Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Step back into a world of intrigue, passion, and ruthless ambition — welcome to Tudor England. Join historian and bestselling author Claire Ridgway as she uncovers the riveting stories of the Tudor dynasty. From the scandalous love affairs of King Henry VIII to the tragic fall of Anne Boleyn, the fierce reign of Elizabeth I, and the lesser-known secrets of Tudor court life, this podcast brings history to life in vivid detail. Hear dramatic tales of betrayal, execution, forbidden love, and political manoeuvring that shaped England forever. Discover daily Tudor history with fascinating “On This Day” episodes — unique insights you won’t find in typical history books. Get behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s own research trips to historic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, and more. Enjoy interviews with top historians and experts in Tudor studies, plus lively Q&A sessions tackling listeners’ burning Tudor questions. 🖋 Who is Claire Ridgway? Claire is the author of the bestselling On This Day in Tudor History series and numerous other Tudor books loved by readers around the world. She founded The Tudor Society, connecting enthusiasts with experts through live online events, and runs the hugely popular history websites The Anne Boleyn Files and www.ClaireRidgway.com. Her mission: to uncover the human stories behind the crown — the hopes, fears, and triumphs of not only kings and queens but also the courtiers, rebels, and ordinary people who lived under the Tudor rose. What can you expect? - Gripping accounts of famous events like the Field of Cloth of Gold, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the Babington Plot. - Intimate portraits of Tudor figures: Anne Boleyn’s charm and downfall, Thomas Cromwell’s rise and brutal fall, Elizabeth I’s cunning survival. - Dark mysteries and unsolved deaths — who really killed Amy Robsart? Was Katherine Howard truly guilty? - Special episodes on Tudor fashion, food, medicine, and the day-to-day lives of Tudor men and women. Join thousands of Tudor fans worldwide Never miss an episode — subscribe now and become part of a global community that can’t get enough of Tudor drama. Explore more with Claire’s books, free resources, and live historical events at www.ClaireRidgway.com. Ready to travel back 500 years? Press play and let the adventure begin.
Episodes
Episodes



Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Things You Need to Stop Believing About Mary Boleyn
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Was Mary Boleyn really the "pretty" Boleyn sister? Did she have a long love affair with Henry VIII? In this video, we’re diving into 11 major misconceptions about Mary Boleyn’s life, from her rumoured relationships to the true nature of her family’s ambitions.
Get ready to uncover the real story behind the myths you’ve heard in books and movies. From mistaken identities to misunderstood motives, we’ll set the record straight on one of the Tudor era’s most mysterious figures.
#MaryBoleyn #TudorHistory #Mythbusting #TheOtherBoleynGirl #BoleynSisters #HistoryUncovered #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn



Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
10 Things You Should Stop Believing About Tudor People!
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Think you know the Tudors? Think again! From misconceptions about hygiene to false beliefs about their love lives and diets, this talk will completely change the way you see the Tudor era!
Were they as dirty and smelly as people say? Did they all get married super young? And what about those messy eating habits we've seen in movies? Get ready to bust some myths and learn what life was really like for the people of Tudor England!
You’ll be surprised by what’s true… and what’s not. Don’t miss out on these shocking truths! Watch now to uncover the real story behind the Tudors! #TudorHistory #MythBusting #TudorLife #HistoryFacts #TudorEngland #HistoryUnveiled



Friday Sep 13, 2024
Henry VIII’s ONLY Acknowledged Illegitimate Son
Friday Sep 13, 2024
Friday Sep 13, 2024
In this final part of my series on Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, I introduce you to the one son Henry VIII proudly acknowledged – Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset. Who was this boy the king doted on and elevated to the highest ranks of nobility? Could Fitzroy have been King Henry IX? 🏰👑
Join me as I unravel the story of the king's only recognized illegitimate son and explore the fascinating possibilities had he lived longer. What role could he have played in England's future? ⚔️ #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #HenryFitzroy #RoyalIntrigue #HistoricalMystery
Let me know what you think in the comments! 👇



Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
10 Things You Need to Stop Believing About Henry VIII
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Think you know everything about Henry VIII? 🤔 Think again! From the number of wives he had to whether he was a bed-hopping tyrant, there are so many myths surrounding this infamous Tudor king. 👑
In this video, I bust some of the biggest misconceptions about Henry VIII and reveal the truth behind the legend. Was he really a monster? Did he write "Greensleeves"? And what's the real story behind that "Flanders Mare" insult? 😲
Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew! 💥
#HenryVIII #TudorHistory #MythBusting #HistoryUncovered #TudorSecrets



Friday Sep 06, 2024
The King Who Never Was - A Glimpse into England’s Lost Monarch
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
What if history took a different turn? Join me as we dive into the life of Arthur Tudor, the Prince of Wales who was destined to be king, but whose untimely death altered the course of history. We'll explore his upbringing, his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and the intriguing "what-ifs" that could have changed England forever. Was he the king that never was, or the legend that could have been? 🤔✨
Discover the secrets of the Tudor dynasty and imagine a world where Arthur Tudor ruled! Don't miss this deep dive into history's greatest "what if"! 🔥
#TudorHistory #ArthurTudor #WhatIf #BritishMonarchy #AlternateHistory



Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
ANOTHER OF Henry VIII’s Secret Sons?
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
In this video, I continue my deep dive into Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, and today we explore the intriguing case of Richard Edwards – the renowned Tudor poet, playwright, and... possibly the king’s son. 😮
Could this talented artist really be the offspring of one of England’s most notorious monarchs? Is there solid evidence, or is this just another Tudor myth? Join me as I unravel the life of Richard Edwards and uncover the truth behind this fascinating theory!
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #Mystery #RichardEdwards #IllegitimateChild #TudorSecrets #HistoryUncovered



Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Henry VIII and Mary Boleyn’s Children – Was He Their Father?
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Could Henry VIII have fathered Mary Boleyn's children, Catherine and Henry Carey? 🤔 In this episode, I explore the facts and fiction surrounding their paternity. Mary was once the king’s mistress, but how much of what we've heard holds up to scrutiny? 📜💔
Join me as I delve into the mysteries of Tudor history, examining whether the Carey children were royal bastards or if it’s just another myth. The truth might surprise you!
#TudorHistory #HenryVIII #MaryBoleyn #HistoryUnveiled #RoyalSecrets #TudorIntrigue



Friday Aug 23, 2024
Claire’s Ultimate Book Challenge: Can She Name Them All?
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
In this revenge quiz, Tim has extracted the first paragraphs from Claire's Tudor history books and asks her to guess which book they come from! Maybe you can pick which book they are from the list here: On This Day in Tudor History I On This Day in Tudor History II Tudor Places of Great Britain The Anne Boleyn Collection The Anne Boleyn Collection II The Anne Boleyn Collection III Sweating Sickness in a Nutshell George Boleyn The Fall of Anne Boleyn The Tudor Puzzle Book The Tudor Puzzle Book II Two Gentlemen Poets at the Court of Henry VIII The Boleyns of Hever Castle Illustrated Kings and Queens of England

I'm historian Claire Ridgway
I'm the best-selling author of 13 history books and the founder of the TheAnneBoleynFiles.com, Elizabethfiles.com and The Tudor Society.
I help Tudor history lovers worldwide to gain access to experts and resources to discover the real stories behind myths and fiction, so that they grow in knowledge while connecting with like-minded people and indulging their passion for history.
I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. I was a contributor for the BBC docudrama The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family, and have been featured in BBC History Extra, USA Today, History of Royals Magazine, the Express, and Refinery 29, as well as on podcasts including Suzannah Lipscomb's Not Just the Tudors, Gareth Russell's Single Malt History, Natalie Grueninger's Talking Tudors, Hever Castle's Inside Hever, James Boulton's Queens of England, and many more.









