Today, I’m joined by the lovely Sylvia Barbara Soberton for a fascinating conversation about Tudor women in portraiture. We explore the stories behind the images—like Margaret Beaufort wearing spectacles (and not always dressed like a nun!) and the hidden message tucked inside Elizabeth I’s Exchequer Ring. I also do my best to show you the portraits as we discuss them!

Links to books about Margaret Beaufort's inventory:

Cambridge Book

Oxford Book

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Sylvia's Book

Soberton on Substack

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

He was meant to marry her sister, but fate had other plans. In this episode, we uncover the remarkable life of Constance Mozart, the woman history often calls a footnote. Far more than a second choice, she was a devoted wife, mother, musician, and fierce guardian of Mozart’s legacy. Discover the strength, heartbreak, and brilliance of the woman behind the music.

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Love to read about history? Head over to my website! https://tudorsdynasty.com

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched & Written by: Emily Airey

Dr. Emma and I explore the powerful women who shaped Henry VIII’s world. While history often highlights the men who influenced him, today we turn our attention to the fierce and formidable women who whispered in the ear of a king.

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Love to read about history? Head to my website: ⁠https://tudorsdynasty.com⁠

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

In this episode, we explore Tony Riches' Bess – Tudor Gentlewoman, uncovering the life of Bess Throckmorton, a woman who captured Sir Walter Raleigh's heart and played a subtle yet powerful role in the Tudor court. Riches’ book reveals the secrets, ambition, and quiet strength of this fascinating figure in Elizabethan history.

Tony's Book on Amazon

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If you love the show and want exclusive content, commercial-free episodes, and more - head over to Patreon!

Love to read about history? Head to my website: https://tudorsdynasty.com

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Tony Riches

Anne Neville’s life was anything but ordinary. Born to the powerful “Kingmaker” Earl of Warwick, she survived exile, two royal marriages, civil war, and the loss of a son—ultimately becoming Queen of England beside Richard III. In this episode, we uncover the remarkable journey of a woman often overlooked in history, yet whose story reveals the quiet strength and resilience required to survive one of England’s most turbulent eras.

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Read more about the Tudors AND beyond at https://tudorsdynasty.com

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Narrator: Rebecca Larson

Researched & Written by: Emily Airey

Alejandro Vergara-Sharp’s upcoming book Clara Peeters explores the life and work of the pioneering Flemish still-life painter. As one of the few women artists of her time, Peeters mastered the art of depicting luxurious banquets and subtly included self-portraits in reflective surfaces. This book highlights her role in shaping 17th-century still-life painting and the cultural world of early modern Antwerp.

Books by Alejandro Vergara Sharp:

Clara Peeters

What is Quality in Art?

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Host: Dr. Emma

Guest: Alejandro Vergara Sharp

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Amy McElroy for a deep dive into the fascinating life of Erasmus of Rotterdam! This conversation was full of unexpected twists—just when I thought I had a handle on his story, another surprise popped up. You won’t want to miss it!

*Find Amy's books everywhere, but here is the Amazon link

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Would you prefer a commercial-free episode, early access and exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon!

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Amy McElroy

In this episode, we dive into the dramatic and controversial life of Joan of Kent—daughter of scandal, wife of two men at once, and mother to a future king. Known for her beauty and boldness, Joan defied convention and royal expectation with a secret marriage that nearly brought down the crown. From forbidden love to political power, discover the woman who became England’s "Fair Maid" and changed royal history forever.

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back historian and author Helene Harrison for a captivating discussion on the love triangle that changed the course of history—the infamous "Great Matter" involving Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn. Their tangled story sparked a series of events that helped make the Tudors one of the most iconic dynasties in history.

Helene's Books on Amazon

Tudor Blogger Website

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Helene Harrison

Today, I'm joined by Shakespeare lecturer and author Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones for a fascinating conversation about one historical figure who has long remained an enigma to me—William Shakespeare.

We delve into why Shakespeare remains an enduring icon, what he may have been like in real life, how his writing evolved, the ways his work shaped our understanding of history, his famously sharp insults—and even the tale of how he may have made a tree magical!

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Darren's Book: Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers - Barnes & Noble, AMAZON, Manchester University Press

Sir Ian Mckellen's Thomas More speech: https://youtu.be/AjEAeOshUGQ?si=v_f7clkBvLG3GMHB&t=138

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones