Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Joan of Arc was remembered by some as a servant of God and condemned by others as an agent of the Devil. But what did those accusations mean in her own time—and why did her visions, her mission, and the choices she made become grounds for a trial?
I’m joined by Mike Jones to explore Joan’s life, the witchcraft accusations brought against her, and the world of religious belief and political conflict that shaped her story. We’ll also talk about Gilles de Rais, whom Mike describes as one of Joan’s “besties.” A fellow French commander who served alongside her, Gilles was later tried and executed for the murder of children and accused of invoking demons. Could he also have been a Satanist? And how has his later infamy shaped the way Joan’s story is told?
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Marina Warner's Book on Joan of Arc: Joan of Arc: The Image of Female Heroism
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Michael Jones

Rosemary Griggs joins me to talk about her book Queen Elizabeth I’s Governess: The Real Kat Ashley and the woman behind the familiar stories.
Kat Ashley is often remembered for her role in the events surrounding Thomas Seymour. But that was only a small part of a much longer life. We talk about Kat’s family connections, her place in Elizabeth’s household, and the influence she may have had on the young princess’s education. We also revisit the testimony about Thomas Seymour and ask how much of Kat’s reputation has been shaped by the way those events were later told.
From her years in Elizabeth’s service to her political influence at court, Kat’s story is far more complicated than the image of a foolish gossip. Join us as we take another look at a woman who helped shape Elizabeth’s life and remained close to her for decades.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Rosemary Griggs

Amy is back with another round of Would You Rather - and this time, every choice pits the medieval world against the Tudor one. Would you rather witness Elizabeth I at Tilbury or Joan of Arc entering Orléans? Serve Jaquetta Woodville or Frances Brandon? And, when the time comes, fight for Henry Tudor or Richard III at Bosworth?
Join us for plenty of history, tough choices, and a lot of laughing as Amy puts Rebecca on the spot. Play along and tell us what you would choose!
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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

The Medieval Queens series begins with Isabella of Angoulême, remembered by many as the young bride of King John. But her story reaches far beyond her first marriage.
Dr. Gabby Storey joins me to explore Isabella’s life as queen, mother, political player, and Countess of Angoulême. We look at the choices that shaped her marriages, her role in securing her son Henry III’s position, and the years she spent building power in her own right. We also ask how much of Isabella’s reputation comes from the evidence—and how much comes from the hostile accounts of the men who wrote about her.
Join us as we look past the familiar labels and meet a medieval queen whose story is far richer than the footnotes suggest.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Gabby Storey

For centuries, Kateryn Parr and Anne Stanhope, Duchess of Somerset, have been portrayed as bitter rivals, caught in a dispute over royal jewels, status, and power. But was their relationship really as hostile as history would have us believe?
In this episode, Rebecca Larson welcomes back historian and author Rebecca Batley to explore the controversy surrounding Kateryn Parr's jewels following Henry VIII's death. Together, they examine the surviving evidence, question long-standing assumptions, and reconsider the roles played by the powerful Seymour family.
Was this truly a feud between two Tudor women, or has history been telling us the wrong story?
Rebecca's books on Blackwell's
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If you enjoy the podcast please consider supporting me by becoming one of my patrons on Patreon. As a patron you get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Rebecca Batley