Tudors Dynasty - RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson

Latest Episodes:

How Faith Shaped the Tudor Throne Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back my longtime friend and the ever-insightful historian, Leanda de Lisle. Together, we explore how faith shaped the Tudor dynasty, from Henry VIII’s seismic religious upheaval to Elizabeth I’s reign and the unifying vision of James I.

Leanda's books

Website: https://www.leandadelisle.com/about/

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Leanda de Lisle

The Seymours Uncovered: Answering Your Questions! Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m diving into all things Seymour! I’ll explore the origins of the Seymour family, the history of their famous estate, Wolf Hall, and the powerful (and sometimes rocky) relationships they had with Queens Mary I and Elizabeth I. We’ll also take a closer look at Anne Stanhope, the formidable Duchess of Somerset, and her role in the family's legacy. And, of course, I’ll tackle one of the most scandalous rumors of all—did Edward Seymour’s first wife really have an affair with his father? Tune in as I answer listener questions and uncover the truth behind the Seymours’ rise, power, and intrigue in Tudor England!

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Read about the tragic love story between Thomas Seymour and Kateryn Parr HERE

Host: Rebecca Larson

Two Queens, Two Tragedies: Empress Sisi & Queen Min Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Explore the lives of Empress Sisi of Austria and Queen Min of Korea—two powerful women who defied tradition, navigated political intrigue, and fought for their nations' futures, only to meet tragic ends.

Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey

Understanding Tudor Rebellions Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Helene Harrison to discuss her book Elizabethan Rebellions. We explore how every major rebellion in Elizabeth I’s reign can be traced back to one pivotal moment—Mary, Queen of Scots fleeing to England. From the Northern Rebellion to the Babington Plot, we unravel how Mary’s presence became a catalyst for unrest and examine how these uprisings fit into the wider history of Tudor rebellions and plots. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the threats Elizabeth faced and how all the Tudors navigated an era of intrigue and resistance!

Elizabethan Rebellions by Helene Harrison

https://tudorblogger.com

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Helene Harrison

Unmasking Lady Jane Grey? The Mystery of the Wrest Park Portrait Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

**Join us for a LIVE chat on Sunday, March 23rd (10am CDT/11am EDT/3pm GMT) on Zoom using passcode: 878586

Recent news suggests that the Wrest Park portrait may depict none other than Lady Jane Grey. In today’s episode, I’m joined by art historian Melanie Taylor and historian and author Sylvia Barbara Soberton to explore the evidence. Who is the true sitter—Jane Grey or someone else? Let’s find out.

English Heritage article on the portrait

Sylvia's Book

Melanie's Website

Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guests: Melanie V. Taylor & Sylvia Barbara Soberton

Women in Art: Artemisia Gentileschi & Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

Artemisia Gentileschi and Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun were two trailblazing women who defied societal expectations to make their mark in the art world. Artemisia, a Baroque master, channeled personal struggle into her dramatic, emotionally charged works. At the same time, Élisabeth became one of the most sought-after portraitists of the 18th century, best known for her depictions of Marie-Antoinette. Though their styles and lives differed, both women carved paths in a male-dominated field, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire.

Artemisia Gentileschi

Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun

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Read about the Tudors and beyond: https://tudorsdynasty.com

Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey

Catherine of Braganza: Loyalty, Politics, and Heartbreak Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Catherine of Braganza, Charles II’s Portuguese queen, faced political turmoil, religious strife, and a scandalous court—yet her influence endured. In this episode, historian Susan Abernethy joins me to discuss her book on Catherine’s remarkable life, from royal duty to lasting legacy. Don’t miss this fascinating look at a queen who shaped England in unexpected ways!

Book: Charles II's Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza

Website: The Freelance History Writer

Would you prefer a commercial-free experience? Head over to Patreon!

Love to read about royal history? Head over to my website: https://tudorsdynasty.com

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Susan Abernethy

Women of the Spanish Monarchy Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

It's Women's History Month, and Dr. Emma joins me to explore the remarkable women of the Spanish monarchy. Get ready to dive into the stories of Katherine of Aragon (#KatherineofSpain), her mother, and her sisters.

Should we be calling her Katherine of Spain instead of Katherine of Aragon? Was she secretly a spy? And which of the Trastámara sisters left behind the most powerful legacy? Tune in for a fascinating discussion!

Who are YOUR Top 5 English/British Monarchs of all time?

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Read about the Tudors and beyond at https://tudorsdynasty.com

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Emma Cahill Marron

Pioneering Women: Ada Lovelace & Florence Nightingale Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Ada Lovelace and Florence Nightingale came from different worlds but shared a determination to defy expectations and change history. Ada, the visionary mathematician, laid the groundwork for modern computing, while Florence revolutionized healthcare and nursing. In this episode, we explore their groundbreaking achievements, the obstacles they overcame, and the lasting impact they left on technology and medicine. Tune in to discover how these remarkable women shaped the future!

Narrated by: Rebecca Larson

Researched by: Emily Airey

Henry VIII & the Plantagenet Poles Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Adam Pennington to the show to discuss his new book, Henry VII and the Plantagenet Poles. We dive into the fascinating story of Margaret Pole and her children, exploring the threat they posed to Henry VIII and his ruthless response. Our conversation also delves into Henry’s efforts to have Reginald Pole silenced. As direct descendants of George, Duke of Clarence—brother to Edward IV—the Poles carried royal blood, but their lineage seemed to come with a curse, as tragedy followed them through the generations.

BOOK: Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles

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Read about the Tudors and beyond at https://tudorsdynasty.com

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Adam Pennington