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Step back into a world of intrigue, passion, and ruthless ambition — welcome to Tudor England. Join historian and bestselling author Claire Ridgway as she uncovers the riveting stories of the Tudor dynasty. From the scandalous love affairs of King Henry VIII to the tragic fall of Anne Boleyn, the fierce reign of Elizabeth I, and the lesser-known secrets of Tudor court life, this podcast brings history to life in vivid detail. Hear dramatic tales of betrayal, execution, forbidden love, and political manoeuvring that shaped England forever. Discover daily Tudor history with fascinating “On This Day” episodes — unique insights you won’t find in typical history books. Get behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s own research trips to historic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, and more. Enjoy interviews with top historians and experts in Tudor studies, plus lively Q&A sessions tackling listeners’ burning Tudor questions. 🖋 Who is Claire Ridgway? Claire is the author of the bestselling On This Day in Tudor History series and numerous other Tudor books loved by readers around the world. She founded The Tudor Society, connecting enthusiasts with experts through live online events, and runs the hugely popular history websites The Anne Boleyn Files and www.ClaireRidgway.com. Her mission: to uncover the human stories behind the crown — the hopes, fears, and triumphs of not only kings and queens but also the courtiers, rebels, and ordinary people who lived under the Tudor rose. What can you expect? - Gripping accounts of famous events like the Field of Cloth of Gold, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the Babington Plot. - Intimate portraits of Tudor figures: Anne Boleyn’s charm and downfall, Thomas Cromwell’s rise and brutal fall, Elizabeth I’s cunning survival. - Dark mysteries and unsolved deaths — who really killed Amy Robsart? Was Katherine Howard truly guilty? - Special episodes on Tudor fashion, food, medicine, and the day-to-day lives of Tudor men and women. Join thousands of Tudor fans worldwide Never miss an episode — subscribe now and become part of a global community that can’t get enough of Tudor drama. Explore more with Claire’s books, free resources, and live historical events at www.ClaireRidgway.com. Ready to travel back 500 years? Press play and let the adventure begin.

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Check latest episodes from Tudor History with Claire Ridgway podcast

Did Anne Boleyn really marry Henry VIII twice?

2026/04/23

In this episode of my Anne Boleyn series, we explore one of the most fascinating and controversial moments in Tudor history, the possibility of a secret marriage in November 1532, followed by a formal wedding in January 1533, all before the king’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon had been officially annulled. After years of frustration during the Great Matter, Henry stopped waiting for Rome and began acting on what he believed to be the truth: that his first marriage was invalid in the eyes of God. But why the urgency? What changed after the Calais meeting with Francis I of France? And how did these secret decisions lead to one of the most spectacular coronations England had ever seen? In this video, we examine: The evidence for a possible November 1532 marriage The well-attested January 1533 wedding at Whitehall Anne Boleyn’s pregnancy and the question of legitimacy The final resolution of the Great Matter under Thomas Cranmer The pageantry, symbolism, and political messaging of Anne’s coronation After years of struggle, delay, and risk, Anne Boleyn was finally queen. Read more on this topic: https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/14-november-1532-first-secret-marriage/ https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/25-january-1533-marriage-of-henry-viii-and-anne-boleyn/ Watch the full Anne Boleyn series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrK-zOYsEHo618JwNPMyOK6M #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #BritishHistory #HistoryDocumentary #HistoryYouTube #RoyalHistory #TheTudors #ElizabethI #HistoryLovers

Henry VIII’s Most Powerful Courtier? His Toilet Attendant

2026/04/17

What if one of the most powerful men in Tudor England was responsible for helping the king go to the toilet? It sounds like the lowest of the low, but the Groom of the Stool was anything but a menial servant. In fact, this role placed a man at the very heart of royal power. In this video, I explore the surprisingly influential position of the Groom of the Stool under Henry VIII. From managing the king’s private chambers and personal belongings to controlling the privy purse and overseeing daily finances, this role was built on trust, access, and intimacy. And in the Tudor court, access to the monarch meant influence. Men like William Compton and Henry Norris held this office, men who weren’t just attendants, but key figures in the political world surrounding the king. I also look at how queens such as Mary I of England and Elizabeth I relied on their own trusted attendants for similarly intimate roles. #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #RoyalHistory #HistoryExplained #BritishHistory #AnneBoleyn #HistoryFacts #Tudors #HistoryChannel #OnThisDay

Henry VIII Used the Bible to Justify His Annulment… But Was He Wrong?

