Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Tudor Beards: A Hair-Raising History!

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 pulling another man’s beard was an insult worthy of a duel? And while it’s often claimed Henry VIII introduced a beard tax, the truth is more complicated!
 
Join me as we explore the wild, whiskered world of Tudor beards! Discover the 15 beard styles that dominated the era, the dangerous dyes courtiers used to match Elizabeth I’s hair, and how beards even played a role in religious identity during the Reformation.
 
Would you have rocked a Tudor beard? Let me know in the comments!
 
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#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #AnneBoleyn #TudorBeards #HistoryLovers #HistoricalFashion #16thCentury #TudorStyle #BritishHistory #BeardHistory #RoyalHistory
 

The Barber Who Survived Henry VIII

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. From accusations of heresy to receiving royal land grants, Harman’s story is one of ambition, survival, and mystery.
But perhaps the most intriguing part of his legacy is his tomb in Burford Church, which features one of the earliest known depictions of Native Americans in England. What does it mean? And how did a Tudor barber come to include such imagery on his monument?
Join me as I uncover the fascinating life of Edmund Harman—his rise, his close calls, and his enduring legacy in Tudor history.
What do you think of Edmund Harman’s story? And why do you think Native Americans appear on his tomb? Let me know in the comments!
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#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #EdmundHarman #TudorDynasty #BritishHistory

Anne Boleyn vs. Catherine Howard: The Cousin Queens’ Falls Compared

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 a slow-motion disaster, the result of a real investigation that dragged on for months before the axe fell.
 
Why were their fates so different?
 
In this podcast, we’ll compare Anne and Catherine’s falls, expose the truth behind their downfalls, and reveal the real villain of these tragic stories.
 
Thank you to Bianca Brooke for inspiring this discussion!
 
What do you think? Was Henry VIII a victim of betrayal, or was he the true villain? Subscribe for more deep dives into Tudor history!
 
#AnneBoleyn #CatherineHoward #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #TudorQueens #AnneBoleynExecution #CatherineHowardExecution #BritishHistory #HistoryLovers #AnneBoleynVsCatherineHoward #SixWives #RoyalHistory

Beauty Secrets from the Past

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 treatments to floral waters and even animal fat-based creams, our ancestors had some surprisingly effective skincare secrets.
 
We’ll be exploring remedies featuring ginger, rosemary, honey, aloe vera, vinegar, egg yolks, floral distillations, and even precious stones—some of which are still recommended by dermatologists today!
 
Would you try medieval freckle removers or a Tudor anti-aging treatment? Let me know in the comments! And if you haven’t seen my video on historical makeup, be sure to check it out - https://youtu.be/wSdoiHyif2M
 
#TudorTrivia #MedievalBeauty #TudorSkincare #HistoricalBeauty #NaturalSkincare #MedievalHistory #TudorHistory #HistoricalRemedies #SkincareSecrets #RenaissanceBeauty #MedievalLife #TudorLife #BeautyThroughHistory

The Bishop Who Defied Tradition

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 religious upheaval, he made a bold decision that set him apart from his predecessors—one that would change the way faith was practised in his diocese.
 
Why was Bulkeley’s approach so radical? And what lasting impact did he have on the Church in Wales?
 
Join me as we uncover the story of Arthur Bulkeley, the Bishop of Bangor who broke with tradition. Listen now to discover his legacy!
 
#TudorHistory #BishopOfBangor #ArthurBulkeley #WelshHistory #TudorReformation #OnThisDay #Tudors #BangorCathedral #ChurchHistory #KingEdwardVI

Shakespeare's Leading ManShakespeare's Leading Man

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 English drama. He was a close friend of Shakespeare, a theatre pioneer, and a performer whose talent left an indelible mark on history.
 
Join me as we uncover the life, legacy, and lasting influence of Richard Burbage—the man who first brought Shakespeare’s greatest characters to life.
 
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#shakespeare #theglobe #actors

Thomas Boleyn: The Man, The Myths, The Truth

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 nothing to do with his daughters; in fact, he was already a key political figure before Anne and Mary ever entered Henry VIII’s orbit.
 
In this video, I’ll explore the facts behind the myths, including his diplomatic achievements, patronage of learning, and role in the Tudor court. Was he truly the villain history has made him out to be, or is it time to rethink his legacy?
 
Watch now to discover the truth about Thomas Boleyn! Has history been unfair to Thomas Boleyn?
 
#ThomasBoleyn #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #TheBoleyns #HenryVIII #TudorDynasty #FactVsFiction #TudorMyth

The Medici Pope Who Ignited the Reformation

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 that angered a certain monk named Martin Luther and helped ignite the Protestant Reformation.
How did Leo X’s decisions change history? Did he see the Reformation coming, or was he too focused on wealth and power? And what was his ironic connection to Henry VIII?
Join me as we unravel the fascinating legacy of Pope Leo X—one of the most influential and controversial popes in history? What do you think of Leo X?
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#PopeLeoX #Medici #Reformation #MartinLuther #TudorHistory #Renaissance #CatholicChurch #HenryVIII #OnThisDay #HistoryLover #AnneBoleynFiles #ChurchHistory