Welcome to a deep dive into the rich and complex history of England and the UK. My goal is to teach, inform, and spark curiosity in listeners from all walks of ...
The Tower of London—a fortress, a palace, and one of history’s most feared prisons. Few who entered ever left, but in 1597,Father John Gerard pulled off one of the mostdaring escapes in history.
A Jesuit priest imprisoned for his faith, Gerard enduredbrutal torture at the hands of Elizabeth I’s interrogators. But even as his hands were mangled and his body broken, Gerard plotted his way to freedom. With the help of an underground network, awell-placed bribe, and arope stretched across the Tower’s moat, Gerard risked everything in adeath-defying escape that left the authorities baffled.
How did he outwit the Tower’s guards? What drove Elizabethan England’sobsession with crushing Catholic priests? And how did Gerard make sure his allies inside the Towerdidn’t pay the price for his escape?
This is more than just a story of survival—it’s a masterclass in courage, strategy, and resilience.
🔔Follow @TheHistoryMike on Instagram, TikTok, and The Lion & The Rose onYouTube and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content and updates on the next episode in theGreat Escapes Series!
🎧 Subscribe toThe Lion & The Rose for more thrilling stories from English history.
--------
18:58
Ambition and Betrayal: The Downfall of Buckingham
🏰 "The Downfall of Buckingham" 🔪
Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, had everything: royal blood, immense wealth, and a grand vision for his legacy. But in the dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, ambition was a double-edged sword.
In this episode, we uncover Stafford’s rise from privilege to peril, his bold defiance of Tudor law, and the whispers that sealed his fate. Why did Henry VIII turn on his cousin? Was Stafford guilty of treason—or a victim of paranoia?
🎙️ Dive into the intrigue, ambition, and betrayal that led to one of the most dramatic executions of the Tudor era. This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration into the life and legacy of Edward Stafford—and the deadly game of power in Tudor England.
⚔️ Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper.
--------
14:53
Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The Short History of British Foods
🎙️ Episode Title: Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The History of British Foods 🥧🍻
Dive into the delicious history of British cuisine with The Lion and the Rose! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating stories behind the foods that shaped Britain, from the Tudor courts to your favorite local bakery. 👑✨
Here’s what’s on the menu:
🍖 The truth about Henry VIII’s dining habits (hint: no flying drumsticks!).
🍞 How bread laws and the “baker’s dozen” kept bakers in line.
🍗 Bone marrow custard pies and other extravagant Tudor dishes.
🔥 A visit to the Hampton Court Palace kitchens, the oldest working Tudor kitchens today.
🥐 A shoutout to Braised Pies, a local gem serving up modern takes on British classics.
🍺 Pub food evolution: from Tudor alehouses to fish and chips at your local.
Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or both, this episode has something for you!
🎧 Listen now and discover how British food evolved through the centuries, and don’t forget to follow us for more historical insights. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper!
--------
18:33
The Downfall Of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn: A name synonymous with ambition, intrigue, and tragedy. In this episode of The Lion and the Rose, we uncover the dramatic rise and fall of England's most infamous queen consort. From her love affair with Henry VIII to the scandalous accusations that led to her execution, we explore the political intrigue, personal struggles, and enduring legacy of a woman who changed history.
Join us as we delve into her story, her impact, and the lessons her life continues to teach us.
🎙️ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @Thehistorymike and on Facebook @TheLion&TheRose for behind-the-scenes content and updates.
--------
18:04
Music In The Chaos
🎶 Music in the Chaos: Power, Scandal, and Song in Henry VIII’s Court 🎶
Tudor England: a realm of power plays, scandal, and the constant march of ambition. But beneath the chaos of court intrigue and political betrayal, there was another story—a story of music.
In this episode of The Lion & The Rose, we journey into the heart of Henry VIII’s court to explore the lives of the composers and musicians who defined the Tudor soundscape. Thomas Tallis, the master of divine polyphony. Mark Smeaton, a gifted courtier whose music—and rumored indiscretions—landed him on the scaffold. William Cornysh, a poet-composer at the center of it all. And yes, even Henry himself, whose royal compositions reveal another side to England’s most infamous king.
This is history with a heartbeat. A tale of soaring melodies, deadly ambition, and a court where even music wasn’t safe from scandal. 🎵
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Lion & The Rose on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper! 🦁🌹
Welcome to a deep dive into the rich and complex history of England and the UK. My goal is to teach, inform, and spark curiosity in listeners from all walks of life, whether you’re a seasoned historian or someone just starting to explore the past. Through detailed storytelling, insightful analysis, and captivating narratives, each episode will transport you to pivotal moments in history—from the rise and fall of powerful monarchs to the political intrigues and battles that shaped a nation. If you have a passion for history or simply want to learn Listen to these amazing stories!
UK