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 Oct 18, 2024
Henry VIIIs Six Wives: Did they really ALL have fertility problems?
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Did all of Henry VIII’s wives struggle with fertility problems? 🤔 It’s a common belief, but is it really true?
In this video, I dive into the reproductive histories of Henry’s six queens, separating fact from fiction! From Catherine of Aragon’s tragic stillbirths to the myth about Anne Boleyn’s "series of miscarriages," I'll explore what we really know about their pregnancies. Plus, I'll uncover theories like the infamous Kell positive blood type and discuss Henry's own role in his wives' fertility challenges. Let's bust some myths together! 💡👑
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #CatherineOfAragon #MythBusting #RoyalPregnancies #HistoryRevealed #KellTheory #MedievalHistory #ReproductiveHealthLinks for further reading:
https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/henry-viii-kell-positive-blood-type-and-mcleod-syndrome-guest-post-by-kyra-kramer/
https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/henry-viii-kell-positive-blood-type-and-mcleod-syndrome-part-two-guest-post-by-kyra-kramer/



Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Top Ten FAQs about Anne Boleyn
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
In this video, I’ll be diving into the most popular FAQs about Anne Boleyn! Discover why she became one of the most famous figures in Tudor history and unravel the mysteries surrounding her. Why did Henry VIII fall for her? How did she change England? Was there really a sixth finger? From her rise to power to her dramatic downfall, learn the truth behind the myths and facts about this unforgettable queen. 💔👸
Don't miss out on these fascinating insights! 🔔
#AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #TudorQueens #EnglishReformation #AnneBoleynFacts #HistoryRevealed #QueenAnne #TudorMysteries #BoleynMyths



Friday Oct 11, 2024
Could Catherine of Aragon’s religious practices have caused her stillbirths?
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Catherine of Aragon's deep faith shaped many aspects of her life, including her practice of fasting. But could her religious devotion have impacted her ability to carry healthy pregnancies to term? 📿 Join me as I explore the fascinating theory that Catherine’s fasting and the immense pressure to produce a male heir may have contributed to her tragic history of stillbirths. What does modern research say about nutrition, fasting, and fertility? Let's find out! 👶✨
🔔 Don’t miss this thought-provoking dive into Tudor history!
Book recommendation: Catherine of Aragon: Henry's Spanish Queen by Giles Tremlett
#TudorHistory #CatherineOfAragon #TudorMysteries #HistoryUncovered #TudorQueens



Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Top 10 most frequently asked questions about Catherine Aragon
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
🔎 Curious about Catherine of Aragon? In this video, I dive into the Top 10 most frequently asked questions about Henry VIII’s first wife. From her long battle for her marriage, her relationship with Anne Boleyn, to the controversial details of her death – there’s so much to uncover about this fascinating queen! 👑 Whether you’re new to Tudor history or a seasoned fan, this video is packed with interesting facts and insights.
🤔 Did you know there’s still debate over her final words to Henry VIII?
🎥 Watch now to learn more! #TudorHistory #CatherineOfAragon #HistoryLovers #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #QueensOfHistoryWhy did Henry VIII divorce Catherine of Aragon?
How long was Catherine of Aragon married to Henry VIII?
Did Catherine of Aragon have any children?
What happened to Catherine of Aragon after the divorce?
Was Catherine of Aragon really married to Henry VIII's brother?
How old was Catherine of Aragon when she married Henry VIII?
What was Catherine of Aragon's relationship with Anne Boleyn?
Did Catherine of Aragon ever become queen of England?
What were Catherine of Aragon's last words?
How did Catherine of Aragon die?



Friday Oct 04, 2024
Exploring the Mystery of Ewloe Castle
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Join me as I take a stroll through the beautiful Wepre Park in North Wales, where hidden in the lush woodland lies the mysterious Ewloe Castle. Why was this medieval fortress built in such an unusual location? Was it a statement of power by the Welsh princes, or is there more to its story?
From woodland walks to ancient battlegrounds, this podcast uncovers the secrets of the castle and its connection to legendary figures like Llywelyn the Great and Owain Gwynedd. There’s history around every corner! If you're a fan of castles and medieval history, or just love a good mystery, this one’s for you!
#MedievalMystery #EwloeCastle #NorthWalesHistory #CastleLovers #WelshCastles #ExploreHistory #VisitWales
See https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/castle/ewloe-castle-cadw-1843263 for more and you can also find out about other Welsh castles there. And for runners, find out more about the parkrun at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/wepre/



Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Things You Need to Stop Believing About Mary Boleyn
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Was Mary Boleyn really the "pretty" Boleyn sister? Did she have a long love affair with Henry VIII? In this video, we’re diving into 11 major misconceptions about Mary Boleyn’s life, from her rumoured relationships to the true nature of her family’s ambitions.
Get ready to uncover the real story behind the myths you’ve heard in books and movies. From mistaken identities to misunderstood motives, we’ll set the record straight on one of the Tudor era’s most mysterious figures.
#MaryBoleyn #TudorHistory #Mythbusting #TheOtherBoleynGirl #BoleynSisters #HistoryUncovered #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn



Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
10 Things You Should Stop Believing About Tudor People!
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Think you know the Tudors? Think again! From misconceptions about hygiene to false beliefs about their love lives and diets, this talk will completely change the way you see the Tudor era!
Were they as dirty and smelly as people say? Did they all get married super young? And what about those messy eating habits we've seen in movies? Get ready to bust some myths and learn what life was really like for the people of Tudor England!
You’ll be surprised by what’s true… and what’s not. Don’t miss out on these shocking truths! Watch now to uncover the real story behind the Tudors! #TudorHistory #MythBusting #TudorLife #HistoryFacts #TudorEngland #HistoryUnveiled



Friday Sep 13, 2024
Henry VIII’s ONLY Acknowledged Illegitimate Son
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
In this final part of my series on Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, I introduce you to the one son Henry VIII proudly acknowledged – Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset. Who was this boy the king doted on and elevated to the highest ranks of nobility? Could Fitzroy have been King Henry IX? 🏰👑
Join me as I unravel the story of the king's only recognized illegitimate son and explore the fascinating possibilities had he lived longer. What role could he have played in England's future? ⚔️ #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #HenryFitzroy #RoyalIntrigue #HistoricalMystery
Let me know what you think in the comments! 👇

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.