2026/04/12

Did Henry VIII really have a biblical reason to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon… or was he interpreting scripture to suit his own desires? In this video, we explore the religious argument at the heart of the King’s Great Matter: Henry VIII’s claim that his marriage was against God’s law. Using Leviticus 20:21, Henry argued that marrying his brother’s widow brought divine punishment. But there’s a problem: his marriage wasn’t childless, and his queen strongly denied ever being truly his brother’s wife. We’ll also examine the apparent contradiction in Deuteronomy 25:5, which seems to command the very marriage Henry claimed was sinful. So were these verses truly in conflict? Did Leviticus really take precedence? Or was this a matter of interpretation and power? We’ll also explore the role of canon law, papal authority, and the irony of Henry later marrying Anne Boleyn after a relationship with her sister. This isn’t just a theological debate. It’s the moment a personal crisis became a religious revolution. Watch my full episode: The Six-Year Wait: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the Great Matter (1527–1533) https://youtu.be/rVVoxkGSz0o If you enjoy Tudor history, don’t forget to subscribe - I’m working towards 100,000 subscribers this year! #HenryVIII #AnneBoleyn #CatherineOfAragon #GreatMatter #TudorHistory #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #HistoryYouTube #Reformation #RoyalHistory #HistoryNerd #HistoryChannel #LearnHistory

The Six-Year Wait: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and the Great Matter (1527–1533)

2026/04/07

Anne Boleyn said yes to Henry VIII in 1527, but she didn’t become his queen until 1533. Why did it take six years? In this video, I explore the dramatic and complex story of Henry VIII’s “Great Matter” - his attempt to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so that he could marry Anne Boleyn. What began as a question of conscience soon spiralled into an international crisis involving the Pope, Emperor Charles V, and the balance of power in Europe. We’ll look at: Henry VIII’s biblical arguments Catherine of Aragon’s powerful resistance The Legatine Court at Blackfriars and its dramatic collapse The downfall of Cardinal Wolsey The influence of reformist ideas and Anne Boleyn’s role in shaping them The shift from papal authority to royal supremacy Anne’s rise in status, including her creation as Marquess of Pembroke The 1532 Calais meeting with Francis I And the intriguing possibility of a secret marriage before 1533 This wasn’t just a royal annulment; it was the beginning of a chain of events that would lead to England breaking with Rome and change the course of English history forever. And Anne Boleyn? She wasn’t simply waiting in the wings. This video explores how she was far more involved, informed, and influential than many people realise. What do you think: Was Henry driven by genuine religious conviction, or by his desire to marry Anne Boleyn? This is part of my Anne Boleyn series, which you can watch at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrK-zOYsEHo618JwNPMyOK6M #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #GreatMatter #TudorHistory #CatherineOfAragon #EnglishReformation #BritishHistory #HistoryYouTube #HistoryExplained #Tudors

From Empty Tomb to Easter Feast: Easter Sunday in Tudor Times

2026/04/04

Easter Sunday marks one of the most important moments in Christian history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this video, I explore the events of that first Easter morning through the Gospel of John, including Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and her powerful encounter with the risen Christ. I also share a passage from William Tyndale's Bible, a version of the New Testament that brought these words to English readers in the 16th century. But how was Easter Sunday celebrated in Tudor England? From darkened churches being filled with light again, to the opening of the Easter sepulchre and joyful feasting after Lent, this video looks at both the spiritual meaning of Easter and the traditions that surrounded it. We also explore the symbolism that continues today, from roast lamb to Easter eggs, all reflecting themes of resurrection, renewal, and hope. Do you celebrate Easter? I’d love to hear your traditions in the comments. #EasterSunday #EasterHistory #ChristianHistory #TudorHistory #Resurrection #OnThisDay #BibleHistory #EasterTraditions

