Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

The Loyal Knight Who Defended Barnard Castle

Not every Tudor story ends in scandal, downfall, or execution. Some are about loyalty, courage, and quiet strength.On this day in Tudor history, 20th August 1580, Sir George Bowes—a loyal soldier, administrator, and one of Elizabeth I’s most dependable northern men—died peacefully at his home in Streatlam, County Durham.Bowes may not be a household name, but his story is one of unshakeable service during some of Elizabeth’s most turbulent years.
In this video, I’ll share how Bowes:- Held Barnard Castle under siege for two weeks during the 1569 Rising of the North- Escorted Mary, Queen of Scots into captivity after her flight from Scotland- Served as Marshal of Berwick, Justice of the Peace, Sheriff, and member of the Council of the North- Raised 15 children across two marriages, while balancing duty and family- Became one of the quiet but essential figures holding Elizabeth’s kingdom togetherUnlike many Tudor figures, Bowes died of natural causes at the age of 53 and was laid to rest in Barnard Castle Church. If you enjoyed this story, please like the video, subscribe to my channel for more Tudor history, and tap the bell so you don’t miss my next Tudor tale.For even more exclusive Tudor content—like a monthly magazine, printable resources, and live Zoom calls—click the Join button and become part of my Tudor Court here on YouTube.

The Reluctant Martyr: Thomas Bilney’s Tragic End at the Stake

What happens when one of England’s earliest reformers loses his nerve—yet dies for it anyway?On this day in Tudor history, 19th August 1531, Thomas Bilney, priest and preacher from Norfolk, was burned at the stake in Norwich’s infamous Lollards’ Pit.Bilney had once been a fiery voice for reform—distributing William Tyndale’s books, preaching against saints and pilgrimages, and even inspiring future martyrs like Hugh Latimer. But under pressure, he broke. He recanted. He regretted it. And in the end… he couldn’t live with his denial.In this video, I’ll explore Bilney’s:- Early life and Cambridge career- Spiritual awakening through Erasmus’s New Testament- Fiery preaching and arrest under Cardinal Wolsey- His fateful abjuration—and why he couldn’t bear it- Final arrest, trial, and burning at Norwich- His legacy as the “martyr who took it back”Thomas Bilney may not be as famous as Tyndale or Cranmer, but his story reveals the messy, human side of the English Reformation—doubt, conviction, fear, and courage.Had you heard of Thomas Bilney before today? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like, subscribe for more forgotten Tudor stories, and hit the bell so you don’t miss the next one.For even more Tudor history—including a monthly magazine, printable resources, and Zoom discussions—consider joining my channel membership and become part of my Tudor Court ON YOUTUBE.

A Wedding and a Massacre

A royal wedding meant to bring peace… instead ended in one of the bloodiest massacres of the 16th century.On 18th August 1572, Henry of Navarre—leader of the French Huguenots and future King Henry IV—married Margaret of Valois, daughter of King Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici, at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.This marriage was supposed to heal France’s religious divisions between Protestants and Catholics. But just six days later, the streets of Paris ran red with blood in the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre.- Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, the Huguenot leader, was shot in an attempted assassination…
- Before dawn on 24th August, he was murdered and thrown from a window…- What followed was three days of brutal killings in Paris, spreading to towns and cities across France.Between 10,000 and 30,000 Protestants were slaughtered in one of the darkest chapters of the Reformation.In today’s episode of On This Day in Tudor History, I explore:- The political and religious stakes behind the marriage- The attempted assassination that sparked panic
- The horrific wave of violence that shocked Europe
- What became of Henry of Navarre and Margaret of Valois Have you heard of the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more daily Tudor (and wider European) history.Want even more Tudor history? Join my YouTube channel membership and become part of my Tudor Court for exclusive livestreams, behind-the-scenes videos, digital resources, and more!#StBartholomewsDay #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #FrenchHistory #Reformation #DarkHistory #ClaireRidgway

Meet the 13-Year-Old Bringing Henry VIII to YouTube

What inspires a 13-year-old to dress as Henry VIII and teach Tudor history on YouTube?Meet Mason Thomas, the brilliant young creator of "King Henry’s Royal Court", a channel blending comedy, satire, dramatic reenactments, and historical insight — all told through Henry VIII’s eyes.In this interview, Mason shares how his passion for history began, why he chose Henry VIII, and how he balances humour with accuracy. We talk research, costumes, favourite Tudor facts, the challenges of running a history channel as a teenager, and his dreams for the future.Whether you’re a Tudor history fan or love seeing the next generation of historians at work, you’ll be inspired by Mason’s enthusiasm, creativity, and knowledge.Watch Mason’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@KingHenrysCourt#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoryInterview #HistoryFans #YoungHistorians #YouTubeCreators #TudorDynasty #HistoryNerds
 

