Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

William Rufus is often remembered as a difficult king who fell out with the Church—and died when an arrow struck him in the New Forest. But there was far more to his reign than its dramatic ending. Matt Lewis joins Rebecca to explore William’s military successes, repeated rebellions, and tangled rivalry with his brothers Robert and Henry. They also look at William’s conflict with Archbishop Anselm, his campaigns in Scotland, and how the churchmen who wrote the chronicles shaped his reputation.

Then comes the question that has puzzled people for centuries: was William’s death really an accident? With Robert away on crusade and Henry moving quickly to secure the treasury and crown, the circumstances invite suspicion. Join Rebecca and Matt for a lively look at the king, the family rivalries, and the forest mystery that changed the course of English history.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis

William conquered England, but what about the women who helped shape his dynasty? Rebecca Larson welcomes historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore Matilda of Flanders and her daughters—their lives, influence, and the stories that too often get overshadowed by the men.

From the questionable tales of William and Matilda’s courtship to her role governing Normandy, we discover a queen whose authority extended well beyond her marriage. We also meet their daughters, especially Adela and Cecilia, whose lives open up a fascinating discussion about crusading, education, and the power women could exercise within a convent.

With plenty of laughter along the way, we consider how these women have been remembered—and why understanding their world means looking beyond our modern assumptions.

Sharon's book on the subject - Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest

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Love history and looking for a group of likeminded people? Head over to my Patreon page and join the conversation - whether you sign up as a free member or paid member, you're sure to lots of information and friends! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

What’s a superlative? It’s a playful way of asking who is most likely to do something—and the Tudor court gives us plenty of possibilities.

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca return to the Tudors with questions about survival, rebellion, and what court life might look like in the modern world. Who could talk their way out of an execution? Who would become an influencer, run a secret group chat, or survive a zombie apocalypse?

Bring your own answers, because you’ll probably have a few opinions—and so do we.

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Join me over on Patreon where you'll not only find commercial-free episode but FREE articles on topics you're sure to enjoy! We also have a monthly chat called the Historical Reading Room where we discuss what we're reading! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

William the Conqueror’s reign was marked by both ruthless force and careful efforts to secure his rule. In this episode, we look at the Harrying of the North, the resistance that gathered at Ely around Hereward, and William’s attempts to bring England’s landholders and resources under royal control. The Hereward stories include some memorable episodes—though parts of his daring exploits come from later legend.

We also explore the Domesday survey and the Salisbury oath, then turn to William’s final days and the division of his lands among his sons: Normandy for Robert, England for William Rufus, and money for Henry. What kind of legacy did the Conqueror leave—and what tensions did his settlement create for the next generation?

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis

What was Elizabeth I really like—and how much of the queen we think we know was carefully created? Historian Dr. Carole Levin joins Rebecca Larson to explore Elizabeth’s strengths and shortcomings, her carefully managed public image, and the gap between historical fact and the stories later generations told about her.

They also discuss Elizabeth’s relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots, the ways historians recover women’s voices, and how magic and superstition shaped life in Renaissance England. From women’s power to the legends that grew around Elizabeth after her death, this conversation looks at the queen behind the image—and the many people whose stories history has left at the margins.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Carole Levin

We’re handing out medieval superlatives! Think of the titles in a school yearbook: a superlative singles someone out as the “most” or “best” in a particular category.

This time, we’re choosing people from medieval history, comparing our answers, and discussing the personalities, relationships, and reputations behind them. Some choices might seem obvious; others may surprise you. Listen along and see whether you agree—or have someone else in mind!

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If you like this podcast and want to either support it or join our growing community of history lovers, please head over to my Patreon page: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Co-Host: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Margaret of Austria’s life took her from the Burgundian court to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Along the way, she faced a broken betrothal, two marriages, and the demands of a powerful family. She also became one of the most capable political figures of her time.

In this episode of Dr. Emma and Me, Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón joins me again to follow Margaret’s travels and explore how the places she lived shaped her. We talk about her role in raising the future Charles V, her negotiations with Louise of Savoy, and the remarkable church and tomb she commissioned at Brou.

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Where did Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life take her, and what can those places tell us about her? Join me and Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marrón for Traveling with Eleanor of Aquitaine, a five-part course following her journey across medieval Europe. Click the link for course details and registration! https://travelwitheleanor.eventbrite.com

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Join my growing community of history lovers over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--

Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón.

Hans Holbein painted some of the most familiar faces of the Tudor court. But what did he think of the people sitting for him—and could a portrait reveal more than its subject intended?

I’m joined by bestselling author Wendy Holden to discuss The Queen’s Painter, her historical novel that places Holbein at the center of a plot to avenge Anne Boleyn. We talk about his imagined alliance with Thomas Wyatt, Henry VIII’s search for a fourth wife, and the portraits of Christina of Denmark and Anne of Cleves that helped inspire the story. Wendy also shares her intriguing interpretation of The Ambassadors and explains why she wanted to look beyond Holbein’s genius to the man who had to make his way through a dangerous court.

After this conversation, you may find yourself looking at those familiar Tudor portraits a little differently.

A free article I wrote about it: https://bit.ly/4z3bk2t

https://www.wendyholden.net/

Buy The Queen's Painter on Blackwells (free shipping)

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Wendy Holden

Who would you want at your side in a Tudor court—and who would make you regret walking through the door?

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca hand out superlatives to some of history’s most memorable figures. There are strong opinions, a few difficult choices, and plenty of reasons to argue with us. Listen in, then tell us who you would have picked.

We can't wait to hear your answers!

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Join the community over on Patreon! Not only will you join a great group of history lovers, but you'll also receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Rebecca and historian Matthew Lewis launch a new series exploring the Norman kings, beginning with the man who changed England forever: William the Conqueror.

Born the illegitimate son of the Duke of Normandy, William survived a childhood filled with violence, betrayal and political uncertainty. Those early experiences helped shape the ruthless ruler who would eventually cross the Channel and claim the English throne.

Rebecca and Matt follow William from his rise in Normandy and his complicated relationship with Harold Godwinson to the disputed oath that helped ignite the succession crisis of 1066. They examine the Battle of Hastings, William’s chaotic Christmas Day coronation and the brutal methods he used to secure his new kingdom—including castle building, the destruction of the Anglo-Saxon elite and the devastating Harrying of the North.

Was William a brilliant military leader, a calculating propagandist or simply a conqueror willing to destroy anyone who stood in his way?

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis