Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

In this episode, we step into the glittering yet deeply unstable world of the Restoration court through the life of Mary of Modena - a woman whose destiny could not have been further from her original hopes.Mary had envisioned a quiet life devoted to the Church. Instead, she was thrust onto the European stage and into a political marriage with James II, brother and heir to Charles II. As a young foreign bride in a volatile, anti-Catholic England, Mary was forced to adapt quickly - learning how to survive, and even exert influence, in a court defined by shifting loyalties, scandal, and uncertainty.Joined by historian and author Breeze Barrington, who holds a PhD in the literary and artistic cultures of the early Stuart court, we explore how Mary navigated this treacherous environment with remarkable emotional intelligence and resilience. Together, we discuss Mary’s transformation from reluctant bride to queen, her role as stepmother to Mary II and Anne, and what her story reveals about women’s power, adaptation, and endurance at one of the most dramatic courts in English history.This is not just the story of a Catholic queen - but of a woman learning how to survive, and lead, in a world she never chose.--The Graces: The Extraordinary Untold Lives of Women at the Restoration CourtBlackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Graces-by-Breeze-Barrington/9781526663788--Have you ever wanted to look at a portrait and see all the symbolism - both hidden and obvious? Consider taking Dr. Emma's masterclass on Holbein identification! EARLY-BIRD pricing now available. Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1980200278338?aff=oddtdtcreator--Credits:Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Breeze Barrington

In the autumn of 1562, England held its breath. Queen Elizabeth I lay gravely ill with smallpox, her life uncertain, her kingdom unprepared for what might come next.But what if she hadn’t survived?In this episode, we explore one of the most chilling “what ifs” in English history. With no named heir, a fragile religious settlement, and rival claims waiting in the wings, Elizabeth’s death could have plunged England into chaos. Who would have taken the throne? Would Mary, Queen of Scots have prevailed - or would the Grey sisters have been revived as contenders? Who were some of the other contenders?This isn’t just speculation - it’s a deep dive into succession law, political reality, and the very real anxieties of a nation on the brink.History as it nearly was… and how close England came to a very different fate.--Have you always wanted to get more into art history but don't think you have the skills or tools to do so? Well, art historian Dr. Emma Cahill Marron is offering a masterclass on identifying Holbein portraits using the skills she learned as an art historian. Join us on February 22nd! EARLY BIRD PRICING AVAILABLE NOW!Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1980200278338?aff=oddtdtcreator--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

Two queens. Two foreign brides. Two marriages to Henry VIII—yet wildly different legacies.In this episode of Parallel Lives, Dr. Emma and I place Anna of Cleves and Katherine of Aragon side by side to explore what it really meant to arrive in England as a teenage bride, shaped by continental courts, dynastic expectations, and political pressure far beyond their control.We look at their early lives before England, how each woman understood queenship, faith, duty, and survival - and how their personal strengths played out very differently once married to the same king. From Katherine’s long struggle as queen and defender of her marriage (and daughter Mary) to Anna’s remarkable ability to adapt, negotiate, and ultimately thrive after divorce, this is a conversation about power, perception, and female resilience.Who had the better outcome? Who exercised more agency? And how much of what we think we know about these women is shaped by later myth rather than lived reality?Join us as we rethink two of Henry VIII’s most fascinating queens - beyond portraits, politics, and caricature.--DON'T FORGET TO GET SIGNED UP FOR DR. EMMA'S MASTERCLASS ON IDENTIFYING HOLBEIN SKETCHES/PORTRAITS ON FEBRUARY 22ND! --Hosts:Rebecca LarsonDr. Emma Cahill Marron

Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich, rose from relatively modest beginnings to become one of the most powerful - and controversial - figures of the Tudor age. A skilled lawyer and political operator, Rich prospered under Henry VIII and Edward VI, playing a key role in the Dissolution of the Monasteries and benefiting enormously from the redistribution of church lands. He is perhaps best remembered for his involvement in the prosecutions of Sir Thomas More and Anne Boleyn, acts that cemented his dark reputation. In this episode, we explore how Rich navigated the brutal world of Tudor politics - and why his name still provokes debate centuries later.Sarah's article on Rich: https://thetudortravelguide.com/richard-rich-1st-baron-rich/Leez Priory: https://thetudortravelguide.com/leez-priory/Simply Tudor Tours: https://simplytudortours.com/--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sarah Morris

We know him best as the father of Edward IV and Richard III, and as the husband of Cecily Neville. But in October 1460, everything changed. The Act of Accord named Richard, Duke of York, heir to the throne of Henry VI. Just two months later, he was dead - killed at the Battle of Wakefield.In this episode, Amy and I step into the counterfactual and ask: what if Richard had survived? What would England have looked like if the Duke of York had lived to become king?--Rebecca's Substack: https://rebeccalarson.substack.com/Amy's Substack: https://amymcelroy.substack.com/--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

One ruled one of the most powerful empires of the seventeenth century. The other shaped how that power would be seen - then and now.In this episode of Parallel Lives, we explore the intertwined lives of Philip IV of Spain and Diego Velázquez, king and court painter, patron and artist, subject and storyteller. Philip’s reign was marked by political strain, military decline, and a deep personal devotion to art. Velázquez, meanwhile, rose from modest beginnings to become not only the king’s favored painter but a trusted presence within the royal household itself.Together, they created one of the most fascinating collaborations in European history - one where art became a tool of authority, intimacy, and legacy. From court portraiture to Las Meninas, we examine how Velázquez crafted Philip’s image, how Philip shaped Velázquez’s career, and how their relationship reveals the fragile balance between power, perception, and truth.This is not just a story of a king and an artist—but of how history is framed, staged, and remembered.--Join Dr. Emma's Holbein Identification Masterclass on February 22nd! https://holbeinmasterclassONE.eventbrite.com--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marrón

Why are we still so obsessed with the Tudors after five centuries?In this week’s Tuesday Historian Chat, I’m joined by historian and author Elizabeth Goff to explore the women, myths, and memories that continue to define Tudor history. From Penelope Devereux and Katherine Parr to the Grey sisters, we talk about which Tudor women stand out - and which have had their reputations unfairly flattened by history.We dig into the lack of confirmed images for Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, question whether the Tudors truly deserve their reputation for brutality, and ask who the real “Bloody” monarch actually was. The conversation turns to Elizabeth I’s carefully constructed legacy - including her relationship with clothing, image, and power - and the haunting afterlife of her gowns under James I.We also revisit some of the most devastating decisions of the age: the executions of Mary, Queen of Scots and Lady Jane Grey, the human cost of dynastic power, and what might have happened had Mary Stuart lived. Along the way, we confront Tudor execution practices, public violence, and the moment Elizabeth was told the truth about her mother’s death.A thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about power, memory, and the women who lived - and died - in the shadow of the Tudor crown.--Bloody, Brilliant Tudors: 100 Tales of Gowns, Gossip, and Gory EndsElizabeth Goff on Instagram--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Elizabeth Goff

What if Elizabeth I had never signed Mary, Queen of Scots’ death warrant? On this episode of Off the Record, we dive into the political chaos, succession drama, and international consequences of keeping England’s most dangerous prisoner alive—and whether mercy would have been far more dangerous than execution.--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

In this episode of Parallel Tinders, we’re putting England’s most famous sisters side-by-side -Mary I and Elizabeth I - to explore how two women raised in the same dynasty could become such wildly different queens. From Mary’s deep devotion and desire for a traditional marriage, to Elizabeth’s sharp independence and preference for loyal companionship over a crown-sharing husband, we break down their personalities, priorities, and what they really wanted from the people around them.And of course, we’ll dive into the fun part: the men who could have wed an English queen - the serious contenders, the political plays, and the match-making that could have changed Tudor history entirely.--Support the show over on Patreon and receive ad-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content!

In this episode, I’m joined by historian Annie Whitehead to explore the women of the Anglo-Saxon world and the many ways they shaped early medieval England.We talk about education, influence, queenship, and legacy — and how women navigated power in a world that didn’t always preserve their voices. We also discuss how history has remembered these women: who becomes celebrated, who is criticized, and who is too often left out of the story altogether.Annie's book list on her website: https://anniewhiteheadauthor.co.uk/about-me--Previous episodes:Episode from 2021 on AethelflaedEpisode from Jan 2025: Murder in Anglo-Saxon England--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Annie Whitehead

