Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

The Medieval Queens series begins with Isabella of Angoulême, remembered by many as the young bride of King John. But her story reaches far beyond her first marriage.

Dr. Gabby Storey joins me to explore Isabella’s life as queen, mother, political player, and Countess of Angoulême. We look at the choices that shaped her marriages, her role in securing her son Henry III’s position, and the years she spent building power in her own right. We also ask how much of Isabella’s reputation comes from the evidence—and how much comes from the hostile accounts of the men who wrote about her.

Join us as we look past the familiar labels and meet a medieval queen whose story is far richer than the footnotes suggest.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Gabby Storey

For centuries, Kateryn Parr and Anne Stanhope, Duchess of Somerset, have been portrayed as bitter rivals, caught in a dispute over royal jewels, status, and power. But was their relationship really as hostile as history would have us believe?

In this episode, Rebecca Larson welcomes back historian and author Rebecca Batley to explore the controversy surrounding Kateryn Parr's jewels following Henry VIII's death. Together, they examine the surviving evidence, question long-standing assumptions, and reconsider the roles played by the powerful Seymour family.

Was this truly a feud between two Tudor women, or has history been telling us the wrong story?

Rebecca's books on Blackwell's

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If you enjoy the podcast please consider supporting me by becoming one of my patrons on Patreon. As a patron you get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Rebecca Batley

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in the Middle Ages? Whose royal household would you serve in, and what impossible choices might you face?

This week on Off the Record, Rebecca Larson and Amy McElroy are back with another round of Would You Rather?, but this time we're leaving the Tudors behind and heading into the medieval world!

Amy has prepared a new set of tricky questions involving medieval queens, royal courts, and some rather uncomfortable dilemmas. Rebecca has to make her choices on the spot, defend her answers, and occasionally question why Amy is putting her through this in the first place!

Expect plenty of laughter, a little historical debate, and some decisions that are much harder than they first appear.

Now it's your turn! Play along as you listen and let us know in the comments which options you'd choose. Would you agree with Rebecca, or would you make completely different decisions?

Join us for another fun-filled Sunday on Off the Record, where history doesn't always have to be serious!

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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Before costumes, candy, and jack-o'-lanterns, there was Samhain. But how much of what we celebrate today can actually be traced back to this ancient Celtic festival?

In this special Halloween episode, I'm joined by folklorist Amy Boucher to explore the fascinating history of Samhain and the centuries of traditions, beliefs, and superstitions that helped shape Halloween as we know it.

From the ancient Celtic world to medieval All Hallows' Eve, we discuss the practice of souling, the origins of dressing in costumes, and the ways ordinary people kept their traditions alive despite religious changes during the Reformation.

Amy also introduces us to the mysterious world of the Fae, shares some rather unusual Halloween divination rituals, and recounts local legends from Shropshire, including one involving a churchyard and a chilling prediction of death!

Along the way, we explore how Victorian fascination with the supernatural and later American influences helped transform Halloween into the holiday we recognize today.

So, whether you're fascinated by folklore, curious about the origins of Halloween, or simply enjoy a good ghost story, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

🎃 Happy Halloween!

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Amy's blog: https://nearlyknowledgeable.co.uk/

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Enjoy my podcast? Please consider being one of my patrons! Without patrons I would not be able to provide you with all the episodes, articles, etc. In return I'll give you commercial-free episodes, early access, and content you'll only find on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Amy Boucher

In the final episode of our Norman Kings series, Matt Lewis returns to explore the later years of Henry I’s reign—and the succession crisis that followed his death.

The White Ship disaster took Henry’s only legitimate son and heir, along with many others. Henry remarried and named his daughter, Empress Matilda, as his heir, but his plans were complicated by political rivalries, family tensions, and a difficult marriage. When Henry died in 1135, Matilda was far from England. His nephew Stephen seized the opportunity and was crowned king, setting the stage for the Anarchy.

Join us for a lively conversation about Henry’s shifting plans, the legacy of the White Ship, and the uncertain path from one Norman king to the next.

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If you enjoy this podcast please consider becoming a patron and supporting me on this journey! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

I'm not sure why I'm a bit quieter this time, but it's more important to hear the guest well, so I hope it's still enjoyable for you!

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What did Tudor England have in common with a thriving Baltic city hundreds of miles away?