Murder Behind Bars in Tudor England – A Shocking True Story

In 1590, Catholic gentleman John Hocknell — imprisoned in Chester Castle for his faith — didn’t die of plague, hunger, or age.He was murdered… by his own gaoler.The weapon? A pitchfork.The killer? The castle’s underkeeper, i.e. Hocknell's gaoler.In this episode of Tudor True Crime, I, historian and author Claire Ridgway, uncover the shocking story of Hocknell’s repeated imprisonments for recusancy, his bizarre brush with “false prophecies,” and the brutal killing that cut his life short just months before his release.We’ll explore:
What life was like for Catholic recusants in Elizabeth I’s reign
How Hocknell’s defiance — and a strange prophecy — landed him in prison
The network of imprisoned Catholic gentlemen in Chester Castle
How a gaoler’s deadly act led to a rare Tudor murder conviction
It’s a grim but fascinating glimpse into religious persecution, political paranoia, and the darker side of Tudor justice.
Like if you love discovering hidden Tudor talesSubscribe for more Tudor history and true crimeJoin my YouTube Tudor court for exclusive content, live Zoom discussions, and my monthly magazine.#TudorTrueCrime #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ElizabethI #CatholicHistory #Recusancy #TrueCrimeHistory #TudorEngland

The Forgotten Genius Behind the Spanish Tragedy and Hamlet

Before Shakespeare’s Hamlet, there may have been another…Written by a man history almost erased.On this day in Tudor history—15th August 1594—playwright Thomas Kyd was buried in London, aged just 36. In his short life, he wrote The Spanish Tragedy, one of the biggest theatrical hits of the Elizabethan age—performed 29 times at the Rose Theatre and published in 11 editions, more than any of Shakespeare’s plays at the time.But Kyd’s meteoric career ended in scandal. Kyd was imprisoned, possibly tortured, and his health was ruined.And then there’s the tantalising mystery—did Thomas Kyd write the now-lost Ur-Hamlet, the play that inspired Shakespeare’s masterpiece?Join me, historian and author Claire Ridgway, as I uncover the life, works, scandals, and enduring influence of one of Elizabethan theatre’s most important—yet overlooked—figures.If you love forgotten Tudor stories, this one’s unmissable.#ThomasKyd #Hamlet #TudorHistory #ElizabethanTheatre #TheSpanishTragedy #OnThisDay #Shakespeare #ClaireRidgway

The Princess Who Lived in the Shadows of Kings

Today I’m telling the often forgotten story of Katherine of York, daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, sister to Elizabeth of York and the Princes in the Tower, and aunt to Henry VIII.Katherine’s life began in splendour—once betrothed to a Spanish prince, raised at the glittering Yorkist court—but her future was derailed by scandal, political shifts, and personal loss. Declared illegitimate by her uncle Richard III, she was forced into sanctuary with her mother and siblings… but would go on to serve her queenly sister, stand as chief mourner at a royal funeral, and quietly manage vast estates in Devon.In this video, I’ll explore:- Her royal childhood and broken Spanish marriage alliance- The impact of Richard III’s rise to power- Her marriage to the Earl of Devon and her son’s tragic fate- Why she took a vow of chastity — and withdrew from court- And how she styled herself “the excellent Princess Katherine, daughter, sister and aunt of kings”Katherine of York never wore a crown, but she was at the very heart of Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties — living through regime change, rebellion, and royal funerals.#TudorHistory #KatherineOfYork #ForgottenWomen #RoyalHistory #Plantagenets #Yorkists #HenryVIII #ElizabethOfYork #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay

The Knight Who Wept for a Princess

He was knighted at Henry VIII’s third wedding, carried Queen Jane Seymour’s coffin, and greeted Anne of Cleves on her arrival in England.He fought in France, jousted at Edward VI’s coronation, served as MP under Mary and Elizabeth, and—most heartbreakingly—wept as he escorted Elizabeth I to the Tower during Wyatt’s Rebellion.On this day in Tudor history, 13th August 1566, Sir Humphrey Radcliffe died at his manor in Elstow, having served four Tudor monarchs with quiet loyalty and deep conscience.I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in this podcast I’m telling the story of a man you may never have heard of—but whose life intersects with some of the most dramatic and emotional events of the Tudor era.Join me as I explore Radcliffe’s life.#OnThisDay #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #Radcliffe #WyattsRebellion #TrueHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorTok #HistoryYouTube