Podcast
Tudors Dynasty & Beyond
Hosted by RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson · EN
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.
66episodes
Episodes
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York vs. Somerset: Obsession, Ambition, and the Origins of the Wars of the Roses
3d ago01:12:29Tap to summarizeFor generations, the story of the Wars of the Roses has largely been told through a Yorkist lens. But what if we've been looking at the rivalry between Richard, Duke of York, and Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, all wrong?In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Michael Jones presents the Lancastrian case, challenging some of the most deeply rooted assumptions about the conflict that divided medieval England. Was Somerset really the corrupt, incompetent favorite of Henry VI, or was he a gifted commander and loyal servant of the Crown? Was York motivated by a desire to save the kingdom, or by personal ambition and an obsession with bringing down his rival?Together, we explore the origins of one of England's greatest political feuds, from the Calais campaign of 1436 through the loss of Normandy and the First Battle of St. Albans. Along the way, we also reconsider Henry VI himself - not as a weak and easily manipulated king, but as an intelligent, principled ruler whose vision for peace has often been overshadowed by centuries of hostile tradition.Whether you agree with Dr. Jones's conclusions or not, this episode offers a compelling alternative perspective on the men, motives, and decisions that led England into the Wars of the Roses - and invites us to question just how much of history has been shaped by the victors who wrote it.--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Michael Jones
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Henry VI: From Crisis to Civil War
1w ago01:15:51Tap to summarizeMatt Lewis returns to continue our journey through the reign of Henry VI - and things are about to fall apart.Picking up in 1450, we explore the events that plunged England into the Wars of the Roses. Was Richard, Duke of York, really determined to take the throne, or has history misunderstood his intentions? Time and again, York had opportunities to overthrow Henry VI, yet repeatedly stopped short. So why did the kingdom descend into civil war anyway?We discuss Henry's catastrophic political indecision, his unwavering trust in Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, his mental collapse in 1453, the First Battle of St Albans, the ill-fated Love Day, the dramatic Act of Accord, and the death of Richard of York at Wakefield. Along the way, we examine the choices - and failures - that shaped one of the most turbulent periods in English history.We also tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding Henry VI: what really happened in the Tower of London in May 1471? Was the deposed king murdered, or did he simply succumb to grief and illness after the destruction of his Lancastrian cause?Join us as we conclude the story of Henry VI - a king whose inability to choose a side may have changed the course of English history forever.--Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis
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Margaret Beaufort: Lancastrian Loyalist or Ruthless Opportunist?
1w ago01:09:41Tap to summarizeThe wonderful Dr. Michael Jones returns to the podcast to take a fresh look at the remarkable life of Margaret Beaufort. Together, we explore how her turbulent childhood shaped the woman she would become - from growing up without ever knowing her father to the lasting impact his early death had on her life. We also dive into her relationship with her mother, and of course, we couldn't talk about Margaret without discussing her famous bond with her son, the future Henry VII.Along the way, Mike challenged a few assumptions I had about Margaret, and there were more than a couple of moments that genuinely surprised me. I have a feeling you'll be just as fascinated by what he has to say.*I was unable to add photos of the church and home in Samford Peverell, but I'll post them to social media AFTER the episode has been published.--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Michael K. Jones
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Traveling Back in Time to Witness History, Pt. 2
2w ago00:53:21Tap to summarizeToday, we decided to return to the same topic as last week and we discuss moments in history that we would like to travel back to and experience. There are a few times things got a bit goofy during this one, so if you're opposed to laughter - skip this one.What times would you like to travel back to? What do you think of OUR choices?--Co-Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy
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Henry VI: The Making of a Crisis
2w ago01:17:14Tap to summarizeHenry VI inherited the throne as an infant and would become one of England's most controversial kings. In this episode, Matt Lewis joins me to explore the first half of Henry's reign, from the triumphs inherited from Henry V to the mounting crises that would eventually tear the kingdom apart.Together, we discuss Henry's upbringing, his deeply pious personality, the influence of powerful nobles, the loss of England's French territories, the rise of factional politics at court, and the growing unrest that culminated in Jack Cade's Rebellion in 1450.Was Henry VI simply a victim of circumstances beyond his control, or did his own shortcomings help create the conditions for disaster? Join us as we trace the early reign of the king who would preside over the end of England's French empire and the beginning of one of the most turbulent periods in English history.--Host:Rebecca LarsonGuest:Matt Lewis
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Women's Networks in Medieval England, Pt. 2
2w ago01:06:27Tap to summarizeDr. Lacey Bonar Hull returns for part two of our conversation on women's networks during the Wars of the Roses. This time, we turn our attention to two of the most influential women of the fifteenth century: Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort.How did these women navigate one of the most turbulent periods in English history? What role did family connections, female alliances, and political survival play in shaping the future of the English crown?We explore Elizabeth Woodville's relationship with her mother, Jaquetta of Luxembourg, and how that bond may have helped prepare her to survive repeated political upheavals. We also examine Margaret Beaufort's often-misunderstood ambitions, separating later Tudor mythology from what the contemporary evidence actually tells us.Along the way, we discuss the mysterious events of 1483, including a possible plot to rescue the Princes in the Tower, the challenges of interpreting Richard III's actions, and the communication networks that may have connected Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort long before their famous alliance.Most importantly, we look at how these two women ultimately worked together to secure the marriage of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York—an alliance that helped bring the Wars of the Roses to an end and laid the foundations for the Tudor dynasty.Join us as we separate fact from fiction, challenge long-held assumptions, and uncover the remarkable political agency of women whose influence has too often been overlooked by history.--Lacey's Substack: https://thehistoriansdesk.substack.com/Support the podcast on Patreon and get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull
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Traveling Back in Time to Witness History
3w ago01:09:25Tap to summarizeEver wished you could step into a time machine and witness history with your own eyes? In this special episode, Amy and Rebecca leave the archives behind and dive into the historical moments they would most love to experience firsthand.From royal celebrations and mysterious disappearances to secret weddings, political intrigue, and pivotal turning points, we reveal our dream destinations in the past - and why these events continue to fascinate us. Along the way, the conversation takes a few unexpected (and hilarious) detours, proving that even historians can't resist having a little fun.So, if you've ever wondered what it would be like to stand in the crowd at a Tudor celebration, uncover one of history's greatest mysteries, or simply observe a world long gone, this episode is for you.And we want to hear from you: If you could travel back in time, where - and when - would you go?--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episode, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Join other history enthusiasts for the upcoming EVENT on imagery of Mary Boleyn with Sylvia Barbara Soberton. Learn more here: https://maryboleyn.eventbrite.com--Co-Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy
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Edmund Beaufort: The Man History Got Wrong
3w ago01:14:41Tap to summarize*Matt has the week off, so I invited Mike back to discuss someone who may or may not come up in my next conversation with Matt on Henry VI.For generations, Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, has been remembered as one of the defeated leaders of the Lancastrian cause at the Battle of Tewkesbury. But does history tell the whole story?In this episode, I welcome back historian Dr. Michael Jones to take a fresh look at one of the most controversial figures of the Wars of the Roses. Together, we trace Beaufort's remarkable journey from the embattled Beaufort family, through years of exile in Burgundy, to his final stand in 1471.Drawing on evidence from European archives, Dr. Jones argues that Beaufort was far more than a doomed Lancastrian commander. He was a respected military leader, a close companion of Charles the Bold, and a man whose unwavering loyalty and commitment to the chivalric code set him apart in an age of shifting allegiances and political betrayals.Was Edmund Beaufort truly the reckless commander portrayed by later Yorkist accounts? Or has one of Lancaster's most capable and honorable champions been unfairly judged by history?Join us as we explore loyalty, exile, warfare, and the dramatic final chapter of the Beaufort family's role in the Wars of the Roses."The Beauforts get a hard deal." Dr. Michael Jones makes the case for why it's time to take another look.--Mike's Thesis/Dissertation he mentioned: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/34504530/507865.pdfInformation on the Tewkesbury Festival he will be speaking at on 11 July at 7:30pm: https://www.johnmooremuseum.org/events/tewkesbury-1471-a-vindication-of-edmund-beaufort-duke-of-somerset/--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Michael K. Jones
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The House of Boleyn: History Meets Fiction
3w ago00:48:05Tap to summarizeLately, I've been on a historic fiction kick. I read so much non-fiction that it's an absolute pleasure when I can just sit back and let a story tells itself without taking notes.Today, I welcome back the absolutely wonderful Tracy Borman to chat about her new novel The House of Boleyn - which I cannot recommend enough. I am a huge fan of Tracy's fiction (as you'll discover from our chat).Get your copy of The House of Boleyn now - you can order through Blackwell's from the US and get free shipping and you won't have to wait until August either! Order HEREOrder the Frances Gorge's series here:The King's Witch (Book One)The Devil's Slave (Book Two)The Fallen Angel (Book Three)--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Prof. Dr. Tracy Borman, OBE
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Educating the Tudors: The Blind Poet, the French Linguist, and the Loyal Martyr
4w ago01:04:40Tap to summarizeWhen we think of Tudor education, names like Erasmus and Roger Ascham often come to mind. But they weren't the only men shaping the minds of England's future kings, queens, and nobles.In this episode, we continue our exploration of Tudor tutors by turning our attention to three fascinating figures: Bernard André, the blind poet and historian who served Henry VII; Giles Duwes, the French linguist who helped educate generations of Tudor royals; and Richard Fetherston, a respected scholar whose loyalty to Catherine of Aragon ultimately led him to the executioner's block.Join me as we uncover the lives, careers, and lasting legacies of these remarkable educators and discover how their influence extended far beyond the classroom.--Andre's stuff is in Latin: Historia regis Henrici Septimi, a Bernardo Andrea tholosate conscripta : necnon alia quædam ad eundem regem spectantia : Gairdner, James, 1828-1912 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive - https://archive.org/details/historiaregishen00gair/page/90/mode/2upAlternatively an English translation can be found here: https://philological.cal.bham.ac.uk/andreas/1e.htmlAnd here is a link to Duwes book:An introductorie for to lerne... : Duwes, Giles : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive - https://archive.org/details/bim_early-english-books-1475-1640_an-introductorie-for-to-_duwes-giles/page/n5/mode/2up--Amy's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BBSK2SDQ?ccs_id=109e65de-e6dc-4f7e-ac20-4f5f9b2dac8f--Host: Rebecca LarsonCo-Host/Guest: Amy McElroy
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