In this episode, Rebecca welcomes back renowned historian Rev. Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch for a fascinating journey to Riga, the capital of modern-day Latvia, and a city with surprising connections to Tudor England.

From medieval crusading knights and powerful merchant networks to the spread of the Protestant Reformation, Riga's history offers a fresh perspective on the world the Tudors inhabited. Discover how English merchants traded cloth for furs, timber, and amber, why Riga embraced Lutheranism long before Henry VIII broke with Rome, and how ideas traveled across Europe alongside valuable goods.

The conversation also ventures into the religious ambitions of Edward VI, the influence of Thomas Cromwell, and why Tudor England wasn't nearly as important on the European stage as we sometimes imagine.

Join Rebecca and Professor MacCulloch as they look beyond England's borders to uncover a remarkable city and its place in the wider Tudor world.

Previous episode with Diarmaid:

Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity

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Enjoy the podcast? Please consider becoming one of my patrons - just like Thomas More was for Holbein when he came to England. By supporting me you'll get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Rev. Prof. Diarmaid MacCulloch

What would you rather do: survive a bout of sweating sickness, have an affair with Henry VIII, or serve as his Groom of the Stool? And believe it or not, those aren't even the worst options!

In this episode of Off the Record we're having a little fun with Tudor history in a game of Tudor Would You Rather! From questionable medical treatments and disgusting Tudor delicacies to royal secrets, political betrayals, and life-or-death decisions, I'm faced with a series of impossible choices.

Would I rather wash my hair with urine or sleep on a straw mattress? Whose royal temper tantrum would I be willing to endure? And which private Tudor conversation would I most want to overhear?

Some choices are surprisingly easy. Others require a little historical reasoning. And a few are downright horrifying!

Listen in, have a laugh, and play along! I'd love to know what YOU would choose. Let me know which Tudor dilemma you'd find the hardest to answer!

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Enjoy the show? Head over to my Patreon page, join the conversation, and gain access to some pretty cool content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Co-Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

Henry I was the cleverest of William the Conqueror’s sons—or at least, he always seemed to be a step ahead of his brothers. But intelligence and ambition came with a ruthless streak.

Matt Lewis joins me to explore Henry’s tangled relationship with William Rufus and Robert Curthose, his swift seizure of the English throne, and the rebellions, alliances, and brutal acts of justice that helped him hold on to power. By 1120, Henry seems to have defeated or outmaneuvered every rival. Then, on the journey home, disaster awaits.

This is Part One of our look at Henry I in the Norman Kings series.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

What happens when ambition becomes more powerful than loyalty, love, or even fear?

Bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory returns to the podcast to discuss her latest novel, Royal Witch, and the extraordinary women at the heart of its story.

Our conversation centers on Eleanor Cobham, a woman whose determination to rise through the ranks of medieval society brought her dangerously close to the English throne. But Eleanor's story is only part of the picture. We also explore the remarkable Jacqueline of Hainault, who fought to reclaim her inheritance, and Margery Jourdemaine, whose association with witchcraft would have devastating consequences.

Philippa and I discuss the complicated nature of ambition, the fine line between love and hatred, and why she enjoys writing women who aren't necessarily likable. We also explore the medieval understanding of witchcraft and astrology, the troubled childhood of Henry VI, and how Philippa's visits to historic locations help bring her fictional worlds to life.

And, of course, we discuss the fascinating challenge of separating historical fact from fiction.

Join us for a conversation about powerful women, dangerous ambitions, and the stories history has nearly forgotten.

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Buy Royal Witch on Blackwells!

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Support this podcast and join a growing community of history lovers over on Patreon - https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Philippa Gregory

Who would survive just about anything? Who could talk their way out of an execution? And which medieval figure would be an absolute disaster if left in charge of a rebellion?

In this episode of Off the Record, Rebecca Larson and Amy McElroy are back with another round of Medieval Superlatives, putting some of history's most fascinating (and occasionally questionable) characters to the test.

From William Marshal and Isabella of France to George, Duke of Clarence, and a few unexpected contenders, we're debating who deserves the title of best survivor, worst rebel, and everything in between.

Expect plenty of laughter, a few disagreements, some questionable choices, and the usual historical chaos as we decide who's most likely to come out on top—and who's destined to make a complete mess of things.

Think you have better answers? Listen along and let us know who you'd choose!

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If you like this podcast, join the TD&B group over on Patreon. https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Co-Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy