Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Step back into a world of intrigue, passion, and ruthless ambition — welcome to Tudor England. Join historian and bestselling author Claire Ridgway as she uncovers the riveting stories of the Tudor dynasty. From the scandalous love affairs of King Henry VIII to the tragic fall of Anne Boleyn, the fierce reign of Elizabeth I, and the lesser-known secrets of Tudor court life, this podcast brings history to life in vivid detail. Hear dramatic tales of betrayal, execution, forbidden love, and political manoeuvring that shaped England forever. Discover daily Tudor history with fascinating “On This Day” episodes — unique insights you won’t find in typical history books. Get behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s own research trips to historic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, and more. Enjoy interviews with top historians and experts in Tudor studies, plus lively Q&A sessions tackling listeners’ burning Tudor questions. 🖋 Who is Claire Ridgway? Claire is the author of the bestselling On This Day in Tudor History series and numerous other Tudor books loved by readers around the world. She founded The Tudor Society, connecting enthusiasts with experts through live online events, and runs the hugely popular history websites The Anne Boleyn Files and www.ClaireRidgway.com. Her mission: to uncover the human stories behind the crown — the hopes, fears, and triumphs of not only kings and queens but also the courtiers, rebels, and ordinary people who lived under the Tudor rose. What can you expect? - Gripping accounts of famous events like the Field of Cloth of Gold, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the Babington Plot. - Intimate portraits of Tudor figures: Anne Boleyn’s charm and downfall, Thomas Cromwell’s rise and brutal fall, Elizabeth I’s cunning survival. - Dark mysteries and unsolved deaths — who really killed Amy Robsart? Was Katherine Howard truly guilty? - Special episodes on Tudor fashion, food, medicine, and the day-to-day lives of Tudor men and women. Join thousands of Tudor fans worldwide Never miss an episode — subscribe now and become part of a global community that can’t get enough of Tudor drama. Explore more with Claire’s books, free resources, and live historical events at www.ClaireRidgway.com. Ready to travel back 500 years? Press play and let the adventure begin.
Episodes
Episodes



Friday Jan 03, 2025
Loyalty, Rebellion, and Diplomacy
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
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!



Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Rebellion, Treachery, and a Queen's Resolve
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
Thursday Jan 02, 2025
On this day in Tudor history, 2nd January 1554, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger and Sir Peter Carew were summoned to face Queen Mary I's privy council. The reason? Whispers of a bold plot to stop her marriage to Philip of Spain.
Their conspiracy aimed to replace Mary with her half-sister, Elizabeth, in a coup that spiralled into rebellion. But who betrayed the rebels? And how did Mary rally London to crush the uprising?
A story of rebellion, loyalty, and a queen’s defiance awaits. Watch now to uncover the intrigue! #TudorHistory #WyattRebellion #OnThisDay
Dive into the drama and learn how this rebellion forever changed lives and the Tudor legacy.



Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
A New Year, A New King
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
On this day in Tudor history, 1st January 1515, King Louis XII of France passed away at just 52 years old, less than three months into his marriage to the young and vibrant Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. Was his death due to illness or, as the French people whispered, the toll of overexerting himself in hopes of securing an heir? 🕊️
This story intertwines royal ambition, tragic love, and the rise of the dynamic Francis I. Plus, we'll explore a must-visit site for history lovers—the breathtaking royal tombs of Saint-Denis. 🏰✨
📜 Join me as we uncover this intriguing chapter in Tudor-France history! 🇫🇷 #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #LouisXII #MaryTudor #HistoryLovers
🔗 Watch now to uncover the details behind the death that changed the course of French history!



Friday Dec 20, 2024
The Lavish Side of England's First Tudor King: Henry VII
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Think Henry VII was just a penny-pinching miser? Think again! Dive into the hidden world of this Tudor monarch’s extravagant celebrations, complete with castles on wheels, knights, dragons, and pageantry fit for royalty. From dazzling Christmas revels to the legendary wedding of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon, discover a side of Henry VII you’ve never seen before.
Get ready to challenge the stereotypes and uncover the surprising flair of a king who loved a good party.
#HenryVII #TudorHistory #RoyalPageantry #HiddenHistory #History
Uncovered Link for primary source account - https://archive.org/details/englishpageantry01with/page/112/mode/2up?view=theater



Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Uncovering the First Tudor King: Henry VII
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Who was Henry VII, and how did he change history forever? From his stunning victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field to his clever handling of rebellious pretenders and the economy, this video answers the top 10 most frequently asked questions about the first Tudor king. Discover how he united England, secured the Tudor dynasty, and left a legacy that paved the way for iconic figures like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Was he a cunning mastermind, a frugal ruler, or both?
Dive in to uncover the truth behind the man who founded one of England’s most legendary dynasties!
#TudorHistory #HenryVII #BattleOfBosworth #TudorDynasty #HistoryLovers



Friday Dec 13, 2024
Henry VIII: Ruthless Tyrant or Misunderstood Monarch?
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Was Henry VIII a bold leader steering England through turbulent times, or a cruel tyrant driven by greed and paranoia? ⚔️ From his six ill-fated marriages to his brutal purges and shocking betrayals, I uncover the chilling truths behind one of history’s most infamous kings.
🏰 Discover how he shaped a nation—and destroyed lives along the way. Do we admire his legacy or condemn his cruelty?
👉 #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #HistoricalDebate #TyrantOrHero



Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
10 Burning Questions About Henry VIII—Answered!
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Henry VIII: A king of contradictions. Was he a visionary reformer, a ruthless tyrant, or both? 🤔 From his six wives and the break with Rome to his dramatic legacy, I’m tackling the top 10 questions about England's most infamous monarch.
💡 Why did he have so many wives?💡 Who was his favorite?💡 And why did he break from the Catholic Church?
Whether you're a Tudor history buff or just curious about the real Henry VIII behind the myths, this video has something for you!
🎥 Hit play to uncover the secrets of "Bluff King Hal."👇 Watch now and join the discussion in the comments!
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #HistoryMysteries #EnglishReformation #SixWives



Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Firebrand: Fact, Fiction, and Everything in Between
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Dive into the drama, controversy, and historical twists of Firebrand, the much-anticipated film starring Jude Law as Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Catherine Parr. Based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s The Queen’s Gambit, this gripping retelling reimagines Catherine Parr’s life in bold and unexpected ways. But how much of it is rooted in truth? 🤔
Join me as I separate fact from fiction, break down the storyline, and explore the film’s departures from history—and from Fremantle’s novel. Was Catherine Parr really the "firebrand" the movie portrays? And just how far does the creative license go? 🚨 Spoilers ahead!
🎬 Available now on Amazon Prime—watch the movie, then come back for the real story behind the screen.You can see the trailer on YouTube at https://youtu.be/oyAK_isFwbU
#Firebrand #CatherineParr #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #MovieReview #FactVsFiction

I'm historian Claire Ridgway
I'm the best-selling author of 13 history books and the founder of the TheAnneBoleynFiles.com, Elizabethfiles.com and The Tudor Society.
I help Tudor history lovers worldwide to gain access to experts and resources to discover the real stories behind myths and fiction, so that they grow in knowledge while connecting with like-minded people and indulging their passion for history.
I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. I was a contributor for the BBC docudrama The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family, and have been featured in BBC History Extra, USA Today, History of Royals Magazine, the Express, and Refinery 29, as well as on podcasts including Suzannah Lipscomb's Not Just the Tudors, Gareth Russell's Single Malt History, Natalie Grueninger's Talking Tudors, Hever Castle's Inside Hever, James Boulton's Queens of England, and many more.