Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

William conquered England, but what about the women who helped shape his dynasty? Rebecca Larson welcomes historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore Matilda of Flanders and her daughters—their lives, influence, and the stories that too often get overshadowed by the men.
From the questionable tales of William and Matilda’s courtship to her role governing Normandy, we discover a queen whose authority extended well beyond her marriage. We also meet their daughters, especially Adela and Cecilia, whose lives open up a fascinating discussion about crusading, education, and the power women could exercise within a convent.
With plenty of laughter along the way, we consider how these women have been remembered—and why understanding their world means looking beyond our modern assumptions.
Sharon's book on the subject - Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly

What’s a superlative? It’s a playful way of asking who is most likely to do something—and the Tudor court gives us plenty of possibilities.
In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca return to the Tudors with questions about survival, rebellion, and what court life might look like in the modern world. Who could talk their way out of an execution? Who would become an influencer, run a secret group chat, or survive a zombie apocalypse?
Bring your own answers, because you’ll probably have a few opinions—and so do we.
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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

William the Conqueror’s reign was marked by both ruthless force and careful efforts to secure his rule. In this episode, we look at the Harrying of the North, the resistance that gathered at Ely around Hereward, and William’s attempts to bring England’s landholders and resources under royal control. The Hereward stories include some memorable episodes—though parts of his daring exploits come from later legend.
We also explore the Domesday survey and the Salisbury oath, then turn to William’s final days and the division of his lands among his sons: Normandy for Robert, England for William Rufus, and money for Henry. What kind of legacy did the Conqueror leave—and what tensions did his settlement create for the next generation?
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis

What was Elizabeth I really like—and how much of the queen we think we know was carefully created? Historian Dr. Carole Levin joins Rebecca Larson to explore Elizabeth’s strengths and shortcomings, her carefully managed public image, and the gap between historical fact and the stories later generations told about her.
They also discuss Elizabeth’s relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots, the ways historians recover women’s voices, and how magic and superstition shaped life in Renaissance England. From women’s power to the legends that grew around Elizabeth after her death, this conversation looks at the queen behind the image—and the many people whose stories history has left at the margins.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Carole Levin

We’re handing out medieval superlatives! Think of the titles in a school yearbook: a superlative singles someone out as the “most” or “best” in a particular category.
This time, we’re choosing people from medieval history, comparing our answers, and discussing the personalities, relationships, and reputations behind them. Some choices might seem obvious; others may surprise you. Listen along and see whether you agree—or have someone else in mind!
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If you like this podcast and want to either support it or join our growing community of history lovers, please head over to my Patreon page: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Co-Host: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy