoy Tudor history, do subscribe (please!) and join me for more deep dives into the Tudor world. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #ElizabethanEra #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Tudors #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #SpanishArmada #GoldenAge #HistoryYouTube #LearnHistory

    19 min

  6. MAR 24

    The Manosphere vs Tudor England: Have We Heard This Before?

    I recently watched Louis Theroux' documentary "Inside the Manosphere", in which he interviewed several members of the online Manosphere, a community of influencers promoting controversial views of women.  And I couldn’t stop thinking about Tudor England, because as I listened to these modern influencers, their ideas about women - what they expect, how they judge, and how they define women’s roles - felt strangely familiar. It connected directly with something I’ve been exploring recently: how women like Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth Woodville have been labelled as the seductress and the witch, and how history is full of women branded as she-wolves, unnatural, or dangerous.   In this video, I explore: How Manosphere views on women compare to attitudes in the medieval and Tudor periods The historical roots of double standards around sex, power, and control Whether these modern ideas are echoes of the past, or something even more extreme And I ask: Are these attitudes really new, or have we heard them all before?  And why are some voices trying to turn back the clock? A big thank you to my Privy Council channel members for their insights during our recent Zoom discussion, some of which helped shape this video.   Sources:  Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere, Netflix Adultery in the Middle Ages by Jo Geisen - https://sites.up.edu/earlybritishsurvey/adultery-in-the-middle-ages/  Women in Early Modern England by Sara Mendelson and Patricia Crawford

    18 min

  7. MAR 17

    The Myth of the Seductress and the Witch: Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth Woodville

    For centuries, two queens have carried damaging reputations. Anne Boleyn has often been portrayed as the ambitious seductress who trapped King Henry VIII, while Elizabeth Woodville has been accused of using witchcraft to ensnare Edward IV. But how much truth is there in these stories? In this podcast, I explore how both women have been vilified in remarkably similar ways, and consider how the myths about seductive queens and magical manipulation developed, and why they continue to shape how we see powerful women in history. They're not the only queens to have suffered in this way! Join me as we look beyond the myths to the far more complex reality behind two of England’s most famous queens. #AnneBoleyn #ElizabethWoodville #TudorHistory #WomenInHistory #HistoryMyths #MedievalHistory #BritishHistory #WarsoftheRoses

    12 min

  8. MAR 11

    Did Anne Boleyn Seduce Henry VIII? The Truth About His Obsession

    For centuries, Anne Boleyn has been portrayed as the great seductress of Tudor history, the ambitious woman who bewitched Henry VIII and destroyed his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. But when we examine the evidence, the surviving sources tell a very different story. Henry VIII’s own love letters reveal that he pursued Anne relentlessly, writing to her repeatedly and even worrying that she did not return his affection. Anne refused to become the king’s mistress and, at times, even withdrew from court to avoid him. In this video, I explore what we actually know about Henry VIII’s pursuit of Anne Boleyn: • When the courtship may have begun • The famous love letters Henry wrote to Anne • The gift that may have signalled Anne’s acceptance • The terrifying sweating sickness outbreak of 1528 • And the myth that Anne Boleyn deliberately seduced the king This relationship would ultimately lead to the king’s Great Matter, the break with Rome, and the English Reformation, transforming the course of English history. #anneboleyn #henryviii #tudorhistory #tudors #englishhistory #britishhistory #history #historyyoutube #reformation #historydocumentary

    20 min
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About

Step back into a world of intrigue, passion, and ruthless ambition — welcome to Tudor England. Join historian and bestselling author Claire Ridgway as she uncovers the riveting stories of the Tudor dynasty. From the scandalous love affairs of King Henry VIII to the tragic fall of Anne Boleyn, the fierce reign of Elizabeth I, and the lesser-known secrets of Tudor court life, this podcast brings history to life in vivid detail. Hear dramatic tales of betrayal, execution, forbidden love, and political manoeuvring that shaped England forever. Discover daily Tudor history with fascinating “On This Day” episodes — unique insights you won’t find in typical history books. Get behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s own research trips to historic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, and more. Enjoy interviews with top historians and experts in Tudor studies, plus lively Q&A sessions tackling listeners’ burning Tudor questions. 🖋 Who is Claire Ridgway? Claire is the author of the bestselling On This Day in Tudor History series and numerous other Tudor books loved by readers around the world. She founded The Tudor Society, connecting enthusiasts with experts through live online events, and runs the hugely popular history websites The Anne Boleyn Files and www.ClaireRidgway.com. Her mission: to uncover the human stories behind the crown — the hopes, fears, and triumphs of not only kings and queens but also the courtiers, rebels, and ordinary people who lived under the Tudor rose. What can you expect? - Gripping accounts of famous events like the Field of Cloth of Gold, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the Babington Plot. - Intimate portraits of Tudor figures: Anne Boleyn’s charm and downfall, Thomas Cromwell’s rise and brutal fall, Elizabeth I’s cunning survival. - Dark mysteries and unsolved deaths — who really killed Amy Robsart? Was Katherine Howard truly guilty? - Special episodes on Tudor fashion, food, medicine, and the day-to-day lives of Tudor men and women. Join thousands of Tudor fans worldwide Never miss an episode — subscribe now and become part of a global community that can’t get enough of Tudor drama. Explore more with Claire’s books, free resources, and live historical events at www.ClaireRidgway.com. Ready to travel back 500 years? Press play and let the adventure begin.

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