Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Long before Richard III became one of England’s most controversial kings, he was a child shaped by exile, loss and political upheaval. In this first part on Richard, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis trace Richard’s life from his birth at Fotheringay Castle in 1452 through his first experiences of battle at Barnet and Tewkesbury in 1471.
They explore Richard’s childhood during the Wars of the Roses, the deaths of his father and brother, his exile in Burgundy, his years in the Earl of Warwick’s household and the origins of his unwavering loyalty to Edward IV. They also examine his scoliosis, his early conflict with Thomas Lord Stanley and the disputed allegation that he was involved in the death of Henry VI.
By the age of eighteen, Richard had already endured exile twice, witnessed his family’s dramatic rise and fall, made powerful enemies and proven himself on the battlefield. How did these turbulent early experiences shape the man—and future king—he would become?
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to examine whether Katherine Gordon truly believed her first husband, Perkin Warbeck, was Richard of Shrewsbury. Drawing upon her article published in The Ricardian, Sophie explores Katherine’s will and its intriguing reference to “my cousin Margaret Kyme.” While this phrase has been used as evidence that Katherine regarded Warbeck as a prince, Sophie reveals an alternative family connection through Katherine’s second husband, James Strangeways. Together, they reconsider one of the key arguments surrounding Katherine’s beliefs and enter the wider debate over Warbeck’s identity—with Sophie 99 percent certain that he was an impostor.
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Link to alleged love letter mentioned: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/rest.12864
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman

History isn't always something we're born loving - it often finds us in unexpected ways.
This week, Amy and I step away from our usual historical discussions to share our own stories. We talk about the moments, people, places, and books that sparked our passion for the past, how genealogy and historical fiction shaped our journeys, and why history became so much more than just a subject in school.
Along the way, we also discuss the realities of researching history, writing books, reviewing historical works with kindness, and the misconceptions people often have about what historians actually do.
If you've ever wondered how we ended up here - or what first inspired your own love of history - this episode is for you.
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Read about the Tudors and more on my website https://tudorsdynasty.com
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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson and Amy McElroy

Edward V’s reign lasted only a matter of weeks - but those weeks changed the course of English history. In this episode, Rebecca and historian Matthew Lewis trace the rapidly unfolding events of 1483, from Edward IV’s unexpected death and the conflict between the Woodvilles and Lord Hastings to the arrests at Northampton, the execution of Hastings, and the revelation that would see Edward V declared illegitimate. Was Richard of Gloucester following a plan to seize the throne, or responding to one crisis after another? By examining the chronology and questioning the reliability of the surviving sources, they reconsider how Richard III came to wear the crown.
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Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: http://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis

For centuries, Jane Seymour has been remembered as Henry VIII's quiet, obedient third wife -the queen who gave him his long-awaited son before dying tragically in childbirth. But was there far more to her story?
In this episode, I'm joined by historian Elizabeth Norton to discuss her new book, Jane Seymour: Patronage, Material Culture and Image Crafting. Drawing on years of archival research, Elizabeth reveals a Jane who was far more politically active and influential than her reputation suggests. We explore the myths that have shaped Jane's legacy, her role at court, the power she exercised through patronage and intercession, and what her household, possessions, and estates reveal about the woman behind the crown.
If you think you know Jane Seymour, this conversation may change your mind.
Order your copy of the book ⁠HERE
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Support the podcast over on Patreon and receive EARLY ACCESS, COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Norton