Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

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

Interesting Facts About the Boleyn Family

Today, I have some fascinating facts to share about the Boleyn family, a family close to my heart. These tidbits might surprise you and give you a deeper insight into their intriguing history.
 
Did you know that Anne Boleyn’s father inherited a unique family heirloom? Or that her mother was praised by a famous poet? There are also some mysteries about Mary Boleyn's later years. Anne herself might have met a legendary figure during her time in France, and her brother George was celebrated for his talents. Jane Boleyn played a significant role in the lives of others, and Elizabeth I honoured her mother in some special ways.
 
If these facts have piqued your interest, I’m excited to announce an 8-day online event in November dedicated to the Boleyn family! I’ll be diving into:
 
Thomas and Elizabeth Boleyn
Anne Boleyn's rise and fall
Mary Boleyn's legacy
George Boleyn's life and work
Jane Boleyn's controversial story
Elizabeth I, the Boleyn Queen
The enduring legacy of the Boleyns
 
There will be seven talks and eight Zoom Q&A sessions, offering plenty of opportunities to discuss Tudor history. If you register before 31st July, you can join us for $65, saving $15. Head to https://claireridgway.com/events/the-boleyns-a-family-of-two-queens/ for more details and to secure your spot.
 
I can’t wait to share more about the Boleyns with you and hear your thoughts! See you there!
 
#BoleynFamily #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #MaryBoleyn #GeorgeBoleyn #ElizabethI #TudorFacts #HistoryLovers #OnlineEvent

The Mysterious Prophecies about Anne Boleyn

Dive into the mystical world of Tudor England with us as I explore the enigmatic prophecies surrounding Anne Boleyn!
In an era rife with superstition, discover how visions and omens foretold the rise and fall of one of history's most captivating queens. From eerie books of prophecy to foreboding dreams and cryptic verses, see how these predictions shaped the fate of Anne Boleyn and those around her.
Uncover the stories behind these chilling prophecies and decide for yourself: were they mere coincidence, or a glimpse into the future?
#AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #Mysteries #Prophecies #HistoricalSecrets #OnThisDay

The Fate of Henry Manox

What Happened to Catherine Howard’s Music Teacher?Ever wondered what became of the first man to be involved with Catherine Howard, her music teacher Henry Manox?While much is known about her tragic end and the fates of Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper, Manox’s story is often overlooked. In this video, I uncover the intriguing details of his relationship with the young queen, his attempts to cause trouble for her, and his ultimate fate during the tumultuous events of 1541. 
Discover how  Manox managed to escape the brutal consequences that others faced. Dive into Tudor history and uncover the secrets behind the scandal!
Don’t miss out on this untold tale. Hit play to learn more about Henry Manox’s fate!
#TudorHistory #CatherineHoward #HenryManox #TudorScandals #HistoryUncovered #MusicTeacher #RoyalIntrigue #HistoricalMysteries #WatchNow

The Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn Choir Screen

Discover the stunning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn Choir Screen at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge! This exquisite wooden rood screen, praised by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as “the most exquisite piece of Italian decoration surviving in England,” is more than a beautiful artefact. It holds a fascinating link to Anne Boleyn and the Tudor dynasty. 🏰👑
 
Eric Ives suggested it was made to celebrate Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn’s marriage, featuring symbols of their union. However, stonecarver Lucy Churchill's research reveals a deeper message asserting their Divine Right to rule and issuing a stern warning to dissenters. 📜🔍
 
Dive into this historical gem and explore the rich symbolism behind it. Check out Lucy Churchill’s detailed research and imagery on her website!
 
 
https://www.lucychurchill.com/anne-boleyn-moost-happi-medal-reconstruction/kings-college-choir-screen-cambridge-uk/
Photo credits: 
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3437015 - King's College Chapel - ceiling & organ screen © Copyright The Carlisle Kid and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3488853 King’s College Chapel © Copyright Richard Croft and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
 
#TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #HistoricalArtefacts #KingsCollegeChapel #Cambridge #ChoirScreen #DivineRight #HistoryRevealed #LucyChurchill