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 ...
🔥 NEW EPISODE – "The Spies Are Coming: Francis Walsingham & The Tudor Shadow War" 🔥
He wasn’t just a spymaster—he was England’s deadliest weapon. Francis Walsingham built a network of spies that exposed traitors, thwarted assassins, and stopped invasions before they began. From uncovering the Babington Plot that sealed Mary, Queen of Scots' fate, to misleading the Spanish Armada, Walsingham’s intelligence web kept Elizabeth I’s enemies one step behind—until the day he was gone.
But who really was the man behind the shadows? How did he intercept secret letters, crack coded messages, and manipulate foreign courts? And why did the man who saved England die broke and forgotten?
In this episode of The Lion & The Rose, we dive into the life and legacy of Tudor England’s spymaster-in-chief—and the deadly game of shadows he played.
🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your history fix!
🔗 Support the podcast on Patreon & unlock exclusive content: [The Lion & The Rose]
📖 Join the discussion on Sunstack & get bonus history insights: [The Lion & The Rose]
--------
18:59
The Great Pretender
🎭 Was he England’s lost prince or the greatest con artist of the Tudor era?
In this episode of The Lion & The Rose, we unravel the unbelievable story of Perkin Warbeck—a Flemish merchant’s son who convinced kings, nobles, and even entire armies that he was Richard of York, the missing Prince in the Tower.
Backed by Margaret of York, the Duchess of Burgundy, and supported by France, Scotland, and the Holy Roman Empire, Warbeck was treated like a true king. He led invasions, raised armies, and was even proclaimed King Richard IV.
But then… it all came crashing down.
Join me as we break down:
⚔️ Warbeck’s mysterious origins—was he really a fraud?
⚔️ How he nearly took down Henry VII’s Tudor dynasty
⚔️ The failed invasions that led to his ultimate downfall
⚔️ The role of Margaret of York in shaping his royal lie
⚔️ And the final twist—did Warbeck actually believe his own deception?
Was he a master conman, a Yorkist puppet, or did he truly believe he was Richard of York?
--------
0:05
The Great Escapes
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!
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