Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Tudor Scandal, of Course! What happens when a Tudor bad boy meets a powerful Habsburg duchess?

In 1513, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk—Henry VIII’s best friend and notorious rogue—caused an international incident by flirting with Margaret of Austria, a duchess and regent of the Habsburg Netherlands.
It all started as innocent courtly love, but Brandon took things too far when he stole a ring from Margaret's finger and refused to return it.Even worse? Henry VIII jokingly hinted at marriage between them!
The result? Rumours of a scandalous betrothal shocked Europe and upset Margaret's father, the Holy Roman Emperor. Poor Margaret had to explain herself, while Brandon walked away with no consequences.
But this wasn’t the first time Brandon caused scandal. From secret marriages to broken promises, he seemed to leave controversy in his wake wherever he went.
Was Margaret just another victim of Charles Brandon’s recklessness?And did Henry VIII let his best friend get away with too much?
Dive into the full story of Margaret and Brandon’s ill-fated flirtation—and the scandal that followed—in my latest video!
#TudorHistory #HistoricalScandals #CharlesBrandon #MargaretofAustria #RoyalDrama #OnThisDay #CourtlyLove #HabsburgHistory #HistoryMysteries #TudorCourt

Did Christopher Columbus Really See Mermaids?

In 1493, Christopher Columbus recorded a bizarre sighting in his journal: his crew claimed to have seen three mermaids rise out of the sea! But instead of the beautiful creatures of legend, they described them as having "masculine traits" and looking far less attractive than expected.
But Columbus wasn’t alone in these strange sightings. Throughout history, explorers and sailors—like Henry Hudson—have reported encounters with mermaids, which later found their way into maps, medieval art, and even royal portraits. But were they really seeing mythical beings, or were they just mistaking manatees and dugongs for something more magical?
Join me as I explore real historical accounts of mermaid sightings, their connections to Tudor and Renaissance symbolism, and how Queen Elizabeth I herself used mermaid imagery as propaganda.
Mermaids may be mythical, but their influence on history, folklore, and even politics is very real.
Want to know more? Watch now to uncover the truth behind mermaid myths!
#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #MermaidMyths #HistoricalMysteries #RenaissanceHistory #QueenElizabethI #Columbus #HenryHudson #SeaLegends #RoyalPropaganda #ManateesOrMermaids

A Queen Cast Aside for Another - And it's not Catherine of Aragon

In 1499, King Louis XII of France had his 22-year marriage annulled to marry Anne of Brittany, one of the most powerful women in Europe. But what drove Louis to discard his first wife, Queen Joan (Jeanne) of France, after more than two decades of marriage?
This is a story of royal scheming, political marriages, and a forgotten queen who would go on to become a saint. From childhood betrothals and strategic unions to claims of witchcraft, it’s a tale filled with scandal, betrayal, and resilience.
Discover how this marriage changed the fate of Brittany and France forever — and what happened to the loyal queen who was cast aside.
History isn’t just about kings and queens—it’s about the people who shaped their world. Subscribe for more tales from the dangerous world of Tudor and Renaissance Europe!
 #OnThisDay #TudorHistory #AnneOfBrittany #LouisXII #RoyalScandals #HistoricalMysteries #QueenJoanOfFrance #RenaissanceHistory #RoyalIntrigue #PowerPlays #MedievalHistory

Two Queens, One Tower

What do Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the Tower of London have in common? Balthasar Guercy, an Italian physician who served both queens—and found himself imprisoned for his controversial beliefs.
Originally from Milan, Guercy rose to prominence at the Tudor court, healing some of the most powerful figures of the day. But in 1543, he was arrested for supporting papal authority, a dangerous stance under Henry VIII’s reign. Facing potential execution, Guercy’s life hung in the balance… until Holy Roman Emperor Charles V stepped in to save him.
From royal service to religious exile and a brush with death, Guercy’s life reveals the dangerous tightrope Tudor physicians walked in a time of political and religious upheaval.
Want to know more about this unsung figure of Tudor history? Watch now to uncover his incredible story of resilience, survival, and service to royalty.
#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #AnneBoleyn #CatherineOfAragon #TudorCourt #TowerOfLondon #HistoricalMysteries #RoyalIntrigue #TudorMedicine #RenaissanceHistory

A Literary Genius or a Tudor Scoundrel

Kidnapping, violence, treason… Not exactly what you'd expect from the man behind one of the most influential literary works of Elizabethan England! But George Puttenham’s life was anything but ordinary.
On 6 January 1591, Puttenham was laid to rest, yet the scandals surrounding him remain unforgettable. From kidnapping a teenage girl to accusations of high treason and violent disputes, this literary critic’s life reads more like a Tudor crime drama.
Did his brilliant mind get tangled in bad choices and worse luck, or was he simply a deeply flawed man whose scandals eclipsed his achievements? Join me as I uncover the shocking secrets of a man who left his mark on Tudor literature—and scandal sheets!
You won’t believe the twists in this tale… Watch now to find out more!
#GeorgePuttenham #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #LiteraryScandals #ElizabethanEra #TudorDrama

The Serpent Queen: Myth or Mastermind?

Was Catherine de' Medici truly the sinister puppet master behind a seductive squad of spies, or has history been far too cruel to this powerful queen? Dive into the fascinating—and often misunderstood—life of the woman who ruled France from the shadows and shaped a turbulent era.
On 5 January 1589, Catherine de' Medici, Queen Consort and Queen Regent of France, passed away. Her legacy? A swirl of dark legends, court intrigues, and tales of power, ambition, and tragedy.
From poisoned gloves to the infamous Flying Squadron, her story is packed with drama, mystery, and myth. But what’s the truth? Was she a ruthless schemer or simply a woman navigating a man’s world with unmatched skill?
Join me as I peel back the layers of propaganda to reveal the real Catherine de' Medici—a queen who deserves more than just her "Serpent Queen" reputation.
Recommended read: "Blood, Fire, and Gold" by Estelle Paranque #CatherineDeMedici #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #RoyalIntrigue #TheSerpentQueen #FlyingSquadron
Watch now to uncover the truth!

Faith, Rebellion, and Controversy

On this day in Tudor history, 4th January 1519, reformer Martin Luther met with papal envoy Karl von Miltitz in an attempt to reconcile with the Catholic Church. But could Luther, the man who sparked the Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses, truly stay silent on indulgences and corruption?
 
Witness the pivotal moment that led to his excommunication and cemented his role as one of history’s most influential yet polarising figures. Luther's theological breakthroughs revolutionised Christianity, but his later years revealed a darker side to his legacy.
 
Explore his legacy, from "Here I stand" to his controversial writings. Watch to uncover the complexities of Martin Luther's impact on history and faith.
 
🎥 Luther's 95 Theses video - https://youtu.be/yGzHmCmLVBU
 #TudorHistory #MartinLuther #Reformation

Loyalty, Rebellion, and Diplomacy

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd January 1590, Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd, passed away at Kilmarnock. This Scottish nobleman played a key role in the turbulent politics of Mary, Queen of Scots' reign and beyond.
Once a supporter of Mary, Boyd later opposed her marriage to Lord Darnley, participated in rebellion, and even became entangled in the murder trial of Darnley. Boyd’s complex legacy includes diplomacy, battles, and negotiations with Queen Elizabeth I.
Discover how Boyd's shifting loyalties shaped his fate and that of Scotland’s monarchy. Watch now! #TudorHistory #ScottishNobility #OnThisDay
Click to unravel the fascinating life of Lord Boyd and his role in the drama of the 16th century!