The Dark Side of Elizabeth I’s Golden Age (What They Don’t Tell You)

2026/04/03

Elizabeth I’s reign is often remembered as a Golden Age, a time of stability, cultural flourishing, and triumph over the Spanish Armada. But was it really golden for everyone? In this video, I go beyond the myth to explore the realities beneath the surface of Elizabeth I’s England, because while this period brought opportunity and power for some, for others it was marked by poverty, conflict, and fear. We’ll look at: The growing gap between rich and poor Rising inflation, poor harvests, and economic hardship The devastating impact of war in Ireland England’s early involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, including the voyages of John Hawkins The increasing danger faced by Catholics after Elizabeth’s excommunication This is not about dismissing Elizabeth’s achievements, but about understanding the full picture of her reign. Watch next: My video on Elizabeth's Golden Age and why she's seen by many as England's greatest monarch - https://youtu.be/0rEsyt_7PHE Let me know in the comments: Do you think Elizabeth’s reign deserves to be called a Golden Age? #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Tudors #GoldenAge #HistoryMatters #WomensHistory #EarlyModernHistory

Good Friday in Tudor England: Ritual, Power, and the Reformation

2026/04/02

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment at the heart of the Christian faith, remembered as the ultimate act of sacrifice and redemption. But how was Good Friday marked in Tudor England? In this video, I explore both the meaning of Good Friday and the powerful, physical rituals that shaped its observance in medieval and Tudor times. From the biblical account of Christ’s trial before Pontius Pilate and crucifixion at Calvary, to the dramatic church practices of the period, including the Easter Sepulchre and the deeply symbolic ceremony of “creeping to the cross”. By the reign of Henry VIII, even the monarch took part in these rituals, approaching the cross on his knees in an act of humility. But the Reformation brought change and controversy. Under Edward VI, such practices were abolished, only to be restored with intensity under Mary I of England, whose Good Friday ceremonies also included the blessing of cramp rings and the royal healing touch. With the reign of Elizabeth I, these traditions were once again swept away, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of the Tudor period. This is a glimpse into a world where faith was not just believed, it was expressed physically, emotionally, and publicly, by both ordinary people and monarchs. How is Good Friday marked where you are? Let me know in the comments. #TudorHistory #GoodFriday #HenryVIII #MaryTudor #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Reformation #Easter #OnThisDay

From Henry VIII to Today: The History of Maundy Thursday

2026/04/02

Maundy Thursday is often overlooked today, but in Tudor England it was marked with powerful and symbolic royal rituals. In this video, I explore the meaning of Maundy Thursday - from the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet, to the development of royal Maundy ceremonies in medieval and Tudor England. By the reign of Henry VIII, the monarch would wash the feet of poor people and give alms, with the number of recipients reflecting the monarch’s age. We also have a fascinating eyewitness account from the reign of Mary I of England, showing just how personal and devotional this ceremony could be, with the queen washing, drying, and even kissing the feet of poor women before giving them gifts. Although the foot-washing ritual eventually ended, the tradition of Maundy money continues today. Charles III still distributes Maundy coins each year in recognition of service to the community. This is a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of Tudor life, one that combines faith, monarchy, and charity. Do you mark Maundy Thursday in your community? Let me know in the comments.

Why Is Elizabeth I Remembered as England’s Greatest Monarch?

2026/03/30

Elizabeth I is often remembered as England’s greatest monarch, but why? Her reign lasted over 44 years and saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the rise of Shakespeare and the arts, and the emergence of England as a global power. It’s often described as a Golden Age, but how did Elizabeth achieve all of this? In this beginner’s guide to Elizabeth I’s reign, I explore how a woman who began life as the daughter of an executed “traitor”, declared illegitimate and even imprisoned in the Tower of London, rose to become one of England’s most iconic rulers. We’ll look at: How Elizabeth secured her power as a female monarch Why she refused to marry and called herself “married to her kingdom” Her religious settlement and attempts to heal a divided nation Her diplomatic strategy and how she avoided major wars The flourishing of culture during the Elizabethan Golden Age And the dramatic defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 In the next part, we’ll explore the darker side of Elizabeth’s reign - poverty, conflict, and religious persecution - and ask whether it really was a Golden Age for everyone. If you enjoy Tudor history, do subscribe (please!) and join me for more deep dives into the Tudor world. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #ElizabethanEra #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Tudors #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #SpanishArmada #GoldenAge #HistoryYouTube #LearnHistory

The Manosphere vs Tudor England: Have We Heard This Before?

2026/03/24

I recently watched Louis Theroux' documentary "Inside the Manosphere", in which he interviewed several members of the online Manosphere, a community of influencers promoting controversial views of women. And I couldn’t stop thinking about Tudor England, because as I listened to these modern influencers, their ideas about women - what they expect, how they judge, and how they define women’s roles - felt strangely familiar. It connected directly with something I’ve been exploring recently: how women like Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth Woodville have been labelled as the seductress and the witch, and how history is full of women branded as she-wolves, unnatural, or dangerous. In this video, I explore: How Manosphere views on women compare to attitudes in the medieval and Tudor periods The historical roots of double standards around sex, power, and control Whether these modern ideas are echoes of the past, or something even more extreme And I ask: Are these attitudes really new, or have we heard them all before? And why are some voices trying to turn back the clock? A big thank you to my Privy Council channel members for their insights during our recent Zoom discussion, some of which helped shape this video. Sources: Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere, Netflix Adultery in the Middle Ages by Jo Geisen - https://sites.up.edu/earlybritishsurvey/adultery-in-the-middle-ages/ Women in Early Modern England by Sara Mendelson and Patricia Crawford

The Myth of the Seductress and the Witch: Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth Woodville

2026/03/17

For centuries, two queens have carried damaging reputations. Anne Boleyn has often been portrayed as the ambitious seductress who trapped King Henry VIII, while Elizabeth Woodville has been accused of using witchcraft to ensnare Edward IV. But how much truth is there in these stories? In this podcast, I explore how both women have been vilified in remarkably similar ways, and consider how the myths about seductive queens and magical manipulation developed, and why they continue to shape how we see powerful women in history. They're not the only queens to have suffered in this way! Join me as we look beyond the myths to the far more complex reality behind two of England’s most famous queens. #AnneBoleyn #ElizabethWoodville #TudorHistory #WomenInHistory #HistoryMyths #MedievalHistory #BritishHistory #WarsoftheRoses

Did Anne Boleyn Seduce Henry VIII? The Truth About His Obsession

2026/03/11

For centuries, Anne Boleyn has been portrayed as the great seductress of Tudor history, the ambitious woman who bewitched Henry VIII and destroyed his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. But when we examine the evidence, the surviving sources tell a very different story. Henry VIII’s own love letters reveal that he pursued Anne relentlessly, writing to her repeatedly and even worrying that she did not return his affection. Anne refused to become the king’s mistress and, at times, even withdrew from court to avoid him. In this video, I explore what we actually know about Henry VIII’s pursuit of Anne Boleyn: • When the courtship may have begun • The famous love letters Henry wrote to Anne • The gift that may have signalled Anne’s acceptance • The terrifying sweating sickness outbreak of 1528 • And the myth that Anne Boleyn deliberately seduced the king This relationship would ultimately lead to the king’s Great Matter, the break with Rome, and the English Reformation, transforming the course of English history. #anneboleyn #henryviii #tudorhistory #tudors #englishhistory #britishhistory #history #historyyoutube #reformation #historydocumentary

The Scandal That Nearly Destroyed Young Elizabeth I

2026/03/06

Before Elizabeth I became one of England’s greatest monarchs, she faced a scandal that could have destroyed her reputation , and possibly her future. In 1547, after the death of Henry VIII, the young Princess Elizabeth went to live with her stepmother, the dowager queen Catherine Parr. Catherine had secretly married Thomas Seymour, the ambitious uncle of the new king, Edward VI. What followed became one of the most troubling and controversial episodes of Elizabeth’s youth. According to sworn testimony later given to the government, Thomas Seymour repeatedly entered the teenage princess’s chamber early in the morning and behaved in ways that alarmed members of the household. Rumours spread, servants were questioned, and eventually the government became involved. When Seymour was arrested for treason in 1549, Elizabeth herself was interrogated. In this video, we explore the evidence, the testimonies, and the political crisis surrounding the Thomas Seymour scandal, and examine how this early experience may have shaped Elizabeth’s famous caution and determination to control her own life. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #ThomasSeymour #EdwardVI #TudorScandal #HistoryExplained

