Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Love, Power, and Tragedy

Henry VIII's six marriages are some of the most famous and tumultuous unions in history. Between his accession to the throne in 1509 and his death in 1547, Henry's quest for a male heir led him through a series of marriages, each marked by intrigue, drama, and often, tragedy.
Think you know Henry VIII’s six wives? 🤔 
From Catherine of Aragon’s 24-year marriage to Anne of Cleves’ 6-month alliance, each queen’s story is filled with drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists! Discover the who, why, when, and how of these iconic unions. Get ready for scandalous affairs, tragic endings, and surprising facts that’ll make you see these women in a whole new light! 👀✨
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #SixWives #CatherineofAragon #AnneBoleyn #JaneSeymour #AnneofCleves #CatherineHoward #CatherineParr
Henry VIII's six marriages are some of the most famous and tumultuous unions in history. Between his accession to the throne in 1509 and his death in 1547, Henry's quest for a male heir led him through a series of marriages, each marked by intrigue, drama, and often, tragedy.
Think you know Henry VIII’s six wives? 
From Catherine of Aragon’s 24-year marriage to Anne of Cleves’ 6-month alliance, each queen’s story is filled with drama, intrigue, and unexpected twists! Discover the who, why, when, and how of these iconic unions. Get ready for scandalous affairs, tragic endings, and surprising facts that’ll make you see these women in a whole new light!
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #SixWives #CatherineofAragon #AnneBoleyn #JaneSeymour #AnneofCleves #CatherineHoward #CatherineParr

Was Bessie Blount’s Daughter Fathered by King Henry VIII?

We've all heard of Bessie Blount, King Henry VIII's mistress who gave him a son. But did she also give him a daughter? 🤔 In today's episode of my series on King Henry VIII, I delve into this intriguing mystery.
📜 Discover:
The story of Bessie Blount and her son, Henry Fitzroy.The evidence suggesting Elizabeth Tailboys might have been fathered by the king.The hidden connections and royal interventions that hint at a deeper truth.
Join me as I explore the fascinating theory proposed by historian Elizabeth Norton. Could Elizabeth Tailboys be another of Henry's illegitimate children? Watch to find out! 🎥
🔗 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #BessieBlount #RoyalMysteries #HistoricalSecrets #OnThisDay #ElizabethTailboys #AnneBoleynFiles

Henry VIII’s Idol: The Handsome Ruler Who Inspired a King!

Did you know the young Henry VIII had a major idol? 🤩 Discover how Philip the Handsome, a dashing European ruler, made a lasting impression on the 14-year-old prince during their fateful meeting in 1506. From his athletic prowess to his dynamic leadership, Philip left an indelible mark on the future king of England.
Join me as I dive into the fascinating story of Philip the Handsome and explore how this charismatic ruler influenced Henry VIII’s life and reign. Was Philip's impact on Henry more significant than we realise? Watch to find out! 🎥✨
#HenryVIII #PhilipTheHandsome #TudorHistory #RoyalInfluence #HistoricalFigures #RenaissanceMen #OnThisDay #HistoryUnveiled #WatchNow

Thomas Stukeley: Henry VIII's Secret Son?

Could Thomas Stukeley, a daring adventurer and notorious rogue, have been an illegitimate son of Henry VIII? 📜👑 In this video, I explore the fascinating life of Stukeley, from his noble beginnings and military exploits to his controversial career as a pirate and spy. Discover the rumours and evidence that suggest he might have been the king's secret son, and delve into the dramatic events that defined his life.
Stukeley's story includes everything from high-stakes battles and daring escapes to royal favour and scandalous accusations. Is there truth to the legend, or is it just a captivating Tudor myth? Watch and decide for yourself! 🤫✨
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #ThomasStukeley #HistoricalMystery #RoyalBlood #Adventure #Scandal

From Pin-Up Prince to Powerhouse King: The Transformation of Henry VIII

When we think of Henry VIII, we often imagine the older, larger-than-life monarch from his later years. But what did this iconic king look like in his youth?
Discover the stunning transformation of Henry VIII, from a handsome, athletic young prince to the imposing figure of his final decade.
How did his appearance change over the years? What did contemporaries say about his looks? Join the discussion and share your thoughts on Henry VIII's evolving image!
Watch the video for a fascinating look at the young and old Henry VIII!
#HenryVIII #TudorHistory #RoyalTransformation #HistoricalFigures #BeforeAndAfter

Henry VIII's Illegitimate Daughter

I'm kicking off a new series on Henry VIII, the second Tudor monarch who ruled from 1509 until his death in 1547. He’s a figure that fascinates and divides opinion, often seen as either a tyrant or a complex ruler who achieved much during his reign. 🚩👑
 
Want to join me for a deeper dive? I’m hosting a members-only livestream here on YouTube this Sunday, 28th July, at 10pm UK time / 5pm New York time. Let’s chat Tudor history and share our views on this iconic king. 💬📜 You can become a channel member by clicking on "join" on my channel homepage or going to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioSUqeGrdFq6DEVK3-DXGQ/join
 
In this series, I’ll explore the lives of those rumored to be Henry VIII's illegitimate children. While he had three legitimate children—Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Edward VI—and one acknowledged illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, there were whispers of other offspring. One such intriguing figure is Ethelreda Malte, whose life blends fact, conjecture, and Tudor intrigue. 🤫🔍
 
Join me as I unravel the mystery of Ethelreda Malte, also known as Etheldreda, Audrey or Esther. Born in the late 1520s or early 1530s, she was described as the "bastard daughter of John Malte, a tailor of the Great Wardrobe, by Joan Dyngley alias Dobson." Yet, there are compelling hints that she might have been Henry VIII's own child. 👶🔍
 
Could the king's generous grants to Ethelreda and John Malte suggest a deeper connection? What about her alleged close relationship with Queen Elizabeth I? And who was Ethelreda's mother, really? Dive into the enigma of Ethelreda Malte with me and discover the untold stories of the Tudor court. 📜👸
 
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #EthelredaMalte #TudorMysteries #HistoryUncovered #IllegitimateChildren #TudorIntrigue #JoinTheDiscussion #Livestream
 
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new video! 📺👋
 
Watch now to uncover the secrets of Henry VIII's rumoured illegitimate daughter, Ethelreda Malte!

Did Henry VIII Really Have Syphilis? The Myth Busted!

Did Henry VIII have syphilis? 🤔 Today, I'm debunking a persistent myth about the infamous Tudor king. Spoiler: The answer is a resounding NO! 🙅‍♂️ Join me as I explore the origins of this misconception and the real story behind Henry's health issues. Plus, I have some exciting news for you! 🎉
 
📅 LIVE Chat Announcement: On 28th July, I'll be going live exclusively for my YouTube channel members! Let's chat about Henry VIII, sip on coffee or wine, and dive deep into Tudor history. 🍷☕️
📅 Date: 28th July
⏰ Time: 10pm UK / 5pm New York
🗣️ Duration: 1 hour
 
The Private Character of Henry the Eighth - https://archive.org/details/dli.ministry.05394/page/n5/mode/2up
 
#HenryVIII #TudorHistory #SyphilisMyth #Debunked #HistoryUncovered #JoinNow #LiveChat #ChannelMembers #TudorTrivia #HistoryFacts #MythBusting #WatchNow

My Lady Jane – A Travesty to History or a Fun Romp?

Today, I’ve got a bit of a confession to make – I’ve started watching My Lady Jane on Amazon Prime and I’m loving it. From social media comments, I gather that as a historian, I’m meant to hate it, but nope, I love it!
Based on the book by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, it’s a fantasy with only a passing resemblance to actual history. Think The Princess Bride with shape-shifters and regicidal maniacs. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, packed with adventure, and has an amazing cast.
So, put history aside and just have fun with it. If it gets people googling Lady Jane Grey, then that's brilliant. Now, excuse me, episode 5 is waiting!
#MyLadyJane #TudorHistory #AmazonPrime #HistoricalFantasy #FunRomp