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 bigger (and far more dangerous). Together we unpack what would have needed to change for Jane to keep the crown, why Mary’s victory depended as much on politics as it did legitimacy, and how quickly England could have transformed under a fiercely Protestant queen.We also dig into one of the most important questions behind Jane’s claim: Edward VI’s Devise for the Succession. Was Parliament even in session when Edward began drafting it - and did he actually have time to legalize it before his death? The answer might surprise you… and it changes how we understand just how fragile Jane’s crown truly was.A coup, a crisis of legitimacy, and a teenage queen at the center of a kingdom on the edge - this is Tudor alternate history at its most dramatic.--Medieval True Crime with Matt Lewis: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1978296660566?aff=oddtdtcreator. It's all online, and you have 60 days to watch at your own pace!JOIN THE UPCOMING COURSE - 1st class posted January 26th.--Check out Rebecca's Substack! Original research revealed, and articles you won't find anywhere else. https://rebeccalarson.substack.com/Check out Amy's Substack at: https://substack.com/@amymcelroy--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

In this episode of Parallel Lives, Dr. Emma and Rebecca explore the lives of two remarkable women who turned learning into influence.Christine de Pizan became one of Europe’s first professional female writers, using her words to challenge the misogyny of her age and defend women’s intelligence. Meanwhile in Spain, Beatriz Galindo—known as La Latina—rose as a celebrated humanist at the court of Queen Isabella I, proving that education could be power.Along the way, we dive into a fascinating portrait mystery—one that may be Elizabeth I rather than the sitter we’ve long been told it could be—and we also revisit a major Tudor assumption: was Kateryn Parr truly the first published Tudor queen consort… or is that title more complicated than we think?CHECK OUT OUR MERCH! https://tudors-dynasty-podcast-merch.creator-spring.com/listing/historical-nicknames-teeJOIN THE UPCOMING COURSE - Medieval True Crime with Matt Lewis: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1978296660566?aff=oddtdtcreator. It's all online, and you havve 60 days to watch at your own pace! --Hosted by: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Anne of Cleves has long been reduced to a single moment: the “failed” marriage to Henry VIII. But what if that version of her story is incomplete?In this episode, I’m joined by author Dr. James Taffe, whose book Accounting for Anne: The Tudor Queen Who Could Have Been uses Anne’s own surviving household accounts to reconstruct the queenship history usually skips over. Together, we explore what these records reveal about Anne’s daily life, her household, her spending, her relationships at court—and the hidden evidence of a woman doing far more than simply surviving.If you’ve ever felt like Anne of Cleves deserved a second look… this is the episode for you.Accounting for Anne is available on Amazon! Amazon-US--Please consider joining our upcoming online course with the amazing historian Matthew Lewis over on Eventbrite. These classes are pre-recorded and you can watch at your convenience. Learn more, here: Eventbrite--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. James Taffe

In this episode of Off the Record, we’re stepping into one of history’s most fascinating rabbit holes: the heirs who should have changed everything… but died too soon.What if Arthur Tudor had survived - and become king? Would Henry VIII ever have worn the crown… or married Katherine of Aragon? Would England have avoided the seismic religious and political upheaval that followed?Then we go even deeper into the tragedy of succession: Henry, Duke of Cornwall, the long-awaited son of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon - gone before he could even grow into his destiny. What might his survival have meant for the Tudor dynasty, for Mary and Elizabeth, and for the future of the English throne?And finally, we explore the ultimate wildcard: Henry Fitzroy, Henry VIII’s acknowledged (and beloved) illegitimate son. If Fitzroy had lived - could he have been legitimized? Would Henry have pushed him forward as heir? Join us for a bold, speculative conversation full of twists, consequences, and alternate timelines as we ask the question Tudor history never lets us forget: what happens when the future dies?--Historical Nicknames Merch--New course alert! Medieval True Crime with Matt Lewis is officially on sale. Pre-recorded lessons, watch at your own pace, and a LIVE Q&A finale. Don’t miss it - tickets available now!Would you rather show us how much you love the show? Consider becoming a Patreon patron - you'll get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, early access, and exclusive content.--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Dr. Emma is back, and we’re returning to Historical Tinder to swipe through the love life of Henry VIII. From mistresses and wives to potential brides who almost made the cut, we break down Henry’s matches, missteps, and marital strategy—one swipe at a time.--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonDr. Emma Cahill Marron

In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Susan Abernethy to discuss her new book on the women who helped build — and ultimately transform — the Burgundian state.We explore the powerful wives, daughters, and female relatives of the Valois dukes of Burgundy who ruled as regents, managed territories, negotiated marriages and treaties, raised taxes, and exercised real political authority across Europe. From queens and duchesses to daughters of kings and emperors, these women were essential to Burgundian power.We also look at how dynastic marriage, particularly that of Mary of Burgundy, brought an end to the Valois Burgundian line and ushered the empire into the Habsburg world — a fitting reminder that women stood at the heart of Burgundy’s rise and fall.Get her book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dHQzK72Susan's website: https://freelancehistorywriter.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Susan Abernethy

Welcome to the very first episode of Off the Record! Join Amy McElroy and Rebecca Larson as they dive into one of history’s biggest “what ifs”: what if Anne Boleyn had never married Henry VIII? Who might she have married instead - or would she have agreed to become Henry’s mistress? In this episode, they explore her options, share their thoughts, and enjoy a relaxed, off-the-record conversation about Tudor history together.--Have you checked out my Substack yet? You'll find a different side of me at Rebecca's History Corner. I will rage, I'll challenge, I'll tell a historical truth, and I'll share my Thomas Seymour research! ⁠Join me: https://rebeccalarson.substack.com/Amy also has a Substack you should check out - The Tudor Notebook!--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy

Swipe right or swipe left? 👀In this episode of Historical Tinder, Rebecca is joined by Dr. Peter Stiffell, stepping in for Dr. Emma, to ask one tantalizing question: what if Mary I had married her longtime confidant and cousin Reginald Pole instead of Philip of Spain?Was this the ultimate Catholic power couple waiting to happen—or a relationship better left in letters and late-night council conversations?Grab your roses, sharpen your red flags, and join us as we put Mary and Reggie through the Historical Tinder test.Peter's Website: https://drpeterstiffell.com/--Join Dr. Emma on Sunday, January 4th for a LIVE Special Event about Tudor court upon the arrival of Henry, Duke of Cornwall to Katherine of Aragon and Henry VIII. Learn more about the celebrations and culture of the time! Register here--Have you checked out my Substack yet? You'll find a different side of me at Rebecca's History Corner. I will rage, I'll challenge, I'll tell a historical truth, and I'll share my Thomas Seymour research! Join me!--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonDr. Peter Stiffell

When a listener asked for an episode on humanists, I couldn’t have asked for better timing. Amy McElroy has just written a book on Erasmus and is now deep into another on humanist educators in England—so honestly, who better to teach us about these men?Please check out Amy McElroy's books on Amazon!Stay tuned for the next Dr. Emma & Me and an announcement I make regarding my Sunday episodes!! You'll find out before everyone else!--Join Dr. Emma & Me THIS Sunday, January 4th at 1pm CST / 2pm EST / 7pm GMT for a Special Live Event where she will be talking about the birth of Henry, Duke of Cornwall to Henry VIII & Katherine of Aragon and the party that was had. Since this will be the first event of 2026 we are offering a special ticket price (for early birds) of only $10 - grab one today!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Amy McElroy

What happens when you change just one moment in history—and let the consequences unfold?In today’s episode, we explore how a single altered decision can change everything. From political ripple effects to personal power shifts, this is a deep dive into historical “what-ifs” and why they matter.We cover a range of topics, and I’ve included timestamps below if you’d like to jump around—fair warning, though: I spend a bit of time with Thomas Seymour at the beginning (some habits die hard 😄).02:45 What if Thomas Seymour HAD wed Mary Howard? And all kinds of other Seymour stuff and Kateryn Parr20:26 - What if after Louis XII died, Mary Tudor did not wed Charles Brandon? This is full of so much I don't know where to begin!43:35 - What if Jane Seymour had lived? This turns into an interesting look at Katherine of Aragon and the elimination as wife of Anne Boelyn.47:53 - The Rough Wooing - What if Mary Stuart (Queen of Scots) HAD married Edward VI?--If you're not already following my Substack, please consider subscribing! https://rebeccalarson.substack.com--If you like the podcast and would love to show your support please consider becoming a Patreon patron! You get early access, commercial-free episodes and exclusive contenet! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty