Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
  • 4.5 (740)
  • 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. 2d ago

    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

    Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies

  2. 4d ago

    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

  3. Aug 13

    Richard III: The Gathering Storm (Medieval Kings Series)

    Richard III’s reign began with remarkable speed—and almost immediately began to unravel. In this episode, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s accession in June 1483, the declaration that Edward IV’s children were illegitimate, and the precedent behind his acceptance of the throne at Baynard’s Castle. Just days later, Richard was crowned at Westminster Abbey before an impressive gathering of the English nobility. But beneath the ceremony, opposition was already taking shape. Margaret Beaufort and Bishop John Morton maneuvered behind the scenes, Elizabeth Woodville entered into a remarkable alliance, and the Duke of Buckingham emerged as the leader of a rebellion that may have concealed ambitions of his own. Meanwhile, rumors surrounding the Princes in the Tower spread unchecked, encouraged by Richard’s decision to keep their whereabouts secret. The discussion also explores the international threat from France, the questionable reliability of Dominic Mancini, and the strategic errors that left Richard increasingly vulnerable—including his decision to leave London on royal progress and his misplaced trust in Buckingham. By the end of 1483, Buckingham was dead and the rebellion had failed—but the opposition Richard faced was no longer hidden. And be sure to stay until near the end, when Matt reveals a surprise that Rebecca certainly wasn’t expecting. -- Like the podcast? Please consider becoming a patron on Patreon, and you'll receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis

    Richard III: The Gathering Storm (Medieval Kings Series)

  4. Aug 11

    Queens, Rebels and the Women Who Shaped 1066

    Queens, Rebels and the Women Who Shaped 1066 explores the remarkable women whose influence helped define the Norman Conquest and transform 11th-century England. Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Silk and the Sword, joins Rebecca to bring women such as Emma of Normandy, Lady Godiva, GYtha of Wessex, and Edith of Wessex out of the historical footnotes and place them at the center of the story. From queens who guarded royal treasuries and negotiated dangerous dynastic politics to mothers who resisted William the Conqueror and preserved Harold II’s bloodline, these women were far from passive observers. The conversation also uncovers the likely truth behind Lady Godiva’s legendary “naked” ride, examines whether Emma of Normandy was betrayed by a forged letter, and investigates the mysterious Elfgifu scene in the Bayeux Tapestry. Who was she—and was the cleric offering a blessing, delivering a reprimand, or exposing a scandal? Discover the queens, rebels, mothers, and survivors who shaped 1066—and whose legacies continued within the English royal family for centuries. -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sharon Bennett-Connolly

  5. Aug 9

    What If Katherine of Aragon Had Stepped As

    What if Katherine of Aragon had willingly stepped aside and allowed Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn? Would Mary have remained legitimate—and could England’s break with Rome have been avoided? Rebecca and Amy explore the legal, political, and religious consequences of this alternate Tudor timeline. Even with Katherine’s cooperation, Henry’s marriage would still have required a formal dissolution, raising difficult questions about Mary’s legitimacy and place in the succession. Could Parliament have protected her rights, and what might Katherine have demanded in return? The conversation also considers whether Henry would have remained loyal to Rome, how slowly religious reform might have progressed, and whether England’s monasteries could have escaped wholesale dissolution. Finally, what would Katherine’s peaceful retirement have meant for Anne Boleyn—and might Anne later have been persuaded to accept a similar settlement? From the precedent of Joan of France to the possibility of a palace for England’s displaced queens, this episode asks how one decision might have transformed the Tudor dynasty and the religious future of England. -- Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and access to our monthly BOOK CLUB! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

    What If Katherine of Aragon Had Stepped As

  6. Aug 6

    Richard III: Honor in a Ruthless Age

    Before Richard III became king - and long before history cast him as a villain - he built a very different reputation in the north of England. In this episode, Rebecca Larson and Matt Lewis continue Richard’s story from his marriage to Anne Neville through his rise as one of Edward IV’s most trusted lords. They examine the bitter division of the Warwick inheritance, Richard’s relationship with Anne Beauchamp, his settlement of the Percy–Neville feud, and the authority he established across northern England. Through several surviving legal disputes, a striking pattern emerges: Richard repeatedly ruled against his own retainers and social superiors when the evidence demanded it, placing equitable justice above personal advantage. The conversation also explores his refusal of a French pension, his white boar badge, the religious college he founded at Middleham, and his successful Scottish campaign, which recovered Berwick-upon-Tweed for England. Was Richard an honorable man attempting to navigate a deeply corrupt political system? This episode reveals the principled lord, capable commander, and trusted northern leader whose record stands in sharp contrast to the villain he would later become in popular history. -- Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis

    Richard III: Honor in a Ruthless Age

  7. Aug 4

    Anna of Denmark: The Clever Queen History Underestimated

    Historian and bestselling author Tony Riches joins Rebecca Larson to discuss his new book, Queen Anna, and the remarkable woman behind it. Often dismissed as frivolous and shallow, Anna of Denmark was a gifted linguist, devoted mother, influential patron of the arts, and a queen who understood how to gather information and exercise influence at the Stuart court. Tony shares how newly translated letters, primary sources, and visits to historic locations helped him reclaim Anna’s story - from her elaborate court masques and architectural legacy to the devastating loss of four of her seven children. He also offers a fascinating look at his research and writing process and reveals what readers can expect from his new Stuart Queens trilogy. -- Tony's Books on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B006UZWOXA?ccs_id=33d48809-6952-4dd8-bfd3-8f1c059d0f04 Tony's Books on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B006UZWOXA -- Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Tony Riches

    Anna of Denmark: The Clever Queen History Underestimated

  8. Aug 2

    Historical Mysteries: No Research, Just Opinions

    What happens when two history lovers tackle some of the past’s greatest mysteries - with no preparation, no research, and plenty of opinions? Rebecca and Amy debate whether Perkin Warbeck was really a prince, who was responsible for the deaths of Thomas Becket and Henry VI, whether Edward II escaped his fate, and what truly happened between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper, and Katherine of Aragon and Prince Arthur. They also consider whether Jane Grey was truly queen, reveal their choice for the best Tudor monarch, and ask whether solving history’s mysteries would only create more questions. Plus, Amy shares a memorable behind-the-scenes story from Harvington Hall! -- DON'T FORGET - SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH IS OUT FIRST HISTORY READING ROOM MEETING (NON-book club, book club)! See info here: https://www.patreon.com/tudorsdynasty/posts/history-reading-163802931?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link -- Co-hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

    Historical Mysteries: No Research, Just Opinions
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Hosts & Guests

4.5
out of 5
740 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
    695
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
  • Show Website
    Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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