Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

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

The Sheep Farmer’s Son Who Helped Shape Tudor England

He reformed how we pronounce Greek, helped dissolve the old Church, negotiated for Elizabeth I… and somehow survived every Tudor monarch from Henry VIII’s reign onward.On this day in Tudor history, 12th August 1577, Sir Thomas Smith—a scholar, diplomat, and political survivor—died quietly at his home in Essex. But his life was anything but quiet.I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video, I’m taking you beyond the famous names and into the fascinating life of one of the Tudor era’s most brilliant minds. Smith wasn’t a noble or a court favourite, but he taught the likes of William Cecil, helped shape Protestant reform, and worked behind the scenes to craft Tudor foreign policy.Listen now for a deep dive into a man who helped build the intellectual and political foundations of Elizabethan England—without ever grabbing the spotlight.Let me know in the comments—had you heard of Sir Thomas Smith before today? And which of his books would you want to read?Like, subscribe, and don’t forget to click the Join button if you'd like to be part of my Tudor inner circle—with exclusive content, a digital magazine, and much more!#TudorHistory #SirThomasSmith #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #ElizabethI #TudorCourt #TudorSurvivor #TudorReformation #EnglishHistory #ForgottenFigures #TudorScholar #TudorGovernment #HistoryDeepDive

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