Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Where Is Anne Boleyn REALLY Buried?

On 19th May 1536, Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, was executed within the Tower of London. Contemporary sources say she was laid to rest in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, but legends place her hundreds of miles away, in Norfolk or Suffolk… and some even claim her heart was buried elsewhere.In this podcast, I, Claire Ridgway, historian, author of The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown, and founder of The Anne Boleyn Files, explore the evidence and the myths about Anne Boleyn’s resting place.We’ll uncover:- What eyewitness accounts of 1536 say about her burial- The Norfolk and Essex legends of secret midnight burials- The strange Suffolk tale of Anne’s heart in a parish church- The 1876 Victorian exhumations inside the Tower chapel- Why some historians argue her memorial tile marks the wrong graveIs Anne Boleyn truly buried beneath her memorial tile in the Tower of London — or does her story in death hold one last mystery?Watch and decide for yourself.If you enjoy Tudor history deep dives, don’t forget to:- Like this podcast (it helps more history fans find it)- Subscribe for more Tudor stories every week- Join my channel membership for exclusive resources, behind-the-scenes videos, my monthly Tudor magazine, and live chatsHave you ever visited Anne Boleyn’s memorial at the Tower? Or Salle Church in Norfolk? Share your experience in the comments!#AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #AnneBoleynFiles #TowerOfLondon #TudorMystery #RoyalHistory #OnThisDay #QueenElizabethI #CatherineHoward

Elizabeth Boleyn Revealed: Interview with Sophie Bacchus-Waterman on Anne Boleyn's Mother

What do we really know about Elizabeth Boleyn, Countess of Wiltshire and mother of Anne Boleyn?Until now, she’s been little more than a shadow in history — remembered only as the wife of Thomas Boleyn and the mother of Anne, Mary, and George. But in a groundbreaking new biography, historian Sophie Bacchus-Waterman uncovers Elizabeth’s real story: her career at court, her influence, and her role in one of Tudor England’s most ambitious families.In this exclusive interview, I talk with Sophie about:- Why Elizabeth has been so overlooked in Tudor history- The surprising discoveries made during her research- How Elizabeth shaped the rise of the Boleyns- Whether she’s been unfairly judged in fiction and history- And what this biography reveals about Anne Boleyn’s world.Sophie’s new book: Elizabeth Boleyn: The Life of the Queen’s Mother is the very first biography of this fascinating woman, and it shines a long-overdue light on her life and legacy.Pre-order on Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Boleyn-Life-Queens-Mother/dp/1803997656Pre-order on Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Boleyn-Life-Queens-Mother/dp/1803997656/Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Tudor deep-dives.
Want even more Tudor treasures? Join my channel membership for exclusive resources, a monthly magazine, and live Zoom discussions! Click “Join” under this video to find out more.#ElizabethBoleyn #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #TudorWomen #SophieBacchusWaterman #TudorDynasty #TudorBooks #HistoryInterview #ForgottenFigures #BoleynFamily #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

Charles Brandon: A Tudor Survivor with a Tangled Love-life

On 22nd August 1545, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, died — ending the life of one of the most colourful and daring figures of Henry VIII’s reign.He was the king’s jousting companion, his most loyal friend, and the man bold enough to secretly marry Henry’s sister, Mary Tudor, in Paris… without royal permission.How did Brandon risk everything, pay a massive price, and still remain the king’s closest ally for nearly four decades — when so many others at court lost their heads?In this podcast, I explore the extraordinary story of Charles Brandon:- His rise from the son of a slain Bosworth knight to Duke of Suffolk- His complicated love life and very risky marriage to Mary Tudor- His military career in France and role in major Tudor events- How he outlived Wolsey, Anne Boleyn, Cromwell, and more — by never losing Henry’s trustCharles Brandon wasn’t a schemer, but he was the ultimate Tudor court survivor.Also watch my video on The Scandalous Love Life of Charles Brandon here: https://youtu.be/ArwZBvOt7EsIf you enjoy this deep dive into Tudor history, please:- Join my YouTube channel membership for exclusive content, live chats, and my monthly Tudor magazineHave you heard of Charles Brandon before today? What do you think — lucky risk-taker, or loyal friend who knew how to survive? Let me know in the comments!#CharlesBrandon #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #MaryTudor #TudorDynasty #RoyalScandal #TudorCourt #AnneBoleynFiles #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay

Tudor Survivor You've Never Heard of

What does it take to survive the deadly world of Tudor politics?Sir Thomas Heneage seems to have known the answer.He began his career in Cardinal Wolsey’s household, slipped seamlessly into Henry VIII’s privy chamber, witnessed the king’s secret wedding to Anne Boleyn, replaced an executed groom of the stool, worked with Thomas Cromwell… and still managed to keep his head.By the time of his death on 21st August 1553, Sir Thomas Heneage had served Henry VIII, Edward VI, and even congratulated the new queen, Mary I, on her victory over “Queen Jane.” He was a man who understood that in Tudor England, survival wasn’t about luck—it was about timing, tact, and knowing when to step forward… and when to step back.In this podcast, I’ll uncover the life of this often-overlooked but fascinating Tudor insider who navigated factional rivalries, religious change, and the rise and fall of powerful figures—without ever facing the block himself.If you enjoy shining a light on the forgotten figures of Tudor history, please do give this video a like, leave a comment (had you heard of Sir Thomas Heneage before?), and subscribe for more stories from Henry VIII’s court.Want even more Tudor treasures? Step inside my Tudor court with channel membership—where you’ll receive exclusive videos, a monthly magazine, and live Zoom discussions. Click “Join” below or on my channel homepage to find out more.#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #TudorCourt #SirThomasHeneage #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay

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