Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

In the final episode of our Norman Kings series, Matt Lewis returns to explore the later years of Henry I’s reign—and the succession crisis that followed his death.
The White Ship disaster took Henry’s only legitimate son and heir, along with many others. Henry remarried and named his daughter, Empress Matilda, as his heir, but his plans were complicated by political rivalries, family tensions, and a difficult marriage. When Henry died in 1135, Matilda was far from England. His nephew Stephen seized the opportunity and was crowned king, setting the stage for the Anarchy.
Join us for a lively conversation about Henry’s shifting plans, the legacy of the White Ship, and the uncertain path from one Norman king to the next.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis

I'm not sure why I'm a bit quieter this time, but it's more important to hear the guest well, so I hope it's still enjoyable for you!
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What did Tudor England have in common with a thriving Baltic city hundreds of miles away?
In this episode, Rebecca welcomes back renowned historian Rev. Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch for a fascinating journey to Riga, the capital of modern-day Latvia, and a city with surprising connections to Tudor England.
From medieval crusading knights and powerful merchant networks to the spread of the Protestant Reformation, Riga's history offers a fresh perspective on the world the Tudors inhabited. Discover how English merchants traded cloth for furs, timber, and amber, why Riga embraced Lutheranism long before Henry VIII broke with Rome, and how ideas traveled across Europe alongside valuable goods.
The conversation also ventures into the religious ambitions of Edward VI, the influence of Thomas Cromwell, and why Tudor England wasn't nearly as important on the European stage as we sometimes imagine.
Join Rebecca and Professor MacCulloch as they look beyond England's borders to uncover a remarkable city and its place in the wider Tudor world.
Previous episode with Diarmaid:
Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity
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Enjoy the podcast? Please consider becoming one of my patrons - just like Thomas More was for Holbein when he came to England. By supporting me you'll get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Rev. Prof. Diarmaid MacCulloch

What would you rather do: survive a bout of sweating sickness, have an affair with Henry VIII, or serve as his Groom of the Stool? And believe it or not, those aren't even the worst options!
In this episode of Off the Record we're having a little fun with Tudor history in a game of Tudor Would You Rather! From questionable medical treatments and disgusting Tudor delicacies to royal secrets, political betrayals, and life-or-death decisions, I'm faced with a series of impossible choices.
Would I rather wash my hair with urine or sleep on a straw mattress? Whose royal temper tantrum would I be willing to endure? And which private Tudor conversation would I most want to overhear?
Some choices are surprisingly easy. Others require a little historical reasoning. And a few are downright horrifying!
Listen in, have a laugh, and play along! I'd love to know what YOU would choose. Let me know which Tudor dilemma you'd find the hardest to answer!
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Enjoy the show? Head over to my Patreon page, join the conversation, and gain access to some pretty cool content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Co-Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy

Henry I was the cleverest of William the Conqueror’s sons—or at least, he always seemed to be a step ahead of his brothers. But intelligence and ambition came with a ruthless streak.
Matt Lewis joins me to explore Henry’s tangled relationship with William Rufus and Robert Curthose, his swift seizure of the English throne, and the rebellions, alliances, and brutal acts of justice that helped him hold on to power. By 1120, Henry seems to have defeated or outmaneuvered every rival. Then, on the journey home, disaster awaits.
This is Part One of our look at Henry I in the Norman Kings series.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis

What happens when ambition becomes more powerful than loyalty, love, or even fear?
Bestselling historical novelist Philippa Gregory returns to the podcast to discuss her latest novel, Royal Witch, and the extraordinary women at the heart of its story.
Our conversation centers on Eleanor Cobham, a woman whose determination to rise through the ranks of medieval society brought her dangerously close to the English throne. But Eleanor's story is only part of the picture. We also explore the remarkable Jacqueline of Hainault, who fought to reclaim her inheritance, and Margery Jourdemaine, whose association with witchcraft would have devastating consequences.
Philippa and I discuss the complicated nature of ambition, the fine line between love and hatred, and why she enjoys writing women who aren't necessarily likable. We also explore the medieval understanding of witchcraft and astrology, the troubled childhood of Henry VI, and how Philippa's visits to historic locations help bring her fictional worlds to life.
And, of course, we discuss the fascinating challenge of separating historical fact from fiction.
Join us for a conversation about powerful women, dangerous ambitions, and the stories history has nearly forgotten.
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Buy Royal Witch on Blackwells!
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Support this podcast and join a growing community of history lovers over on Patreon - https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Philippa Gregory