Today, 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?

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Co-Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

Henry 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.

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Host:
Rebecca Larson

Guest:
Matt Lewis

Dr. 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.

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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 Larson

Guest: Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull

Ever 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?

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Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episode, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Join other history enthusiasts for the upcoming EVENT on imagery of Mary Boleyn with Sylvia Barbara Soberton. Learn more here: https://maryboleyn.eventbrite.com

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Co-Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy

*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.

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Mike's Thesis/Dissertation he mentioned: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/34504530/507865.pdf

Information 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/

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Michael K. Jones

Lately, 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 HERE

Order the Frances Gorge's series here:

The King's Witch (Book One)

The Devil's Slave (Book Two)

The Fallen Angel (Book Three)

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Support the podcast on Patreon and receive commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Prof. Dr. Tracy Borman, OBE

When 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.

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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/2up

Alternatively an English translation can be found here: https://philological.cal.bham.ac.uk/andreas/1e.html

And 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

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Amy's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BBSK2SDQ?ccs_id=109e65de-e6dc-4f7e-ac20-4f5f9b2dac8f

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Co-Host/Guest: Amy McElroy

Matt Lewis is back and I have a little fun with him at the beginning of the episode.

This time, Matt teaches us all about Henry V and his ongoing quest for power and greatness. I could not help but mention how Henry VIII (nearly a century later) tries to emulate his idol, but fails miserably.

When people think of Henry V, they usually think of Agincourt. But there was far more to this king than one famous battlefield victory.

Was Henry V truly England's last warrior king? How much of his reputation comes from his achievements, and how much from centuries of mythmaking? And what might have happened if he had lived beyond the age of 35?

Join us as we take a closer look at one of England's most celebrated medieval monarchs and the legacy he left behind.

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Support the podcast on Patreon and get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

The Black Prince is one of the most famous figures of the Middle Ages - but how much do we really know about the man behind the legend?

In this episode, I'm joined by historian Dr. Michael Jones to explore the life and career of Edward of Woodstock, better known as the Black Prince. From his remarkable military successes at Crécy and Poitiers to his role in the Hundred Years' War, we follow his rise as England's most celebrated warrior. But this conversation goes beyond the battlefield.

Together, we examine his upbringing as the eldest son of King Edward III, his relationship with his mother, and the challenges that marked the final years of his life. We also discuss how the Black Prince's untimely death changed the course of English history and helped shape the troubled reign of his son, Richard II.

Was he truly the perfect medieval prince, or has history polished his reputation? Join us as we separate the man from the myth.

Check out his book available everywhere - The Black Prince: England's Greatest Medieval Warrior

Amazon US Link: https://a.co/d/0f5g738s

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Michael Jones

John Skelton is one of the most fascinating figures of the Tudor age - and somehow, one of the most overlooked. Poet, scholar, tutor to the future Henry VIII, and professional troublemaker, Skelton spent his life using words to entertain, provoke, and occasionally land himself in serious trouble.

In this episode, Amy McElroy joins me to explore the life and career of a man who was praised by scholars, admired by royalty, and feared by those who found themselves on the receiving end of his sharp tongue. We look at Skelton's role in the education of Prince Henry, his unique style of poetry, his clashes with powerful churchmen, and how he managed to survive in the turbulent world of Tudor politics.

Was John Skelton a loyal servant of the Crown, a fearless critic, or simply someone who couldn't resist stirring the pot? Join us as we uncover the story of one of Tudor England's most colorful characters.

Here is the link for the book.

Commentu[m] familiare in Ciceronis Officia / cum Petri Marsi exactissima explanatione, ab ipso recognita et diligenter annotata ; cumq[ue] de Amicitia, Senectute, [et] Paradoxis eiusdem Ciceronis non penitendis commentarijs et omnium tum rerum, tum, verborum, indice | Digital Collections

There is another link with a little more info about the book:

Prince Henry’s “boke” | Folger Shakespeare Library

EXTRA NOTE FROM AMY:

Although Skelton was not married there is historical lore that he lived with a woman who in some records has been labelled as a secret wife or a concubine, there is no record of his marriage. The lore also references Skelton taking a child into a church which led to allegations the child was his but there is no substantive evidence to confirm this.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Co-Host/Guest: Amy McElroy