Elizabeth I Before the Crown: From Princess to Prisoner

2026/03/02

Queen Elizabeth I is remembered as Gloriana, England’s Virgin Queen and ruler of a golden age. But before the crown came danger. Born the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth went from celebrated princess to declared illegitimate, from royal heir to political suspect. Under her half-sister Mary I, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London, interrogated for treason, and at one point believed she would not survive the night. This video explores Elizabeth’s extraordinary journey before her accession in 1558 - her upbringing, education, political dangers, imprisonment, and the lessons that shaped one of England’s greatest monarchs. #ElizabethI #TudorHistory #BritishHistory #MaryI #AnneBoleyn #HenryVIII #HistoryDocumentary #EnglishHistory #WomenInHistory

History Got This Wrong: Anne Boleyn Was Never “Too Low” for Henry Percy

2026/02/23

Was Anne Boleyn really too socially inferior to marry Henry Percy, heir to the powerful Earldom of Northumberland? For centuries, Anne Boleyn has been portrayed as an ambitious social climber, a woman of comparatively humble origins who dared to reach beyond her station. According to popular tradition, her relationship with Henry Percy was doomed because she was simply too low. But the historical evidence tells a very different story. In this video, I examine the truth behind one of the most persistent myths in Tudor history and reveal why Anne Boleyn was not an outsider at court, but a woman firmly embedded within England’s elite aristocratic networks. Discover: • Anne Boleyn’s powerful Howard and Butler ancestry • The overlooked importance of the Ormond inheritance • Why Anne arrived at court as a prospective countess • How Tudor society actually viewed rank, lineage, and marriage • Why Henry Percy’s proposed marriage was politically dangerous, not socially impossible • How post-1536 propaganda reshaped Anne Boleyn’s reputation Far from being a middle-class newcomer, Anne Boleyn was the granddaughter of the Duke of Norfolk and connected to one of the most influential noble dynasties in Ireland. At the very moment Percy considered marriage, royal policy itself was preparing her for an aristocratic match. So why has history continued to describe her as “too low”? #AnneBoleyn #TudorHistory #HenryPercy #HenryVIII #Tudors #BritishHistory #RoyalHistory #HistoryDebunked #TudorCourt #WomenInHistory #EnglishHistory #HistoryDocumentary

Podcast reviews

Read Tudor History with Claire Ridgway podcast reviews

4.7 out of 5

71 reviews

★★★★★

Whitemamba6301 2025/02/20

Claire is the best historian

I am a fan of Claire Ridgway. She was one of the first historians I listened to and enjoyed . It’s how I was introduced to Gareth Russel, for one.!Th...

★★★★★

kissedbyfire 2021/06/23

Superlative

There are lots of amazing Tudor historians and podcasters out there, but I’ve never found anyone who approaches the topic with Claire’s particular ble...

★★★★★

WarriorsKitty10 2020/09/14

Really fantastic

Thank you, Claire, for all of your hard work at getting history right. You, Heather Teysko, Dr. Kat, oh who am I kidding? All the Tudor podcasts are m...

★★★★★

galendjuna 2020/05/01

Fantastic!

I love starting my day with this podcast every morning. It’s just what I needed after finishing The Mirror and the Light and not wanting to leave the ...

★★★★★

julyandavis 2019/11/20

Excellent

Just what I’ve been looking for- was delighted to find a podcast by this enthused historian! Thank you!

★★★★★

Petricat 2019/07/05

Great history, great myth busting from a passionate historiab

If you are not acquainted with Claire Ridgway and her The Anne Boleyn Files website you are missing out. Claire has been dedicated to finding the tru...

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