Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

The Women Behind William the Conqueror Oct 13, 2026 00:43:30 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 authori

Who Would Survive Tudor Court - and Social Media? (Superlatives) Oct 11, 2026 00:54:23 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

William the Conqueror: Rebels, Rule, and Legacy (Norman Kings Series) Oct 8, 2026 00:51:31 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

The Real Elizabeth I: Image, Power, and Legend Oct 6, 2026 00:57:10 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 hi

Historical Superlatives: Medieval Edition Oct 4, 2026 00:55:34 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 se

Mapping Margaret of Austria Oct 1, 2026 00:43:51 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 s

Holbein, Anne Boleyn, and a Tudor Revenge Plot Sep 29, 2026 00:52:38 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 Wy

Historical Superlatives: Tudor Edition Sep 27, 2026 01:00:20 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 answe

William the Conqueror: From Bastard Duke to King of England (Norman Kings Series) Sep 24, 2026 00:55:20 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

Finding Richard III and the Evidence That the Princes Survived Sep 22, 2026 01:10:00 Philippa Langley became internationally known for leading the search that discovered the remains of King Richard III beneath a Leicester car park. Now she is challenging another of history’s most enduring mysteries: what really happened to the Princes in the Tower?Philippa joins Rebecca to discuss her remarkable search for Richard III, the evidence that led to the excavation of Greyfriars, and wha

Would You Rather: Medieval Edition Sep 20, 2026 01:10:14 What would you choose: marry King John or Richard II? Follow Richard the Lionheart or Edward I into battle? Support Matilda or Stephen? Witness Bosworth or Hastings? And if you could solve one historical mystery, would you rather interview the people involved—or secretly watch the whole thing unfold?This week on Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca are playing Would You Rather: Medieval Edition, and so

The Spanish Travels of Katherine of Aragon Sep 17, 2026 01:05:42 Long before Katherine of Aragon sailed for England, she had already traveled across kingdoms, witnessed conquest, encountered new cultures, and experienced life at the heart of an itinerant royal court.In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Dr. Emma to retrace Katherine’s formative journeys through Spain—from her birth in Alcalá de Henares to Granada, Barcelona, Medina del Campo, Laredo, and finall

Dressed to Rule: How Elizabeth I Fashioned Power Sep 15, 2026 00:53:06 Queen Elizabeth I understood that clothing was never simply decorative—it was a powerful political tool. In this episode, Rebecca Larson speaks with Sylvia Barbara Soberton, author of Dressed to Impress: Queen Elizabeth I and the Art of Fashioning Power, about how Elizabeth used gowns, jewelry, color, and carefully constructed imagery to communicate legitimacy, authority, purity, and royal magnifi

The Yorkist Who Survived Henry VIII Sep 13, 2026 00:52:14 Rebecca and Amy explore the remarkable life of Reginald Pole—a Yorkist survivor who went from Henry VIII’s favored scholar to one of the king’s most outspoken opponents. They discuss Pole’s education in Oxford and Padua, his rejection of the royal supremacy, and the devastating consequences his resistance had for the family he left behind in England.After years of exile, Pole returned under Mary I

England's Version of Dance of the Dragon Sep 10, 2026 01:11:43 What does House of the Dragon have in common with some of the bloodiest succession struggles in medieval history?Historian Matt Lewis joins Rebecca Larson to explore the real history woven into the world of Westeros—from Empress Matilda’s battle for the English throne during the Anarchy to the rivalries and shifting loyalties of the Wars of the Roses. They discuss female succession, disputed heirs

Anne of Cleves: What the Sources Really Say Sep 8, 2026 00:54:05 Was the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves truly doomed from the beginning - or has hindsight distorted the story? Dr. Valerie Schutte joins me to challenge the familiar narrative of Henry’s immediate disgust and Anne’s disastrous failure as queen. We examine what the sources reveal when read chronologically, from their first meeting at Rochester and the couple’s communication difficul

Would You Rather? Medieval & Tudor History Edition Sep 6, 2026 01:02:10 Would you rather marry Henry VIII or spend five years in the Tower? Serve Katherine of Aragon during her downfall or Anne Boleyn during her rise? Discover the true identity of Perkin Warbeck or finally learn what happened to the Princes in the Tower?In this episode of Off the Record, Rebecca and Amy face a series of impossible medieval and Tudor choices involving royal marriages, dangerous courts,

Medieval Kings: The Questions We Never Asked Sep 3, 2026 01:25:00 In the finale of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and Matt answer listener questions, challenge medieval monarchs with some very modern dilemmas, and revisit a few of history’s most persistent mysteries. Who would survive a siege, win Survivor, or make the worst podcast guest? Join us for one final round of crowns, controversy, and medieval kings chaos!--Join our growing community of history lov

Searching for Anne Boleyn: Facial Recognition, Secret Codes, and the Tower Letter Sep 1, 2026 00:42:12 What if some of the greatest mysteries surrounding Anne Boleyn have been hiding in plain sight?In this episode, Rebecca is joined by researcher Karen L. Davis to explore three fascinating and interconnected areas of her work: the use of facial-recognition technology to investigate Anne Boleyn’s portraiture, a concealed cipher within Henry VIII’s love letters, and new evidence concerning the authen

The Yorkist Who (Almost) Survived the Tudors: Arthur Plantagenet Aug 30, 2026 01:21:26 Arthur Plantagenet survived the fall of the Yorkists and served four kings—but his loyalty could not save him from the suspicions of Henry VIII’s court.In this episode, Rebecca and Amy explore the remarkable life of Edward IV’s illegitimate son: half-brother to Elizabeth of York, uncle to Henry VIII, military commander, Knight of the Garter, and Lord Deputy of Calais. His illegitimacy may have pro

The Final Year and Fall of Richard III Aug 27, 2026 01:15:36 In the concluding episode of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine the turbulent final year of Richard III’s reign - and the rumors, rivalries, and betrayals that carried him toward Bosworth.Did Richard intend to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York? Did he hasten the death of his wife, Anne Neville? Or were these accusations part of a growing propaganda campaign design

The Making and Murder of the Holy Maid of Kent Aug 25, 2026 00:46:22 Before she became known as the Holy Maid of Kent, Elizabeth Barton was an obscure housemaid suffering from mysterious trances and convulsions. Within a few short years, her prophecies had attracted thousands of followers, earned her audiences with some of Europe’s most powerful men, and placed her directly in the path of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.Rebecca is joined by historian and author Hayley N

What If: Tudor Queen Consort Edition Aug 23, 2026 00:55:20 What if one moment had gone differently for the women of the Tudor dynasty?In this episode of Tudors Dynasty, Rebecca and Amy are rewriting history once again with a new round of Tudor “What Ifs”—this time focused on the queens whose marriages, pregnancies, and choices helped determine the future of England.What if Anne of Cleves had been pregnant when Henry VIII decided he wanted their marriage a

Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies Aug 20, 2026 01:16:36 In Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies, Rebecca Larson and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s landmark Parliament of 1484—an assembly whose legislation was praised even by historians otherwise hostile to his reign.Richard abolished forced “benevolences,” strengthened protections for people accused of crimes, confronted corruption within the jury system, protected English merchant

Bosworth: The Battle That Richard III Almost Won Aug 18, 2026 01:07:32 The Battle of Bosworth is often remembered as the inevitable end of Richard III and the triumphant beginning of the Tudor dynasty - but Henry Tudor’s victory was anything but certain.In this episode, we examine the battle from Richard’s perspective, revealing an experienced commander who entered the field with the larger army and came within seconds of killing Henry Tudor. Far from a final act of

Richard III: The Gathering Storm (Medieval Kings Series) Aug 13, 2026 01:17:45 Richard III’s reign began with remarkable speed—and almost immediately began to unravel. In this episode, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s accession in June 1483, the declaration that Edward IV’s children were illegitimate, and the precedent behind his acceptance of the throne at Baynard’s Castle. Just days later, Richard was crowned at Westminster Abbey before an impressive gath

Queens, Rebels and the Women Who Shaped 1066 Aug 11, 2026 01:17:42 Queens, Rebels and the Women Who Shaped 1066 explores the remarkable women whose influence helped define the Norman Conquest and transform 11th-century England.Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Silk and the Sword, joins Rebecca to bring women such as Emma of Normandy, Lady Godiva, GYtha of Wessex, and Edith of Wessex out of the historical footnotes and place them at the center of the st

What If Katherine of Aragon Had Stepped As Aug 9, 2026 00:49:09 What if Katherine of Aragon had willingly stepped aside and allowed Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn? Would Mary have remained legitimate—and could England’s break with Rome have been avoided?Rebecca and Amy explore the legal, political, and religious consequences of this alternate Tudor timeline. Even with Katherine’s cooperation, Henry’s marriage would still have required a formal dissolution, ra

Richard III: Honor in a Ruthless Age Aug 6, 2026 01:19:56 Before Richard III became king - and long before history cast him as a villain - he built a very different reputation in the north of England.In this episode, Rebecca Larson and Matt Lewis continue Richard’s story from his marriage to Anne Neville through his rise as one of Edward IV’s most trusted lords. They examine the bitter division of the Warwick inheritance, Richard’s relationship with Anne

Anna of Denmark: The Clever Queen History Underestimated Aug 4, 2026 01:03:53 Historian and bestselling author Tony Riches joins Rebecca Larson to discuss his new book, Queen Anna, and the remarkable woman behind it. Often dismissed as frivolous and shallow, Anna of Denmark was a gifted linguist, devoted mother, influential patron of the arts, and a queen who understood how to gather information and exercise influence at the Stuart court.Tony shares how newly translated let

Historical Mysteries: No Research, Just Opinions Aug 2, 2026 00:45:28 What happens when two history lovers tackle some of the past’s greatest mysteries - with no preparation, no research, and plenty of opinions? Rebecca and Amy debate whether Perkin Warbeck was really a prince, who was responsible for the deaths of Thomas Becket and Henry VI, whether Edward II escaped his fate, and what truly happened between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Katherine Howard and Thoma

Richard III: Forged by Conflict Jul 30, 2026 01:09:32 Long before Richard III became one of England’s most controversial kings, he was a child shaped by exile, loss and political upheaval. In this first part on Richard, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis trace Richard’s life from his birth at Fotheringay Castle in 1452 through his first experiences of battle at Barnet and Tewkesbury in 1471.They explore Richard’s childhood during the Wars of the Roses,

Katherine Gordon: Did She Believe He Was a Prince? Jul 28, 2026 01:13:36 In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to examine whether Katherine Gordon truly believed her first husband, Perkin Warbeck, was Richard of Shrewsbury. Drawing upon her article published in The Ricardian, Sophie explores Katherine’s will and its intriguing reference to “my cousin Margaret Kyme.” While this phrase has been used as evidence that Katherine regarded Warbeck as a

What Got Us Into History? Jul 26, 2026 00:58:54 History isn't always something we're born loving - it often finds us in unexpected ways.This week, Amy and I step away from our usual historical discussions to share our own stories. We talk about the moments, people, places, and books that sparked our passion for the past, how genealogy and historical fiction shaped our journeys, and why history became so much more than just a subject in

Edward V: The King Who Never Wore the Crown Jul 23, 2026 01:19:22 Edward V’s reign lasted only a matter of weeks - but those weeks changed the course of English history. In this episode, Rebecca and historian Matthew Lewis trace the rapidly unfolding events of 1483, from Edward IV’s unexpected death and the conflict between the Woodvilles and Lord Hastings to the arrests at Northampton, the execution of Hastings, and the revelation that would see Edward V declar

Jane Seymour: The Queen We've Been Getting Wrong Jul 21, 2026 01:00:47 For centuries, Jane Seymour has been remembered as Henry VIII's quiet, obedient third wife -the queen who gave him his long-awaited son before dying tragically in childbirth. But was there far more to her story?In this episode, I'm joined by historian Elizabeth Norton to discuss her new book, Jane Seymour: Patronage, Material Culture and Image Crafting. Drawing on years of archival researc

What If Jane Grey Had Remained Queen? (Replay) Jul 19, 2026 00:55:03 Amy's was on vacation and I am running out of topic ideas for this week so I decided to revisit one of our most popular episodes.What if Lady Jane Grey had outwitted Mary Tudor and stayed Queen of England?In this Off the Record episode, we follow the most fascinating “what if” in Tudor history: a world where Jane’s reign doesn’t end after nine days - but becomes the start of something far bigg

Edward IV: The Price of Power Jul 16, 2026 01:11:11 Edward IV's dramatic return to the throne in 1471 brought an end to the Lancastrian challenge - but not to the dangers facing England.In this episode, Matt Lewis and I explore the second half of Edward IV's reign, beginning with the decisive victory at Tewkesbury and the deaths of Henry VI and his son, Edward of Westminster. We examine the fate of Margaret of Anjou, the controversial execu

Margaret of Austria: A Story of Resilience Jul 14, 2026 01:01:02 Today, I am joined by award-winning historical fiction author Roja Gaston to discuss her novel on Margaret of Austria — daughter of Maximilian I, aunt to Charles V, and one of Renaissance Europe’s most powerful women.Together, they explore Margaret’s remarkable life: her early betrothal to the French king, her marriages to Juan of Spain and Philibert of Savoy, her role as regent of the Burgundian

Traveling Back in Time to Witness History, Pt. 3 Jul 12, 2026 01:00:55 Today, we decided to return to the same topic as before 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?--Co-Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

Edward IV: Allies, Enemies, and Exile Jul 9, 2026 01:13:57 Edward IV's reign began with spectacular victories, but it was nearly undone by betrayal.In Part 1 of our series, Matt Lewis joins me to explore Edward's rise to the throne following the Battle of Towton, his consolidation of power, and the growing rift with Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick - the Kingmaker. We discuss Edward's secret marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, the political fallo

York vs. Somerset: Obsession, Ambition, and the Origins of the Wars of the Roses Jul 7, 2026 01:12:29 For generations, the story of the Wars of the Roses has largely been told through a Yorkist lens. But what if we've been looking at the rivalry between Richard, Duke of York, and Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, all wrong?In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Michael Jones presents the Lancastrian case, challenging some of the most deeply rooted assumptions about the conflict that divided me

Henry VI: From Crisis to Civil War Jul 2, 2026 01:15:51 Matt Lewis returns to continue our journey through the reign of Henry VI - and things are about to fall apart.Picking up in 1450, we explore the events that plunged England into the Wars of the Roses. Was Richard, Duke of York, really determined to take the throne, or has history misunderstood his intentions? Time and again, York had opportunities to overthrow Henry VI, yet repeatedly stopped shor

Margaret Beaufort: Lancastrian Loyalist or Ruthless Opportunist? Jun 30, 2026 01:09:41 The wonderful Dr. Michael Jones returns to the podcast to take a fresh look at the remarkable life of Margaret Beaufort. Together, we explore how her turbulent childhood shaped the woman she would become - from growing up without ever knowing her father to the lasting impact his early death had on her life. We also dive into her relationship with her mother, and of course, we couldn't talk abo

Traveling Back in Time to Witness History, Pt. 2 Jun 28, 2026 00:53:21 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?--Co-Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

Henry VI: The Making of a Crisis Jun 25, 2026 01:17:14 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 powerfu

Women's Networks in Medieval England, Pt. 2 Jun 23, 2026 01:06:27 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 s

Traveling Back in Time to Witness History Jun 21, 2026 01:09:25 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 pa

Edmund Beaufort: The Man History Got Wrong Jun 18, 2026 01:14:41 *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 tak

The House of Boleyn: History Meets Fiction Jun 16, 2026 00:48:05 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 ou

Educating the Tudors: The Blind Poet, the French Linguist, and the Loyal Martyr Jun 14, 2026 01:04:40 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 li

Henry V: England's Last Warrior King Jun 11, 2026 01:13:45 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

The Life and the Career of the Black Prince Jun 9, 2026 01:02:44 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

John Skelton: Poet, Tutor, and Troublemaker Jun 7, 2026 01:00:45 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 schola

The Daughters of King Stephen Jun 4, 2026 00:43:22 Finally, Matt Lewis took the hint and didn't show up today! Just kidding - he was busy this week but will be back next week to chat about Henry V with me.Today, my medieval fill-in guest is Sharon Bennett Connolly who is here to discuss the daughters of King Stephen with me... I hope you enjoy!Episode on Gunhild and Gytha:https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/rebecca-larson/episodes/The-Run

Women's Networks in Medieval England Jun 2, 2026 00:55:08 What happens when we stop looking at medieval queens as isolated figures and start looking at the women around them?In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull to explore the powerful networks of women that shaped politics, influence, and survival in fifteenth-century England. Our conversation focuses on three remarkable women: Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Margaret of Anjou, and Cecily Nev

John Cheke: Scholar of Kings, Prisoner of Queens May 31, 2026 00:45:50 John Cheke is often remembered as one of the greatest scholars of Tudor England, but his story is about far more than books and learning.In this episode, I'm joined by Amy McElroy as both co-host and guest as we explore the remarkable life of Sir John Cheke. From his rise as a brilliant humanist scholar and the first Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge, to his role as tutor to the future Ed

Henry IV: The Vanilla Milkshake of Kings May 28, 2026 01:05:11 Well… here it is. What did you think about the show open this week? Let me know in the comments!This week, Matt Lewis and I turn our attention to Henry IV — and there is a lot to unpack. We discuss the death of Richard II, the conspiracy theories that claimed he survived, the visit of an emperor to England, the kidnapping of the Scottish king, and so much more!As always, the conversation takes ple

