Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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

Margaret of Austria’s life took her from the Burgundian court to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Along the way, she faced a broken betrothal, two marriages, and the demands of a powerful family. She also became one of the most capable political figures of her time.
In this episode of Dr. Emma and Me, Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón joins me again to follow Margaret’s travels and explore how the places she lived shaped her. We talk about her role in raising the future Charles V, her negotiations with Louise of Savoy, and the remarkable church and tomb she commissioned at Brou.
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Where did Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life take her, and what can those places tell us about her? Join me and Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marrón for Traveling with Eleanor of Aquitaine, a five-part course following her journey across medieval Europe. Click the link for course details and registration! https://travelwitheleanor.eventbrite.com
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Join my growing community of history lovers over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--
Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón.

Hans Holbein painted some of the most familiar faces of the Tudor court. But what did he think of the people sitting for him—and could a portrait reveal more than its subject intended?
I’m joined by bestselling author Wendy Holden to discuss The Queen’s Painter, her historical novel that places Holbein at the center of a plot to avenge Anne Boleyn. We talk about his imagined alliance with Thomas Wyatt, Henry VIII’s search for a fourth wife, and the portraits of Christina of Denmark and Anne of Cleves that helped inspire the story. Wendy also shares her intriguing interpretation of The Ambassadors and explains why she wanted to look beyond Holbein’s genius to the man who had to make his way through a dangerous court.
After this conversation, you may find yourself looking at those familiar Tudor portraits a little differently.
A free article I wrote about it: https://bit.ly/4z3bk2t
https://www.wendyholden.net/
Buy The Queen's Painter on Blackwells (free shipping)
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Wendy Holden