Today, Sophie Bacchus-Waterman joined me again to chat about historical documents and their efforts to make them available to everyone. But that's not it, we talk about so much more!

Links mentioned:

The exhibition we did on digitization: https://stjohnscollegelibraryoxford.org/2023/04/18/from-ink-to-pixels-digitizing-manuscripts-at-st-johns-college/ 

The St John's Digital Bodleian page: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/partners/st-johns/ 

SJC MS 154: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/cc6f7f04-7236-40e2-8327-520158dfc7d5/ 

SJC MS 301: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/8984cfee-f6e7-4337-a108-554ee8c784dd/

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the lives of two powerful women who shaped European history—Catherine of Valois, the mother of the Tudor dynasty, and Catherine de Medici, Queen of France and mother to three kings. These Catherines endured scandal, intrigue, and heartbreak, each fighting to protect their legacies in a world ruled by men. From forbidden love and royal rivals to unyielding ambition, their stories set the stage for dynasties that would change history. Join us as we uncover the resilience and tenacity of two queens who left their mark on the world.

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Credits:

Narrator: Rebecca Larson

Researcher: Emily Airey

Today, we revisit my conversation with Dr. James Taffe on the endlessly intriguing Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. After the execution of her husband, George Boleyn, and sister-in-law Anne in 1536, Jane skillfully navigated the dangerous waters of Tudor politics, securing a place in the households of each successive queen. But her involvement with Queen Katheryn Howard ultimately sealed her fate, leading to their executions in 1542. Jane’s life serves as a cautionary tale of the dangerous dance between power, loyalty, and ambition in the Tudor court.

James's Book - Courting Scandal

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. James Taffe

Today the lovely Andrea Zuvich joins me to discuss the topic of her new book, A Life of Barbara Villiers, Charles II's Most Infamous Mistress. Barbara Villiers was so much more than the mistress of Charles II, and I hope today you will give her another look, and check out Andrea's book!

https://www.andreazuvich.com/

podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrea-zuvich

Become a PATRON! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Andrea Zuvich

In this episode I uncover the story of Renée of France, a princess who defied royal expectations and embraced the Protestant Reformation. Despite being married into the Catholic court of Ferrara, Renée became a protector of reformers like John Calvin and a supporter of the Huguenots during the French Wars of Religion. Discover how her courage and conviction in a time of religious conflict left a lasting legacy.

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Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

This episode is a bit of a whirlwind, but in the best way! We recorded it last week on my birthday as a fun project with two close friends. I'll admit, we cover a wide range of topics, so if you enjoy hearing Emma and me chat, you're in for a treat!

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Rebecca Larson

Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Matthew Lewis joins me once again to dive into his favorite topic—the Princes in the Tower. This enduring mystery never fails to captivate, but I have to admit, Matt may have finally convinced me!

What do you think?

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Matt's Books

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis

In this episode, we explore the life of Anne of Gloucester, granddaughter of King Edward III and a key figure in late medieval England. From her noble birth to her strategic marriages and the losses she endured, Anne’s life was shaped by the political turbulence of her time. Discover how this formidable heiress navigated power, tragedy, and survival, while raising children who would play pivotal roles in the Wars of the Roses.

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Narrator: Rebecca Larson

Written by: Sharon Bennett Connolly

https://historytheinterestingbits.com/2015/11/28/anne-of-gloucester-daughter-of-a-traitor/

Today, I am joined by the lovely Bonnie Beadle of the Queen Katherine Parr Society to discuss the last wife of Henry VIII in life and in film. This fun, laid-back episode examines Parr's portrayals in The Tudors, Becoming Elizabeth, and Firebrand.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Bonnie Beadle

Today I am joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to discuss Elizabeth Boleyn, the mother of Anne Boleyn. For centuries, she has loomed in the shadows of history and today I am pleased to shine a light on this amazing woman who was weaved into the story of the Tudors.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman