Talking Tudors

Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Andrew Johnston about the life and career of William Paget, from his humble London origins to his central role as Henry VIII’s secretary. The episode explores Paget’s influence on diplomacy, the Privy Council, Henry’s will, and the fall of the Howards in the turbulent 1540s. Listeners will learn how Paget navigated court factions, helped shape the succession plan for Edward VI, and survived through multiple reigns, making him a key but often overlooked figure in Tudor politics. Check out the sponsor of today's episode, Simply Tudor Tours https://simplytudortours.com/ SUPPORT TALKING TUDORS ON PATREON! https://talkingtudors.podbean.com/ JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Host Natalie Grueninger interviews historian and author Megan Coles about the spooky side of London: Elizabeth I sightings, headless apparitions at the Tower, Catherine Howard’s ghost at Hampton Court, and Megan’s own paranormal experiences in Westminster and the Churchill War Rooms. Learn more about Megan Coles https://linktr.ee/sighmegara?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=70f8850d-546a-4758-b948-69d5992e90f7 SUPPORT TALKING TUDORS ON PATREON! https://talkingtudors.podbean.com/ JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Dr Jane Bitomsky about her debut historical mystery, 'Death by Misadventure', and her PhD research into pregnancy and crime in early modern England. They discuss the real-life coroner John Derrick, researching Bramley in the 1580s, sources and surprises from the archives (from medicinal mouldy bread to colourful euphemisms), and the challenges of writing accurate yet readable historical fiction. LEARN MORE ABOUT DR BITOMSKY https://www.janebitomskybooks.com/about SUPPORT TALKING TUDORS ON PATREON! https://talkingtudors.podbean.com/ JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com  

Historian and novelist Sarah Dunant joins Natalie Grueninger to explore the life and legacy of Isabella d'Este. Among other things, they discuss her upbringing in Ferrara, marriage into Mantua, patronage of the arts, signature fashion statements, and the extraordinary archive of over 33,000 letters that reveal her voice and political skill. They also discuss Dunant's latest novel 'The Marquesa'.  LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH DUNANT https://www.sarahdunant.com TAKEAWAYS https://www.isabelladestearchive.org/ Explore the work of Andrea Mantegna, court artist to the Gonzaga family in Mantua. LEARN MORE ABOUT TODAY'S SPONSOR - SIMPLY TUDOR TOURS https://simplytudortours.com/ Visit Natalie Grueninger's official website: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!

In this episode Natalie Grueninger interviews Susan Millard, rare books curator at the University of Melbourne, about the library’s recent acquisition of a 1494 edition of the Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches). They explore the book’s author Heinrich Kramer, its printing by Anton Koberger, its role in witch trials and misogyny, the physical provenance and condition of the volume, and how it will be used for teaching and research. JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about the library's collection: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/asc   Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!