The Queen's Husband: Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha May 26, 2026 01:15:35 In this second to last episode of our The Queen’s Husband series, I’m joined once again by the wonderful Dr. Linda Porter as we turn our attention to one of the most famous royal consorts in history - Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.So much of Prince Albert’s reputation has been shaped by the image of the devoted husband standing faithfully beside Queen Victoria, but who was he really? Lind

Historical TV Series: Part Three May 24, 2026 01:03:20 Yeah, you read that right, we are on Part Three (and the last for now) on historical TV series. This episode we look at one of my favorites - House of the Dragon, and one of Amy's favorites - Game of Thrones. If you haven't watched either consider this your spoiler alert. If you watched one episode and turned it off...consider this my pitch to convince you to watch!If you don't think d

Richard II: The King with a God Complex May 21, 2026 01:10:59 Richard II’s story is honestly one of the wildest royal rises and falls in English history, and in this episode I’m joined once again by Matt Lewis to untangle the life of the king who seemed determined to make everyone around him uncomfortable.We look at Richard becoming king as a child after the death of his grandfather, Edward III, and how surviving the Peasants' Revolt at just fourteen yea

Philippa Gregory on Mary Boleyn, Tudor Women & Revisiting History May 19, 2026 00:54:15 She has sold over 30 million copies of her books worldwide, and she is likely the most recognizable name in historical fiction. Today, I’m sharing the interview I recorded with not only Philippa Gregory, but also Sylvia Barbara Soberton - all thanks to History Press for arranging this for us.Together, Sylvia and Philippa explore the story of Mary Boleyn and discuss how each of them researched and

Historical TV Series - Part Two May 17, 2026 00:51:25 Here we are again, yet another Sunday chatting about historical TV series... Let's be honest, there are so many to discuss that we could do this forever, but today I have to find out if Amy watched My Lady Jane. After that we briefly talk about Reign before getting into some of our favorites - The Last Kingdom, Vikings, and more!--Support the podcast over on Patreon and get commercial-free epi

Edward III: Life, Death, and Everything In Between May 14, 2026 00:58:24 In the second half of Edward III’s reign, he begins to shift into something far more complicated. Joined once again by Matt Lewis, we follow Edward through the first couple of decades of the Hundred Years’ War, his complicated relationship with France, and the astonishing story of the French king John II of France, whose son escaped English captivity - forcing John himself to voluntarily return to

The Illegitimate Daughters of King Henry I May 12, 2026 01:03:31 In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore the fascinating lives of the women featured in her new book, Princesses of the Early Middle Ages - with a special focus on the often-overlooked illegitimate daughters of Henry I of England.We dive into the life of Sybilla of Normandy and her marriage to Alexander I of Scotland, discuss Matilda of Normandy and he

Historical TV: Brilliant… or Absolutely Bonkers? May 10, 2026 01:08:38 From lavish costumes and dramatic romances to wildly inaccurate timelines and completely unhinged plot twists, historical television gives us plenty to talk about. In this episode of Off the Record, we dive into some of our favorite historical TV series and discuss what they get right, what they get terribly wrong, and the moments that leave historians everywhere screaming at their screens. From b

Edward III: The Crown's Bright New Hope May 7, 2026 01:04:56 I'm joined once again by the brilliant historian Matt Lewis to hear the end of the story of Edward II, and then we move onto his son Edward III. As with all of these stories there are so many twists and turns - I'm not sure if I like Edward III or not after this chat...what do you think about him?--Support this podcast over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca Larso

Mary Boleyn: Slandered, Seductive...or Simply Misunderstood? May 5, 2026 00:55:01 Mary Boleyn - the “great whore” of Tudor history…or the victim of a bad translation?In this episode, we dig into one of the most misunderstood women of the Tudor court and start peeling back the layers of myth that have followed her for centuries. Was Mary really the scandalous figure history made her out to be, or has her reputation been shaped by misread words and repeated assumptions?We take a

Edward II: A King Out of Place Apr 30, 2026 01:06:31 Edward II has often been remembered as a king who simply didn’t fit the role he inherited. In this episode, we trace his reign from the shadow of his formidable father, Edward I of England, through the controversies that defined his rule - his favoritism, his relationships, and his uneasy connection with the nobility. Why did his choices spark such intense opposition? And how did a king lose contr

Katherine Swynford: From Mistress to Duchess Apr 28, 2026 01:03:32 In this episode, I’m joined by historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore the life of Katherine Swynford - her relationship with John of Gaunt, the scandal that shook the royal court, and how her legacy would shape the future of the English throne.--Sharon's Website: https://historytheinterestingbits.com/author/sharonbennettconnolly/Sharon's Upcoming Events: https://historytheinteresting

Henry VII: What Ifs & Misconceptions Apr 26, 2026 00:57:27 What if Henry Tudor never made it out of England? What if Bosworth had gone differently? And how much of what we think we know about Henry VII is actually wrong?In this Off the Record episode, we're joined by historian Nathen Amin to dig into the myths, misconceptions, and fascinating “what ifs” surrounding England’s first Tudor king. From his years in exile with Jasper Tudor to the pivotal mo

Edward I: Tyrant or Mastermind? Apr 23, 2026 01:04:15 Was Edward I of England a brilliant reformer—or a ruthless tyrant?In this episode, we dig into the life and reign of one of England’s most formidable kings. From legal reforms and the shaping of Parliament to his brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward’s legacy is anything but simple. We explore the man behind the crown—his ambition, his grief after the death of Eleanor of Castile, and the

Myths & Misconceptions: Elizabeth Boleyn Apr 21, 2026 01:07:23 In this episode, I’m joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to challenge everything you think you know about Elizabeth Boleyn. If you’ve ever wondered whether Elizabeth Boleyn has been unfairly judged, this conversation will make you rethink everything.--Sophie's book:Blackwells Amazon (US) Sophie's Social Media:InstagramBlueskySophie's Substack--BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th wi

Women Behaving Badly: Tudor Style Apr 19, 2026 01:02:40 Welcome back to Off the Record!Today, Amy and I dive into women “behaving badly”…or at least, that’s how history chose to remember them. And yes—we’re fully aware that women were judged by a very different standard than men.From alleged husband-murdering, to sharp-tongued insults, to a mother refusing her son the money he demanded, and even a woman boldly owning an affair (and naming her son after

The King No One Talks About: Henry III Apr 16, 2026 01:09:21 What do you do when your father is one of the worst kings in English history?This week, I’m joined by Matt Lewis to unpack the life of Henry III of England—a king who inherited chaos, uncertainty, and a seriously damaged crown after the disastrous reign of King John of England.We explore how Henry came to the throne as a child, what it meant to grow up in the shadow of his father’s failures, and t

The Queen's Husband: George of Denmark (Series) Apr 14, 2026 00:51:33 After exploring the husbands of Mary, Queen of Scots, Mary I of England, and Mary II of England, we now arrive at the final Stuart queen—Queen Anne—and the often-overlooked man at her side: Prince George of Denmark.In this overview episode of The Queen’s Husband, Dr. Linda Porter and I take a closer look at George—frequently dismissed as dull or insignificant—and ask whether that reputation is tru

Men Behaving Badly: Tudor Style Apr 12, 2026 00:55:28 What does bad behavior really look like in Tudor England? In this episode, we take a sharp look at the men who pushed ambition, ego, and survival just a little too far.Charles Brandon turns marriage into strategy, Thomas Seymour spirals after the death of Henry VIII, and John Dudley plays the game for his own gain.Add in Francis Bryan—who needed papal absolution—and Edmund Howard with his question

The Runaway Nun & the Exiled Princess Apr 9, 2026 00:57:44 What happens to the daughters of a king after everything falls apart?In this episode, we step into the turbulent aftermath of 1066 and follow the extraordinary—and often overlooked—lives of Gunhild of Wessex and Gytha of Wessex, daughters of Harold Godwinson—the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.Their stories are anything but quiet.One becomes a royal nun… who doesn’t quite stay that way. The other

The Complicated Rule of Mary, Queen of Scots Apr 7, 2026 01:12:01 This week, I’m joined by historian Dr. Steven Veerapen for a deep dive into one of history’s most fascinating—and controversial—figures: Mary, Queen of Scots.Was Mary a reckless romantic… or a ruler navigating an impossible political landscape?Together, we unravel the layers of her story—her queenship, her marriages, the scandal of Darnley’s murder, and the shadow of Bothwell. We also tackle the q

Marriage Edition: Good, Bad, and the Ugly Apr 5, 2026 01:09:49 What makes a marriage work - especially in a world where love was often optional and politics were everything?In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the messy, fascinating world of marriage in Tudor England - where alliances could build dynasties… or completely destroy them. We’re looking beyond Henry VIII’s famously disastrous relationships (don’t worry, he gets enough attention)

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