Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Two Queens, One Tower

What do Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the Tower of London have in common? Balthasar Guercy, an Italian physician who served both queens—and found himself imprisoned for his controversial beliefs.
Originally from Milan, Guercy rose to prominence at the Tudor court, healing some of the most powerful figures of the day. But in 1543, he was arrested for supporting papal authority, a dangerous stance under Henry VIII’s reign. Facing potential execution, Guercy’s life hung in the balance… until Holy Roman Emperor Charles V stepped in to save him.
From royal service to religious exile and a brush with death, Guercy’s life reveals the dangerous tightrope Tudor physicians walked in a time of political and religious upheaval.
Want to know more about this unsung figure of Tudor history? Watch now to uncover his incredible story of resilience, survival, and service to royalty.
#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #AnneBoleyn #CatherineOfAragon #TudorCourt #TowerOfLondon #HistoricalMysteries #RoyalIntrigue #TudorMedicine #RenaissanceHistory

A Literary Genius or a Tudor Scoundrel

Kidnapping, violence, treason… Not exactly what you'd expect from the man behind one of the most influential literary works of Elizabethan England! But George Puttenham’s life was anything but ordinary.
On 6 January 1591, Puttenham was laid to rest, yet the scandals surrounding him remain unforgettable. From kidnapping a teenage girl to accusations of high treason and violent disputes, this literary critic’s life reads more like a Tudor crime drama.
Did his brilliant mind get tangled in bad choices and worse luck, or was he simply a deeply flawed man whose scandals eclipsed his achievements? Join me as I uncover the shocking secrets of a man who left his mark on Tudor literature—and scandal sheets!
You won’t believe the twists in this tale… Watch now to find out more!
#GeorgePuttenham #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #LiteraryScandals #ElizabethanEra #TudorDrama

The Serpent Queen: Myth or Mastermind?

Was Catherine de' Medici truly the sinister puppet master behind a seductive squad of spies, or has history been far too cruel to this powerful queen? Dive into the fascinating—and often misunderstood—life of the woman who ruled France from the shadows and shaped a turbulent era.
On 5 January 1589, Catherine de' Medici, Queen Consort and Queen Regent of France, passed away. Her legacy? A swirl of dark legends, court intrigues, and tales of power, ambition, and tragedy.
From poisoned gloves to the infamous Flying Squadron, her story is packed with drama, mystery, and myth. But what’s the truth? Was she a ruthless schemer or simply a woman navigating a man’s world with unmatched skill?
Join me as I peel back the layers of propaganda to reveal the real Catherine de' Medici—a queen who deserves more than just her "Serpent Queen" reputation.
Recommended read: "Blood, Fire, and Gold" by Estelle Paranque #CatherineDeMedici #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #RoyalIntrigue #TheSerpentQueen #FlyingSquadron
Watch now to uncover the truth!

Faith, Rebellion, and Controversy

On this day in Tudor history, 4th January 1519, reformer Martin Luther met with papal envoy Karl von Miltitz in an attempt to reconcile with the Catholic Church. But could Luther, the man who sparked the Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses, truly stay silent on indulgences and corruption?
 
Witness the pivotal moment that led to his excommunication and cemented his role as one of history’s most influential yet polarising figures. Luther's theological breakthroughs revolutionised Christianity, but his later years revealed a darker side to his legacy.
 
Explore his legacy, from "Here I stand" to his controversial writings. Watch to uncover the complexities of Martin Luther's impact on history and faith.
 
🎥 Luther's 95 Theses video - https://youtu.be/yGzHmCmLVBU
 #TudorHistory #MartinLuther #Reformation

Loyalty, Rebellion, and Diplomacy

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd January 1590, Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd, passed away at Kilmarnock. This Scottish nobleman played a key role in the turbulent politics of Mary, Queen of Scots' reign and beyond.
Once a supporter of Mary, Boyd later opposed her marriage to Lord Darnley, participated in rebellion, and even became entangled in the murder trial of Darnley. Boyd’s complex legacy includes diplomacy, battles, and negotiations with Queen Elizabeth I.
Discover how Boyd's shifting loyalties shaped his fate and that of Scotland’s monarchy. Watch now! #TudorHistory #ScottishNobility #OnThisDay
Click to unravel the fascinating life of Lord Boyd and his role in the drama of the 16th century!

Rebellion, Treachery, and a Queen's Resolve

On this day in Tudor history, 2nd January 1554, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger and Sir Peter Carew were summoned to face Queen Mary I's privy council. The reason? Whispers of a bold plot to stop her marriage to Philip of Spain.
Their conspiracy aimed to replace Mary with her half-sister, Elizabeth, in a coup that spiralled into rebellion. But who betrayed the rebels? And how did Mary rally London to crush the uprising?
A story of rebellion, loyalty, and a queen’s defiance awaits. Watch now to uncover the intrigue! #TudorHistory #WyattRebellion #OnThisDay
Dive into the drama and learn how this rebellion forever changed lives and the Tudor legacy.

A New Year, A New King

On this day in Tudor history, 1st January 1515, King Louis XII of France passed away at just 52 years old, less than three months into his marriage to the young and vibrant Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. Was his death due to illness or, as the French people whispered, the toll of overexerting himself in hopes of securing an heir? 🕊️
This story intertwines royal ambition, tragic love, and the rise of the dynamic Francis I. Plus, we'll explore a must-visit site for history lovers—the breathtaking royal tombs of Saint-Denis. 🏰✨
📜 Join me as we uncover this intriguing chapter in Tudor-France history! 🇫🇷 #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #LouisXII #MaryTudor #HistoryLovers
🔗 Watch now to uncover the details behind the death that changed the course of French history!

The Lavish Side of England's First Tudor King: Henry VII

Think Henry VII was just a penny-pinching miser? Think again! Dive into the hidden world of this Tudor monarch’s extravagant celebrations, complete with castles on wheels, knights, dragons, and pageantry fit for royalty. From dazzling Christmas revels to the legendary wedding of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon, discover a side of Henry VII you’ve never seen before.
Get ready to challenge the stereotypes and uncover the surprising flair of a king who loved a good party.
#HenryVII #TudorHistory #RoyalPageantry #HiddenHistory #History
Uncovered Link for primary source account - https://archive.org/details/englishpageantry01with/page/112/mode/2up?view=theater