Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

From Cromwell’s Ally to Mary’s Pardon

On this day in Tudor history, 11th August 1556, Sir John Kingsmill died—quietly, naturally, and with his head still on his shoulders. That might not sound remarkable… but in the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I, it absolutely was.I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video I’m introducing you to a lesser-known but fascinating figure who worked with Thomas Cromwell, helped dissolve monasteries and chantries, and still managed to earn a pardon from Queen Mary I.
Lawyer, sheriff, and skilled political survivor, Kingsmill was:- A knight of Henry VIII’s reign- A commissioner for Edward VI’s Protestant reforms- A beneficiary of monastic spoils- And the father of seventeen children—yes, seventeen!He may not have stood centre stage in the Tudor court, but he was always there in the wings—helping shape policy, surviving the storms, and building a legacy that would continue well into Elizabeth I’s reign.Oh, and his descendants? One was pardoned for manslaughter. Two were later recorded as insane. Intrigued?Listen now to explore the quiet cunning of Sir John Kingsmill—a man who knew how to stay in favour no matter who sat on the throne.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to never miss a Tudor tale. And if you’d like even more exclusive content—including a monthly Tudor magazine—click the Join button and become part of my inner circle.#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #SirJohnKingsmill #ThomasCromwell #QueenMaryI #TudorCourt #TudorSurvivor #HenryVIII #EdwardVI #DissolutionOfTheMonasteries #ClaireRidgway #TudorPolitics #Reformation #HiddenHistory #TudorTales

Richard III Like You’ve Never Seen Him – Behind the Scenes of "A Taste of Loyalty"

Was Richard III really the monster Shakespeare painted him to be? Or have centuries of myth and propaganda hidden the man he truly was?In this exclusive interview, I (Claire Ridgway, historian and author) sit down with the creative team behind "A Taste of Loyalty"—a powerful new short film (inspired by Matthew Lewis’s novel "Loyalty"), which explores one of the most pivotal (and misunderstood) moments in Richard III’s life.Join me as I talk with:- Matt Lewis, historian and novelist- Thomas Dennis, director, screenwriter, and the man portraying Richard III- Tiffany Lunn, composer and musical visionary for the filmTogether, we discuss:- Why this isn’t your typical Richard III story- How they’re balancing historical accuracy with powerful storytelling- The challenges and joys of adapting a novel for the screen on a tight budget- The emotional depth behind the music, the costumes, and the character of Richard- Their long-term vision for the project—and how you can help make it happenWhether you’re a Ricardian, a Wars of the Roses enthusiast, a lover of historical fiction, or just curious about how history comes alive through film—this conversation is packed with insight, passion, and behind-the-scenes gems.Listen now and meet the team rewriting Richard III’s legacy.SUPPORT the film: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-taste-of-loyalty#/#ATasteOfLoyalty #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #HistoricalFiction #MattLewis #ThomasDennis #HistoricalFilm #Ricardian #BehindTheScenes #MedievalDrama #RewritingHistory

Poisoned Cakes, Flea Traps… and Dead Hedgehogs?! Pest Control Tudor-style

Wormwood-strewn floors. Poisoned rat cakes. Bounties on hedgehogs.No, it’s not a dark fairy tale—it’s real Tudor pest control.In a world without bug spray or exterminators, how did the Tudors tackle fleas, flies, rats, mice… and even moths?Let’s just say… they got creative. And ruthless.I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author—and in today’s video, we’re diving into the bizarre, herbal, and sometimes horrifying methods the Tudors used to defend their homes (and health!) from pests.You'll discover:- Why strewing herbs were scattered on floors- What the Goodman of Paris suggested for catching fleas- The deadly ingredients in Tudor rat cakes- Why hedgehogs were considered milk thieves
- And the law that made people bounty hunters
If you enjoy strange corners of history, click Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell to get more true Tudor tales every week.Want exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes content, printable resources, and my monthly digital magazine "The Privy Chronicle"?Click Join and become part of my Tudor inner circle today!#TudorHistory #WeirdHistory #PestControlHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorLife #HistoricalFacts #FleasAndFlames #DeadHedgehogs #TrueHistory #HistoryNerd #MedievalHygiene #OnThisDay #StrangeButTrue #HorribleHistory

She Was 13. He Was 30. This Royal Wedding Changed British History Forever

A teenage English princess.A powerful Scottish king nearly two decades older.A lavish wedding that would shape the future of the British Isles.On this day in Tudor history, 8th August 1503, Princess Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII, married James IV of Scotland in a glittering ceremony filled with royal pageantry, political strategy—and secrets.But behind the boar’s head feasts, jewel-encrusted robes, and dancing nobles… was a fragile peace deal between two ancient rivals. And a young girl stepping into a world of power, heartbreak, and destiny.She became queen consort, regent, exile, and ultimately the great-grandmother of King James VI—the man who would unite the English and Scottish crowns.In this video, I’ll take you inside:- The grand wedding at Holyroodhouse- The strange politics of marrying your enemy- Margaret’s rollercoaster life as queen, widow, and power player- And how her bloodline still sits on the throne todayRemember to like and subscribe if you enjoyed the podcast.Want even more Tudor goodness—including exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes content, and a beautifully curated monthly digital magazine?Click the YouTube Join button and become part of my Tudor inner circle!#TudorHistory #MargaretTudor #RoyalWeddings #JamesIV #TudorQueens #OnThisDay #BritishMonarchy #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #ScotlandHistory #TudorDrama #TrueHistory #PowerfulWomen #QueenMothers

Lovechild and bigamist – Sir Robert Dudley, son of Elizabeth I’s favourite

He was born a lovechild, died an exiled nobleman—and in between, he explored the West Indies, built ships for Italian dukes, and underwent a bigamous marriage.On this day in Tudor history, 7th August 1574, Sir Robert Dudley was born—the illegitimate son of Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Lady Douglas Sheffield.I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and today I’m uncovering the dramatic tale of this brilliant yet controversial Tudor figure:- Explorer.- Cartographer.- Naval innovator.- Bigamist.He tried to prove he was legitimate in a Star Chamber case, claimed his parents had married in secret, and later left England in scandal—running off with his teenage cousin and marrying her in Italy, despite having a wife (and seven daughters) back home.From secret weddings and shady inheritances to pioneering naval design and creating the first maritime atlas by an Englishman, Dudley's life was one of ambition, scandal… and survival.Was he a scoundrel, a genius, or both?
Watch now and decide for yourself.If you enjoyed this dive into Tudor history, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon.Want exclusive livestreams, behind-the-scenes videos, printable resources, and even a Tudor-themed monthly magazine?Click the Join button to become a channel member—I’d love to welcome you to the Tudor court!Further Reading:
https://archive.org/details/voyageofrobertdu00warnrichJournal article “A Letter from Robert, Earl of Leicester, to a Lady” by Conyers Readhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/3818131?read-now=1&seq=7#page_scan_tab_contentshttps://allthingsrobertdudley.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/letter-to-a-lady/ #TudorHistory #TudorTrueCrime #RobertDudley #ElizabethI #Leicester #HistoryScandal #HistoryTok #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay #TudorTok #TudorSecrets #EarlyModernHistory

Tudor True Crime: The Baron, the Grudge, and the Double Murder

Welcome to another chilling instalment of Tudor True Crime with me, historian and author Claire Ridgway. Today, we uncover the dark story of Charles Stourton, 8th Baron Stourton—a nobleman whose pride and rage ended in cold-blooded murder… and a very public hanging.What started as a bitter land feudEscalated into a siege at a churchEnded with two bound men, a candlelit killing, and a secret burial in the cellarBut someone talked—and justice was swift.Join me as I delve into this gripping tale of power, vengeance, and the brutal fall of a Tudor peer.
Listen to the end to find out why even a baron couldn’t escape the hangman’s rope.Like, comment, and subscribe for more true crime stories from the Tudor world.#TudorTrueCrime #TrueCrime #TudorHistory #CharlesStourton #HistoryMystery #ClaireRidgway #MurderInHistory #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoricalTrueCrime #TudorJustice #BaronAndTheNoose #DarkHistory #OnThisDay #CrimeAndPunishment #HistoryYouTube

The Man Who Helped Make Henry VII King

The Untold Story of Sir Reginald Bray - He wasn’t a king… but he helped make one.Sir Reginald Bray may not be a household name, but this quiet powerhouse of the Tudor court knew Henry VII from boyhood, helped plan the invasion that toppled Richard III, and then served as one of the most powerful men in England.- Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster- Spymaster- Master of royal revenues- Patron of grand Tudor architecture- Head of the dreaded Council Learned in the LawFrom buying young Henry Tudor his first bow and arrows… to financing the very rebellion that launched a dynasty… to managing the wealth and secrets of a king — Bray was everywhere.In this episode of On This Day in Tudor History, I explore the fascinating life and legacy of Sir Reginald Bray, who died on 5 August 1503. Discover the man behind the monarch — the loyal servant who helped build the Tudor world from the shadows.Watch now to learn how one administrator helped shape a dynasty.Like, subscribe, and comment: Had you heard of Reginald Bray before today?Want even more hidden Tudor figures and behind-the-scenes power players? Browse the channel and join my Tudor inner circle through memberships!#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #HenryVII #SirReginaldBray #MargaretBeaufort #BattleOfBosworth #TudorCourt #ClaireRidgway #TudorSecrets #HistoryYouTube #HiddenFigures #TudorDynasty

Blown to Bits in Battle: The Tudor Rogue Who Might’ve Been Henry VIII’s Son

He dreamt of invading Ireland with Spanish gold and papal blessing…Instead, he died in a Moroccan ditch, his legs blown off by cannon fire.This is the incredible, tragic, and chaotic story of Thomas Stukeley—Tudor adventurer, mercenary, spy, and the man rumoured to be King Henry VIII’s illegitimate son.I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and today we’re diving into the Battle of Alcácer Quibir on 4th August 1578—also known as the **Battle of the Three Kings**—where Stukeley died alongside kings and thousands of European soldiers.In this video, I'll explore:- The rumour that Stukeley was Henry VIII’s son- Why Stukeley was chosen to lead a crusade into Morocco- The bloody battle that killed three kings and shattered Portugal’s future- How one English rogue became a legend (and a tragedy)Want to know more about Stukeley’s life as a pirate, papal favourite, and Elizabethan thorn-in-the-side? Watch my full video here:
https://youtu.be/Cq11kP14kekLet me know in the comments—had you heard of Thomas Stukeley before? Do you think he could have been Henry VIII’s son?#ThomasStukeley #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #OnThisDay #BattleOfThreeKings #SebastianOfPortugal #TudorAdventurers #ClaireRidgway #HistoryTube #DarkHistory #TudorMyths #RoyalBastards #Stukeley