Trashy Royals - Hemlock Creatives

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210. The Stormin' Normans | Matilda and Stephen Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

After the unfortunate incident with the boating accident that killed Heir Presumptive William in 1120, King Henry I had a choice to make when it came to succession planning. While he had nephews through his sister and illegitimate children (galore), it was his daughter Matilda, Holy Roman Empress since her arranged marriage at the age of eight, that he tapped to take the throne when he shuffled off his mortal coil. There was a big gathering of nobles to mark the occasion, and in the presence of Henry and Matilda, they all swore fealty to their future lady king, presumably with their fingers crossed behind their backs.

Life went on for everyone for a few years yet. Matilda was re-married to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and had a couple of babies, and it was in Anjou that she learned in December of 1135 that her father the king was dead. Long live the lady king!

But not really. Matilda’s cousin Stephen acted with swiftness on the news of his uncle’s death and, despite having sworn fealty to Matilda in the presence of said uncle back in 1127, got himself crowned King of England, with the support of all those nobles who had also sworn fealty to Matilda back in 1127! And this is how the First Cousins’ War – better known as the Anarchy – began!

As you may know, there is no Queen Matilda in England’s royal history, but after a protracted and draining conflict, Stephen agreed to pass the crown to Matilda’s eldest son, Henry Plantagenet, launching a dynasty that would hold the English throne for centuries.

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209. The Stormin’ Normans | William the Conqueror, William II, and Henry I Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

Today we travel back nearly a millennia to investigate the House of Normandy, the beginning of the line of non-English Kings. William the Conqueror was the first Norman (French) king of England defeating King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

What follows is the wild ride of William, his wife Matilda of Flanders and their three sons, Robert, William Rufus and Henry. This is a true battle of brothers, with twists no one saw coming that will have repercussions for the rest of time. Also playing an enormous role in this saga, the wife and queen of Henry I, Matilda of Scotland.

Sponsors

Upgrade your every day! Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/TRASHYROYALS. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and UK, too!

Listen ad-free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠.

To advertise on this podcast, reach out to ⁠⁠⁠⁠info@amplitudemediapartners.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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208. Put Up Your Dukes | Dukes and Duchesses Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

A few weeks ago, we ranked the royals in the UK system. Today, Alicia takes us into the peerage to talk their top of the heap, Dukes and Duchesses.