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



Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
You’ve seen my videos, read my articles, and maybe even own one of my books—but who am I? Who is Claire Ridgway?
Discover the woman behind The Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society! In this video, I’ll answer your most-asked questions about my work, my research process, my inspiration, and why Anne Boleyn has me hooked. Whether you’re a longtime Tudor fan or just curious about what I do, this is your chance to get to know me better. Watch now and join me as we dive into the fascinating world of Tudor history!
https://linktr.ee/claireridgway
claireridgway.com
www.tudorsociety.com
www.theanneboleynfiles.com
1. Who is Claire Ridgway?
2. What books has Claire Ridgway written?
3. What is Claire Ridgway’s area of expertise?
4. What inspired Claire Ridgway to focus on Anne Boleyn?
5. What is The Anne Boleyn Files?
6. Does Claire Ridgway offer courses or talks?
7. How does Claire Ridgway conduct her research?
8. What makes Claire Ridgway’s approach to history unique?
9. Is Claire Ridgway active on social media?
10. What are Claire Ridgway’s most popular videos or blog topics?



Friday Nov 22, 2024
Was Catherine Parr Nearly Executed?
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Did Henry VIII’s sixth wife narrowly escape the fate of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard? Catherine Parr faced dangerous accusations, court intrigue, and a plot that had the king’s own signature attached. How did this intelligent and courageous queen outwit her enemies and save her life?
Join me as we unravel this gripping Tudor tale of survival, submission, and political maneuvering. Catherine’s quick thinking may have saved her, but was it all part of Henry’s plan? 🤷♀️
You don’t want to miss this fascinating story of resilience and danger in the Tudor court! Stay tuned to the end for the surprising twists!
🔥 Let’s discuss: Was Catherine Parr the luckiest of Henry’s wives—or the smartest? Share your thoughts in the comments!
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Tudor history insights!
#CatherineParr #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #Survival #TudorQueens #HistoryMystery



Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
The Truth About Henry VIII's Final Queen: Catherine Parr
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Think you know everything about Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife? Think again! 📖✨
From being the first queen to publish books under her own name to her near brush with execution, Catherine’s story is packed with surprising twists. How many times was she married? Did she have children? What role did she play in the Reformation? And how did she impact Elizabeth I’s future reign?
I’m answering all your burning questions about this remarkable Tudor queen. Plus, I’ll tease a dramatic plot she narrowly escaped—stay tuned for my next video for the full story!
Hit play to uncover the truth behind this often-overlooked queen! 🎥👇#TudorHistory #CatherineParr #FAQs #HenryVIII #TudorQueens #HistoryLovers1. Who was Queen Catherine Parr?2. How many times was Catherine Parr married?3. Did Catherine Parr have any children?4. What role did Catherine Parr play in the Reformation?5. Did Catherine Parr almost face execution?6. What happened to Catherine Parr after Henry VIII’s death?7. How did Catherine Parr influence Elizabeth I?8. Where is Catherine Parr buried?9. What made Catherine Parr different from Henry VIII’s other wives?10. Did Catherine Parr write books?



Friday Nov 15, 2024
Did Catherine Howard Really Commit Adultery?
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Was Henry VIII’s young queen really guilty of adultery, or was her fate sealed by mere suspicions and intent? Catherine Howard’s tragic story is often overshadowed by tales of infidelity and scandal, but the truth may be far more complex. In this video, we’ll dive into the evidence surrounding her alleged affair with Thomas Culpeper, explore her meetings with him, and examine what the act of attainder actually claimed.
Join the discussion to share your thoughts on this infamous Tudor mystery!
#TudorHistory #CatherineHoward #HenryVIII #TreasonOrTruth #HistoricalMysteries #JaneBoleyn



Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Uncovering Queen Catherine Howard: Beyond the Scandal
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Welcome to a journey through the life of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard! 🌹 Often remembered for her youthful charm and tragic end, there's so much more to her story than what’s often portrayed. In today’s video, I’m diving into ten of the most-searched questions about this ill-fated queen. From her relationship with Henry VIII to the scandals and secrets that surrounded her, we’ll peel back the layers to reveal the real Catherine — beyond the myths.
Was she simply reckless, or a victim of court intrigue? 🤔 Join me as we explore her life, loves, and lasting legacy.
🔹 Who was the real Catherine Howard? 🔹 Was she truly in love with Thomas Culpeper? 🔹 How did her past come back to haunt her?
Let’s separate fact from fiction and uncover the true story of Queen Catherine Howard.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let me know which part of her life fascinates you most in the comments! ✨
#CatherineHoward #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #QueensOfEngland #RoyalIntrigue #TudorSecrets



Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
The Untold Story of Henry VIII’s 'Lucky' Queen: Anne of Cleves
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Was Anne of Cleves Henry VIII's Luckiest Queen? 🤔
When Anne of Cleves arrived in England to marry King Henry VIII, few could have predicted the twists in her royal story. From the ill-fated first encounter with her future husband to her unexpected survival in a court full of dangers, Anne's tale is one of resilience, diplomacy, and surprising fortune...or was it? 💍
Did Anne truly escape the tragic fates of Henry’s other wives, or did she endure struggles of her own after their annulment? Join me as I explore whether Anne's life was charmed or challenged, and decide for yourself if she was Henry’s “lucky queen.” 🍀👑
🔗 Watch to uncover the truth behind Anne’s unexpected life at court!
✨ #AnneofCleves #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #RoyalIntrigue #LuckyQueen



Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
10 Burning Questions About Anne of Cleves, the Queen who Defied the Odds
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Curious about Anne of Cleves? She's the queen who defied the odds—and Henry VIII! Known as the "King's Beloved Sister," Anne of Cleves only reigned as queen for a brief six months, but her life story is packed with fascinating details and lingering questions.
In this talk, I dive into 10 must-know FAQs about the queen who charmed Henry and then chose independence over the crown! Why did Henry marry her? Did he ever consummate the marriage? And why did Anne, unlike so many others, walk away with her life—and a fortune? Join me as I uncover secrets about her looks, life after the annulment, and where her fascinating story ended. If you’re a fan of Tudor history, you won’t want to miss this!
Don’t miss the answers to the FAQs everyone’s been asking about Anne of Cleves!
#AnneOfCleves #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #TudorQueens #historymysteries
00:00 Introduction 00:43 Why did Henry VIII marry Anne of Cleves? 01:34 Did Henry VIII consummate his marriage with Anne of Cleves? 02:25 Why was Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne of Cleves annulled? 03:21 How did Anne of Cleves become known as the “King’s Beloved Sister”? 03:52 What did Anne of Cleves look like? 05:26 How long was Anne of Cleves queen? 05:43 Did Anne of Cleves ever remarry? 05:59 Was Anne of Cleves happy in England after her annulment? 06:21 Where did Anne of Cleves live after the annulment? 06:45 Where is Anne of Cleves buried?



Friday Oct 25, 2024
Stop Believing This Lie - Jane Seymour and Mary
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Have you always believed that Jane Seymour was the key reason Henry VIII reconciled with his estranged daughter, Lady Mary, who would later become Mary I? Think again! The story behind their reunion is far more complex than the popular version you've heard.
In this talk, I’ll be revealing the truth behind this enduring myth, and you'll discover that Jane Seymour wasn’t the mastermind behind their reconciliation. Delving into this historic moment's intricate and often misunderstood details, we’ll explore the real figure who helped mend the relationship between father and daughter. It’s a story filled with political manoeuvring, emotional tension, and royal intrigue that goes far beyond what you’ve been led to believe. So, if you’re ready for a deep dive into Tudor drama and to uncover the true forces at play, be sure to watch and learn the full story behind this pivotal event in English history.
#TudorHistory #JaneSeymour #HenryVIII #TudorFacts #HistoryRevealed #RoyalIntrigue #MaryI

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.