For a long time, “The Death of Queen Jane” has been considered a folk song that takes artistic liberties with the historic event of the birth of Edward VI to Jane Seymour in 1537. But is it possible that the song hints at a more complicated story, filled with propaganda and intrigue? Explore the intersection of Tudor history and folk ballads in this episode of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Oscar Isaac

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeKFKG3JWM

ARTIST: Cyril Tawney

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESUdOHChNKw

ARTIST: Joan Baez

WORK:  The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ZNp9le6x8

ARTIST: Bedlam Early Music

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYGWmV2XAnU

ARTIST: Peggy Seeger

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/7z0KILKEZhk?si=qmkqUwFtPVlKyaGH

ARTIST: Duncan Williamson

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB34LE2XNHS5FC8O

ARTIST: John Jacob Niles

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnUaWKysPQM

ARTIST: Isla Cameron

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/mMmHkgq1_T0?si=MAzM8qm8_0wHxoAc

ARTIST: Karine Polwart

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT2uqT3am1M

ARTIST: Bothy Band

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYHkpjkZvJA