Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

The Tudors in their own words - Queen Jane/Lady Jane Grey writes to her sister

The Tudors in their own words - King Edward VI writes to the Lady Mary

Today's Tudor quote is from the eight-year-old King Edward VI, who was actually Prince Edward at the time.  Historian and author Claire Ridgway shares a letter he wrote to his half-sister, the Lady Mary ( Mary I).

The Tudors in their own words - King Henry VIII’s Pastime with Good Company

Today's Tudor quote is from King Henry VIII, who ruled from 1509 to 1547. Historian and author Claire Ridgway shares his composition "Pastime with Good Company".    You can hear it put to music at https://youtu.be/6YcDFOu6qWw

The Tudors in their own words - King Henry VII, 7th August 1485

Welcome to this new series "The Tudors in their own words"! From 1st December to 24th December inclusive, historian and author Claire Ridgway will be sharing quotes from different Tudor people.  Today's Tudor quote is from King Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, who ruled from 1485 to 1509.

Becoming Elizabeth - Episode 4 - Lighten Our Darkness - Becoming Elizabeth or Becoming Mary?

This week’s episode of Becoming Elizabeth, Lighten our Darkness, had us thinking that Elizabeth might just be pregnant, saw the end of Queen Catherine Parr, and should, Claire feels, have been called Becoming Mary. Let historian and author Claire Ridgway share with you the history behind this week’s episode and her views on how things played out, as we say goodbye to Catherine Parr, see Elizabeth becoming independent and a new Elizabeth, and watch Mary reacting to the violence aimed at her ...

Becoming Elizabeth - Episode 3 - Either Learn or Be Silent

Trigger alert - some discussion of the abuse Elizabeth I suffered. In this week’s episode of Becoming Elizabeth, episode 3 "Either Learn or Be Silent", things come to a head between Thomas Seymour and Elizabeth, but is historian Claire Ridgway still angry, or has she calmed down? How does she feel about the Elizabeth and Seymour storyline and just how close was this episode to history? Claire looks at what history tells us about Seymour's behaviour with Elizabeth, including the dress-slash...

Becoming Elizabeth - Episode 2 Part 2 - feedback from Tom Cullen and Anya Reiss

Thank you to all those who commented on my last video with their views on the Elizabeth and Seymour storyline. It's such an important topic and it was great to open up that dialogue. Huge thanks go to Tom Cullen, who plays Thomas Seymour, and Anya Reiss, the writer, for reaching out to me, sharing their views and giving some insights into how and why Elizabeth and Seymour are depicted this way and where their storyline is going. But what about the rest of the episode? Well, don't worry, in...

Becoming Elizabeth - Epsiode 2 - Elizabeth I’s #metoo moment is ruined

Trigger alert: Claire discusses the harassment and abuse experienced by Elizabeth I, as featured in the episode. Historian and author Claire Ridgway is rather cross this week as she talks about a key storyline in this week's "Becoming Elizabeth" episode. Claire says. "I’m so angry, spitting mad actually. I feel that Becoming Elizabeth has taken the #MeToo movement, thrown it on the floor and stamped all over it. This was an opportunity to educate; instead, we’ve ended up with a trashy roman...

Becoming Elizabeth - Episode 1 - Keep the Knife Bright - Fictions versus history

In the first of these weekly videos on the Starz series "Becoming Elizabeth", historian and best-selling author Claire Ridgway discusses Episode 1 "Keep your knife bright". Claire looks at the main scenes of this episode and explores just how close they were to the real history of the events of early 1547, just after the death of King Henry VIII. What really happened in early 1547? Was the timeline correct? Was Catherine Parr really already involved with Thomas Seymour? Did Edward Seymo...

The Fall of Anne Boleyn with Claire Ridgway 13-20 May 2022

Join historian Claire Ridgway, author of "The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown", for a completely online 8-day event exploring the dramatic events of spring 1536. https://claireridgway.com/events/the-fall-of-anne-boleyn-2022/ This event is completely online so you can join in from the comfort of your home. This event is for you if: - You want to understand exactly what happened in the spring of 1536 - You want to understand how Anne went from being the woman Henry VIII broke with his belov...

Mary Boleyn - What do you want to know?

Historian Claire Ridgway is doing a masterclass on Mary Boleyn on 12th February and would like your help in preparing it. Please leave a comment answering the following questions (as many as you want): 1. What you think of Mary Boleyn? Who is your Mary Boleyn? 2. What interests you about Mary? 3. What myths do you think surround Mary? 4. And, finally, what questions do you have about Mary that you want answered? Thank you for your help. The masterclass is a bonus for ticketholders of "Anne B...

Was Thomas Boleyn on the jury at Anne Boleyn’s trial?

"How did Thomas Boleyn feel sitting in judgement on his children?" is a question that historian Claire Ridgway was asked recently, and it's one she's been asked before.   But did Thomas Boleyn even sit on the jury that tried Queen Anne Boleyn and her brother, George Boleyn, Lord Rochford?   Find out what history tells us about the jury in this talk from Claire.   Links to other videos on Thomas Boleyn: Thomas and Elizabeth Boleyn - https://youtu.be/fvgbE1FaMYw The Death of Thomas Boleyn - ...

Who Killed Anne Boleyn - Bonus available until 31 December 2021

Get access to Claire's line masterclass on 15th January 2022, "Who killed Anne Boleyn?", by buying your ticket to "Anne Boleyn, the Woman who changed England" before the end of 31st December 2021 - see https://claireridgway.com/events/anne-boleyn-the-woman-who-changed-england/   "Anne Boleyn, the Woman who changed England" is a 7-day virtual conference. It's completely online and you'll be able to learn from 8 Anne Boleyn experts in talks and live Q&A sessions from the comfort of your own hom...

Anne Boleyn Myths

In this third part of Claire Ridgway's talks on Anne Boleyn, we uncover a good number of strange stories which now surround Anne Boleyn. But what is actually true? Claire tells us more... You can see this talk as a video here: https://youtu.be/sYsMjVT4zh0

Anne Boleyn - Pawn or Predator

In this second of three live events with Claire Ridgway, Claire discusses whether Anne Boleyn was a woman who was manipulated by her parents into Henry VIII's arms, whether she was a ruthless predator who single-mindedly took herself all the way to the top, or whether she was neither of these! Enjoy this talk with Claire Ridgway. You can see it as a video here: https://youtu.be/u3AUB4xsLAM

What did Anne Boleyn Look Like?

In this talk, Claire Ridgway goes into detail about the various portraits and images of Queen Anne Boleyn that we have today. Claire then discusses what we really know about Anne Boleyn's apperance. You can watch this podcast as a video here: https://youtu.be/IA7k59UjF9Q

AMAZING TUDOR DISCOVERY - The discovery of Anne Boleyn‘s Falcon Badge

You may have seen the news about the discovery of a contemporary carving of Anne Boleyn's falcon badge and how Paul Fitzsimmons, an antiques dealer, bought it for £75 and how it's now worth £200,000. It's a wonderful find and the good news is that Paul isn't keeping it to himself, it's going on loan to Hampton Court Palace. Thank you, Paul, and thank you to Tracy Borman, Joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces.   In this podcast, historian Claire Ridgway interviews Sandra Vasoli and J...

Did Catherine of Aragon and Arthur Tudor consummate their marriage?

Catherine of Aragon and Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, were married from 14th November 1501 until Arthur's death on 2nd April 1502, but did they consummate their marriage? They certainly slept in the same bed, but did Catherine of Aragon and Arthur Tudor have sex?   Find out what people said at the Legatine court hearing in 1529 and the Zaragoza hearing in 1531, and what Catherine claimed, in this talk from historian Claire Ridgway.   Huge thanks to Lucy from the UK for asking such a wonderfu...

25 Interesting Facts about Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled over England from 1558 to 1603, is one of England's most famous monarchs, and is seen by many as one of the best.   But how much do you know about this Tudor queen? In this talk, historian Claire Ridgway shares 25 interesting facts about Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/4jEGPQZcImU   Here's a link to Claire's Elizabeth I playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrLRKPV6ZH-EJIwP...

Did Elizabeth of York really have an affair with Richard III?

Thank you to Sebnem for asking "Did Elizabeth of York really have an affair with Richard III?", something which has been popularised by the "Cousins' War" series of novels by Philippa Gregory and the TV adaptations of them.    Is there any truth to this idea? Was Elizabeth of York in love with Richard III? Did Richard and his niece become lovers? And did Richard III poison Anne Neville, his queen? Historian Claire Ridgway looks at what history tells us about Elizabeth of York and her uncle,...

Tudor History Challenge XI

Thank you to all our wonderful subscribers, we can't believe that we've reached 60,000! Enjoy this quiz and let us know how you get on! The questions are here and the answers are below (no cheating!) 1) Who said: “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too”? 2) Who was this priest describing - “a tyrant more cruel than Nero, for Nero destroyed but part of Rome, but this tyrant destroyeth this whole realm”? 3...

8 August - Princess Margaret Tudor marries James IV of Scotland

On this day in Tudor history, 8th August 1503, King Henry VII's eldest daughter, Margaret Tudor, married King James IV of Scotland. Find out more about their marriage, and how it was arranged, in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/rcBOxk8Emw4 Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and m...

7 August - Sir Robert Dudley, Dudley's illegitimate son

On this day in Tudor history, 7th August 1574, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester's illegitimate son, Sir Robert Dudley, was born at Sheen.   Find out more about Sir Robert Dudley, who grew up to be a mariner, cartographer and landowner, in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/5rASbuoCxZ8   Find out more about his mother, Douglas Sheffield, who claimed to be Dudley’s legal wife, in Claire v...

6 August - Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare

On this day in history, 6th August 1623, Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, the famous playwright, died. Find out a bit more about Anne Hathaway, and hear the tomb inscription written about her by her son in law, in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/FvQ-tVf60Q8

August 2021 on the Tudor Society - Lots of Tudor history to enjoy!

As well as running her Podcast and YouTube channel, author and historian Claire Ridgway runs the Tudor Society membership site. What's happening in August over at the Tudor Society?   Find out all about August 2021's events from Claire. There's so much Tudor history to enjoy!   Try out the Tudor Society with a 14-day free trial at https://www.tudorsociety.com/signup/ref/1

5 August - Sir Reginald Bray

On this day in Tudor history, 5th August 1503, in the reign of King Henry VII, administrator Sir Reynold or Reginald Bray died. Who was Bray? What offices had he held? And what are his links to Westminster Abbey and St George's Chapel? Find out more in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/fHKZMaQZwe4

4 August - Elizabeth I's spirit, William Cecil

On 4th August 1598, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, died. He'd been Elizabeth's chief advisor and a man she called her spirit. Hear a few more William Cecil facts in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/YUQaeGO2bo4 Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Clai...

3 August - Lord Russell marches towards the rebels

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd August 1549, in the reign of King Edward VI, Lord Russell marched his troops from Honiton to Woodbury. They were off to put down the Prayer Book Rebellion. Find out more in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/gMqdeYa79EM

2 August - Thornbury Castle, home of the Duke of Buckingham

On this day in Tudor history, 2nd August 1514, Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, was granted a licence to found a college at his manor of Thornbury. Find out more about Thornbury Castle in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/AVM1fDFaFP8

1 August - John Ashley, or John Astley

On  this day in Tudor history, 1st August 1596, courtier John Ashley or Astley died. He and his wife Kat Ashley were loyal servants and friends of Queen Elizabeth I.  Find out more about John Ashley in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/VppDg8yZpic Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire ...

31 July - A butcher kills a baron

On this day in Tudor history, 31st July 1549, Edmund Sheffield, 1st Baron Sheffield, was killed by a butcher during Kett's Rebellion in East Anglia. What happened? Find out in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/JeEDNl-ZfDU Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many other expert his...

30 July - Writer Robert Parry

On this day in Tudor history, 30th July 1563, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, writer and diarist Robert Parry was born. Find out a bit more about Parry in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/JlQoVDRfM30

29 July - The death of Thomas Stanley, Henry VII's stepfather

On this day in Tudor history, 29th July 1504, in the reign of King Henry VII, the king's stepfather died. Find out a bit more about Thomas Stanley, and his role in helping his stepson take the throne,  in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many other expert historians and authors, enjoy Tudor-focused magazines and live ...

28 July - Magic and a "detestable vice and sin"

On this day Tudor history, 28th July 1540, in the reign of King Henry VIII, a client of Thomas Cromwell, who was also executed that day, ended his life on the scaffold. What was the magic and "detestable vice and sin" of which he was accused? Find out more about him in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway.

27 July - A royal secretary ends up in the Tower

On 27th or 28th July 1553, Sir John Cheke was imprisoned in the Tower of London. But how had a royal tutor and secretary ended up being thrown in the Tower? Find out more about him in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/pnJ6-hJ3gas  

26 July - The Earl of Shrewsbury dies

On this day in Tudor history, 26th July 1538, in the reign of King Henry VIII, George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury, died.  Shrewsbury was a loyal servant of the Crown and a soldier. Find out more about him in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/mSSwFGC9_x8 Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn fr...

25 July - A kidnapped child actor

On this day in history, 25th July 1602, in the reign of King James I, thirteen-year-old Elizabethan actor Salomon Pavy was buried at the Church of St Mary Somerset, near Blackfriars Theatre.  Find out more about Salomon Pavy and how he came to be an actor in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/t0mW8GWVy-M Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those...

24 July - A converted priest loses his life

On this day in Tudor history, 24th July 1594, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Catholic priest John Boste was executed in Durham. Find out more about Boste and what led to his brutal end in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/URKH7aj9qc0 Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many ...

23 July - John Day, a Protestant printer

On this day in Tudor history, 23rd July 1584, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Protestant printer, bookseller and publisher John Day died. Find out more about this Protestant printer and the famous works he printed in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway.   You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/sqnhsIx7ezY Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you ...

22 July - Baron Scrope, a royal councillor

On this day in history, 22nd July 1437 or 38, soldier and royal councillor John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton, was born.  Find out more about Scrope and his service to the Yorkists, and later imprisonment, in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/7d0XdFlsZcQ Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn...

21 July - Explorer Thomas Cavendish

On this day in Tudor history, 21st July 1586, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, explorer Thomas Cavendish set sail from Plymouth. Where was he going and why? And how would he break Sir Francis Drake's record?   Find out more in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway.   You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/WuP2Yk_F3Jg   Claire's video on Thomas Cavendish - https://youtu.be/Tpa3Q23T40g

20 July - Philip of Spain prepares to marry Mary I

On this day in Tudor history, 20th July 1554, Philip of Spain, son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, arrived in England to prepare for his marriage to Queen Mary I.   Find out more in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. Here's a link to a video on their marriage - https://youtu.be/289MSTDoZHA   You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/RmSfIR_0AB8

19 July - Mary Boleyn dies

On this day in Tudor history, 19th July 1543, in the reign of King Henry VIII, Mary Boleyn died.   Mary Boleyn is known for being Henry VIII's mistress at one point, and you can find out a bit more about her in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway.   Mary Boleyn playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrKSxTbgPHf6SjqFnqv_-pQ-

18 July - Kat Ashley, Elizabeth I's lady

On this day in Tudor history, 18th July 1565, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the queen's close friend and loyal servant, Kat Ashley, died. Find out more about Kat (also known as Katherine Ashley, Katherine Astley and Katherine Champernowne) in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from Claire Ridgway. Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many other expert historians and authors, enjoy ...

17 July - Lady Glamis and a plot to poison a king

On this day in history, 17th July 1537, in Scotland during the reign of King James V, Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, was burnt to death. She was accused of plotting to poison the king! Find out more about what happened, and why James V hated her family, in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from Claire Ridgway. Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many other expert historians and authors,...

16 July - Frances Brandon

On this day in Tudor history, 16th July 1517, the feast of St Francis, Frances Brandon was born. She was King Henry VIII's niece. Find out a bit more about Frances Brandon in this edition of #TudorHistoryShorts from Claire Ridgway. Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many other expert historians and authors, enjoy Tudor-focused magazines and live Q&A sessions with experts, and have acce...

15 July - Inigo Jones

On this day in Tudor history, 15th July 1573, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, architect and theatre designer Inigo Jones was born. Find out more about this famous architect and the buildings he designed in this edition of  #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an online membership site for those who love Tudor history. There, you can learn from Claire and many other expert historians and authors, enjoy Tudor-focused magazines and ...

14 July - A poisoned cardinal

On this day in Tudor history, 14th July 1514, in the reign of King Henry VIII, Cardinal Christopher Bainbridge died in Rome. Who was this cardinal? Who claimed to have poisoned him and why? Find out more  in this edition of  #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/fd3A7u09w-0

13 July - John Dee

Today is the anniversary of the birth of John Dee, the astrologer, mathematician, alchemist, antiquary, spy, philosopher, geographer and adviser to Elizabeth I and influential statesmen. He was born on 13th July 1527 in the reign of King Henry VIII. Hear a few facts about John Dee in this edition of  #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/9j50EHdPsmI Claire is the founder of the Tudor Society, an onlin...

12 July - True soldiers of Jesus Christ get burnt

On this day in Tudor history, 12th July 1555, in the reign of Queen Mary I, men who were described as "true soldiers of Jesus Christ", were burnt at the stake at Canterbury.  Find out about John Bland, John Frankesh, Nicholas Sheterden and Humphrey Middleton, and their fates, in this edition of  #TudorHistoryShorts from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/bnPatjmvvFA