On this day in history, 13th May 1619, Westminster Abbey hosted a grand and costly funeral for a queen consort who is often overshadowed in British royal history. But who was Anne of Denmark? What role did she really play at the courts of Scotland and England—and why did her relationship with King James sour so drastically in her final years? In th…

Why did people like Anne Boleyn, George Boleyn, and Lady Jane Grey use their final words to praise the monarch who condemned them to die? Were they afraid? Following orders? Or was there something deeper at work? In this podvast, I explore the rituals, beliefs, and expectations behind execution speeches in the Tudor period. From religious symbolism…

On this day in Tudor history, 6th May 1502, Sir James Tyrell met his end on Tower Hill—remembered not just as a royal servant, but as the man accused of murdering the Princes in the Tower. But did he really confess to killing Edward V and his brother? Or was his name dragged into a Tudor-era cover-up? In this podcast, we unravel the life, rise, and…

The Marriage of James VI and Anne of Denmark A royal wedding… a stormy sea… and a witch hunt that would echo through history. When Anne of Denmark tried to sail to Scotland to join her new husband, King James VI, disaster struck. Fierce storms battered her fleet, whispers of witchcraft spread like wildfire, and before long, women were being accused…

Think hanging, drawing and quartering was as bad as it got? Think again. In this chilling follow-up, we dive into some of the lesser-known but equally gruesome methods of execution used during the Tudor period. From boiling people alive to crushing them slowly under immense weight, the Tudors certainly knew how to make a statement. Join me as I exp…

The Tudors were infamous for their brutal punishments, but none were more terrifying than the full traitor’s death—hanging, drawing, and quartering. Reserved for those guilty of high treason, this gruesome execution was designed not just to punish but to serve as a chilling warning to all. But what did it actually involve? Step by horrifying step, …

The Execution of George van Parris under Edward VI The reign of Edward VI is often seen as a time of Protestant reform, but it was also a period of religious persecution. On 24th or 25th April 1551, George van Parris was burned at the stake—not for being Catholic, but for holding radical Protestant beliefs. A Flemish surgeon living in London, van P…

Tudor history is full of ‘wicked women’—but were they truly wicked, or simply women who refused to conform? From Anne Boleyn, accused of adultery and treason, to Catherine Howard, condemned for her past, and Lettice Knollys, who dared to marry Robert Dudley, history has painted many Tudor women as villains. But was their greatest crime simply being…

Anne Stanhope, Duchess of Somerset—ambitious, powerful, and controversial. History remembers her as arrogant and ruthless, but was she truly a villain, or simply a strong woman in a world that feared female power? As the wife of Edward Seymour, Lord Protector of England, Anne was the highest-ranking woman in the country after the queen. She influen…

On 13th April 1630, a remarkable woman passed away—Anne Howard, Countess of Arundel. She was no ordinary noblewoman. In a time when Catholicism was outlawed in England, she risked everything to protect priests and defy the authorities. Who was this fearless countess, and why did she go to such great lengths for her faith? Watch to uncover the fasci…

Fast food isn’t just a modern invention—people in medieval and Tudor England were grabbing quick meals centuries before us! In cities like London and Bristol, many people didn’t have kitchens, so they relied on cookshops for hot, ready-to-eat food. Street vendors, called hucksters, even had portable ovens to sell pies on the go—just like a modern f…

Imagine being confined to your home with no hope of release. In Tudor times, house arrest wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a political weapon used to control and punish powerful figures.In this video, I explore some of the most famous cases of house arrest in the Tudor period, from queens and princesses to ambitious courtiers. Catherine of Arag…

It’s April Fools’ Day, and while I’ve already covered Tudor court jesters like Will Somer and Jane the Fool, today we’re talking about Tudor fools—people who made shockingly bad decisions that led to their downfall. The Tudor court was full of ambitious, reckless, and sometimes downright foolish courtiers. Some miscalculated their power, others def…

Elizabeth I’s reign is often celebrated as a Golden Age—a time of exploration, cultural flourishing, and military victories. But was it truly golden for everyone? Behind the glorious image of Gloriana, there was persecution, war, economic hardship, and brutal repression. In this video, we’ll uncover the darker side of Elizabeth I’s rule—the sufferi…

On 24th March 1603, Queen Elizabeth I passed away at the age of 69—but what exactly caused her death?Despite being one of history’s most documented monarchs, the exact cause of Elizabeth’s death remains a mystery. Historians and medical experts have proposed various theories, including:- A deadly tooth abscess—Could an infection have turned septic?…

Beards in Tudor England weren’t just about fashion—they were symbols of masculinity, power, and even political loyalty! From Henry VIII’s beard rivalry with Francis I to Elizabeth I’s courtiers dyeing their beards red in her honor, facial hair was serious business. Did you know that some Tudor men believed beards were proof of virility? Or that pul…

When we think of Henry VIII’s inner circle, we usually focus on his wives, ministers, and high-ranking courtiers. But what about the man who held a razor to the king’s throat every day? Meet Edmund Harman, Henry VIII’s personal barber—a man who not only kept the king’s hair and beard in check but also navigated the dangerous world of Tudor politics…

Henry VIII executed two of his six wives—two young women from the same powerful family, both elevated to queenship and both brutally cut down. But while their fates were the same, their downfalls couldn’t have been more different. Anne Boleyn’s fall was a calculated, political execution—fast, ruthless, and built on lies. Catherine Howard’s fall was…

Welcome to another episode of Tudor Trivia! Last week, we explored historical makeup, and today, we’re uncovering the fascinating world of medieval and Tudor skincare. You might be surprised to learn that many of the remedies used centuries ago are still in use today—or are even making a comeback in the world of natural beauty! From herbal treatmen…

On this day, 14th March 1553, a Tudor bishop passed away in Bangor, leaving behind a legacy that shaped religious life in Wales. But who was he, and why does his story matter? From his time as chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk to his unexpected fall from favour with Thomas Cromwell, Arthur Bulkeley’s career was anything but ordinary. In an era of rel…

On this day, March 13, 1619, the stage lost one of its greatest stars. Richard Burbage wasn’t just an actor—he was Shakespeare’s leading man, the original Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. But his impact went far beyond the stage. From his early years in London to his legendary performances at The Globe Theatre, Burbage helped shape the golden age of…

Thomas Boleyn has long been painted as a ruthless social climber who exploited his daughters for power and wealth. But does history support this image, or have we been misled by fiction? On the anniversary of his death in 1539, let’s uncover the real Thomas Boleyn—the diplomat, scholar, and trusted courtier of two Tudor kings. His rise at court had…

On March 11, 1513, Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici became Pope Leo X, a ruler who would shape the Renaissance papacy with grandeur, patronage, and controversy. A lover of art and luxury, Leo transformed Rome into a cultural powerhouse, supporting artists like Raphael. But his extravagant spending led him to promote the sale of indulgences—a move tha…

William Paulet and how he served FOUR monarchs & kept his head In Tudor England, where one wrong move could mean the Tower, how did one man manage to serve four monarchs and die peacefully in his 90s? William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester, had a secret: adapt or die. From the reign of Henry VIII to Elizabeth I, Paulet mastered the art of polit…

What if Catherine of Aragon had stepped aside and entered a nunnery? Could it have saved her daughter Mary’s legitimacy? Would Anne Boleyn have had a son? And most importantly—would England have remained Catholic? In this video, we explore a fascinating Tudor ‘What If’—how history might have changed if Catherine had accepted Henry VIII’s demands. W…

Did Elizabeth I really poison herself with lead makeup? It’s a Tudor myth! While Venetian ceruse—white lead makeup—did exist, there’s no real evidence the Queen actually used it. So where did this ghostly image of Elizabeth come from? The Victorians! But Tudor beauty wasn’t exactly safe… From toxic rouges made of mercury to fake blue veins and even…

Germain Gardiner and the Prebendaries' Plot In the 1540s, England was a nation in religious turmoil, and those who resisted Henry VIII’s supremacy over the church risked everything. I uncover the dramatic downfall of Germain Gardiner, John Larke, and others caught in the deadly Prebendaries' Plot—a conspiracy that sought to halt Protestant reforms …

On 6th March 1547, Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton and former Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII, suffered a dramatic fall from power, losing the Great Seal of his Lord Chancellorship. But was this really about his overreach, or was it part of a larger power struggle? Wriothesley had been one of Henry VIII’s most trusted advisors. He played …

Imagine a world without the × symbol for multiplication, sin and cos in trigonometry, or even the slide rule—a tool that shaped centuries of science and engineering. Meet William Oughtred, the Tudor-era mathematician, clergyman, and inventor who changed the way we do maths forever! But Oughtred’s story isn’t just about numbers—his life was full of …

On this day in Tudor history, 4th March 1590, Christopher Bales met a brutal and unjust end on the streets of London. His crime? Simply being a Catholic priest. Under Elizabeth I’s strict anti-Catholic laws, his faith was seen as treason—and his punishment was death. But who was Christopher Bales? And why was England so determined to silence men li…

Margaret Tudor’s Third Marriage. On this day in Tudor history, 3rd March 1528, Margaret Tudor—sister of Henry VIII and widow of James IV of Scotland—tied the knot for the third time. But was this her chance for happiness… or just history repeating itself? Margaret had already endured one tragic loss and one disastrous marriage. She fought for freed…

If you could travel back in time and ask one of Henry VIII’s wives a single question, what would it be?This week’s Sunday Quick Q&A tackles a fascinating “what if” scenario, and I just couldn’t resist picking questions for ALL six wives… and maybe even Henry himself (with a little truth serum!). Which wife would you choose, and what would you ask? …

Did Elizabeth I’s coronation date come from the stars? On 15th January 1559, she was crowned Queen of England—but this wasn’t just a political decision. The famed astrologer John Dee carefully selected the date based on celestial alignments, believing it would shape her reign. But why did astrology hold such importance in Tudor times? Listen to fin…

On this day, 28th February 1551, Martin Bucer—a theologian and reformer whose influence stretched across Europe—died in Cambridge. But his story didn’t end there… Six years later, under Queen Mary I, his body was exhumed, put on trial, and burned as a heretic. Why? What made him so dangerous that even his bones had to be destroyed? Join me as we un…

The Women Who Risked It All. They defied the law. They risked everything. And they paid with their lives. On 27th February 1601, Anne Line was executed for harbouring a Catholic priest. But she wasn’t the only one to suffer in this way. Margaret Clitherow and Margaret Ward were also condemned for protecting outlawed priests in Elizabethan England. …

He was the grandson of Mary Boleyn, a trusted courtier of Elizabeth I, and a patron of Shakespeare’s acting company—but history has largely overlooked George Carey, 2nd Baron Hunsdon. Born into Boleyn blood, Carey rose through the ranks of Elizabethan society, earning knighthood, securing key military positions, and even becoming Lord Chamberlain, …

She was the wife of a Boleyn descendant, the patron of some of Elizabeth I’s greatest minds, and a member of the powerful Spencer dynasty—the same family as Princess Diana. Yet history has largely forgotten Elizabeth Carey, Lady Hunsdon. Born at Althorp, she was deeply connected to the Tudor court, married into the family of Mary Boleyn, and earned…

The Scandalous Life of Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton A suspected traitor, a royal insider, and a man linked to one of the most shocking murder plots of the 17th century—Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, knew how to survive in a world of political intrigue. - He escaped imprisonment five times- Rose to power under James I- Played a shadowy role…

When nature called in Tudor times, where did people go? The answer might surprise (or horrify) you! From Henry VIII’s velvet-covered 'throne' to communal "houses of easement" and gong scourers wading through filth, Tudor sanitation was far from glamorous. - What did they use to wipe?- Where did all that waste really go?- And why were some fireplace…

Think the Tudors were covered in dirt and never washed? Think again!While they didn’t have hot showers or fancy soaps, they had their own clever ways of staying clean—some of which might surprise you! - Linen undergarments kept them fresh - Toothbrushes? Not quite, but they cleaned their teeth! - No showers, but daily “strip washes” - Fancy soap ba…

The Tragic Tale of Katherine Grey. On this day in Tudor history, 21st February 1568, Lady Katherine Grey was laid to rest.Born into royal blood, she was a cousin of Elizabeth I and the sister of Lady Jane Grey, the ill-fated ‘Nine Days’ Queen.’ But while Jane met the executioner’s block, Katherine faced a different kind of sentence—imprisonment, he…

She served all of Henry VIII’s queens, navigated the treacherous world of court politics, and became the closest confidante of England’s last Tudor queen consort—yet history has largely forgotten her. Meet Anne Herbert, Countess of Pembroke—younger sister to Catherine Parr, but so much more than just a royal relation. From witnessing the fall of An…

On 19th February 1567, while imprisoned in the Tower of London, Lady Margaret Douglas received devastating news—her son, Lord Darnley, had been brutally murdered at Kirk o’ Field. But this was more than just the loss of a son—it shattered her dynastic hopes, leaving her a grieving mother caught in the deadly game of Tudor and Stuart politics. - Gra…

Mary I & Elizabeth I They were daughters of Henry VIII, England’s first two crowned queens regnant, and two of the most formidable women in Tudor history. Yet while Mary I’s reign lasted just five years, Elizabeth ruled for over 44 years, shaping what many consider a Golden Age. - Both fought for their thrones—Mary against Lady Jane Grey, Elizabeth…

Mary, Queen of Scots & Lord Darnley On 17th February 1565, Mary, Queen of Scots met Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley—and fell in love. It seemed like the perfect match: Darnley was young, charming, handsome, and of royal blood, with claims to both the Scottish and English thrones. But what started as a passionate romance quickly became Mary’s greatest mi…

Did Catherine of Aragon really ride into battle at Flodden, dressed in armour, leading her troops to victory? It’s a thrilling image—one even some 16th-century sources suggest! But the truth? Catherine wasn’t at Flodden… yet her role in England’s victory was still crucial. As regent in Henry VIII’s absence, she was no passive queen. She rallied tro…

Did you know we can measure Henry VIII’s expanding waistline just by looking at his armour? As a young king, Henry was tall, athletic, and an expert jouster, but by the end of his life, he had ballooned in size, struggling with mobility, illness, and royal excess. And thanks to his custom-made suits of armour, we can track just how much he grew! Fr…

Love in the Tudor court was rarely a fairy tale... For some, it led to power and triumph, while for others, it ended in heartbreak, scandal, or even death. From secret marriages and forbidden romances to devotion beyond death, these are some of the most fascinating love stories in Tudor history. A queen’s sister who risked everything for love... A …

On this day in Tudor history, 13th February 1542, Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s young queen, met her brutal end. But was she truly guilty of treason? And why did Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford, share her fate? - A scandalous past, forbidden meetings, and the wrath of a dangerous king—Catherine’s downfall was swift and brutal.- Jane Boleyn, a woman for…

On this day in Tudor history, 12th February 1584, Catholic priest James Fenn was brutally executed at Tyburn—his crime? Simply practising his faith. Once a scholar, husband, and father, Fenn’s life took a dramatic turn when he refused to conform to Elizabeth I’s religious laws. Accused of treason in a shocking show trial, he was condemned to the ho…