Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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  The Spanish Travels of Katherine of Aragon 17.09.2026 1時間 5分

  Long before Katherine of Aragon sailed for England, she had already traveled across kingdoms, witnessed conquest, encountered new cultures, and experienced life at the heart of an itinerant royal court.In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Dr. Emma to retrace Katherine’s formative journeys through Spain—from her birth in Alcalá de Henares to Granada, Barcelona, Medina del Campo, Laredo, and finally La Coruña, where she departed for England in 1501.Together, they challenge the familiar image of Katherine as an isolated princess and reveal a very different childhood: one spent on the road as a “nomad princess,” surrounded by royal ceremony, political negotiation, and the practical administration of her parents’ expanding monarchy. Katherine witnessed the surrender of Granada, experienced the extraordinary surroundings of the Alhambra, and was present in Barcelona when Christopher Columbus returned with reports and objects from across the Atlantic.The conversation also explores Katherine’s surprising connections to the Americas and considers how the architecture and decorative traditions she encountered in Spain may later have influenced Tudor England.Before she became Henry VIII’s queen, Katherine of Aragon had already been shaped by a childhood of movement, spectacle, cultural exchange, and political power.--💛 Love the show? Join me on Patreon for early, commercial-free episodes, exclusive history content, and more—all while helping Tudors Dynasty & Beyond continue to grow.Join the court: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marron
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  Dressed to Rule: How Elizabeth I Fashioned Power 15.09.2026 53分

  Queen Elizabeth I understood that clothing was never simply decorative—it was a powerful political tool. In this episode, Rebecca Larson speaks with Sylvia Barbara Soberton, author of Dressed to Impress: Queen Elizabeth I and the Art of Fashioning Power, about how Elizabeth used gowns, jewelry, color, and carefully constructed imagery to communicate legitimacy, authority, purity, and royal magnificence.They explore Elizabeth’s evolving style, from the restrained clothing of her youth to the spectacular wardrobe of the Virgin Queen. Sylvia also challenges some of the most persistent myths surrounding Elizabeth I, including claims that she covered her face with toxic white lead makeup and wore a steel breastplate during her famous speech at Tilbury.The conversation also examines Elizabeth’s relationships with Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, and Catherine Howard; the possible meaning of the Chequers Ring; Tudor sumptuary laws; the symbolism of the Rainbow Portrait; and what happened to Elizabeth’s enormous wardrobe after her death.Discover how Elizabeth I fashioned not only her appearance but one of the most recognizable royal identities in history.You can also find Sylvia on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/cw/SylviaBSo/postsFind book on Amazon--Join me and other history fans over on MY Patreon page, not only with you get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, but you'll also receive EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, and EARLY ACCESS! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton
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  The Yorkist Who Survived Henry VIII 13.09.2026 52分

  Rebecca and Amy explore the remarkable life of Reginald Pole—a Yorkist survivor who went from Henry VIII’s favored scholar to one of the king’s most outspoken opponents. They discuss Pole’s education in Oxford and Padua, his rejection of the royal supremacy, and the devastating consequences his resistance had for the family he left behind in England.After years of exile, Pole returned under Mary I as her trusted confidant and the last Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury. His extraordinary story came to an end on November 17, 1558—just hours after Mary’s own death.--Join the conversation over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty and you'll also get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes over there! Join us!--Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
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  England's Version of Dance of the Dragon 10.09.2026 1時間 11分

  What does House of the Dragon have in common with some of the bloodiest succession struggles in medieval history?Historian Matt Lewis joins Rebecca Larson to explore the real history woven into the world of Westeros—from Empress Matilda’s battle for the English throne during the Anarchy to the rivalries and shifting loyalties of the Wars of the Roses. They discuss female succession, disputed heirs, illegitimacy, sibling rivalry, propaganda, and the importance of controlling the capital.They also examine dragons as symbols of royal authority, the uneasy relationship between church and state, and the devastating human cost when the quarrels of powerful families spill into the streets. Westeros may be fictional, but its politics are unmistakably medieval.--Join our group of history lovers over on Patreon! Over there you will also receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matthew Lewis
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  Anne of Cleves: What the Sources Really Say 08.09.2026 54分

  Was the marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves truly doomed from the beginning - or has hindsight distorted the story? Dr. Valerie Schutte joins me to challenge the familiar narrative of Henry’s immediate disgust and Anne’s disastrous failure as queen. We examine what the sources reveal when read chronologically, from their first meeting at Rochester and the couple’s communication difficulties to the questionable testimony used to secure their annulment. We also explore Anne’s religious identity, her status as the king’s “beloved sister,” and the remarkable relationship she maintained with Henry and his children long after the marriage ended.⁠Buy - Anne of Cleves: The Historical and Cultural Legacy of a Queen--Join our history community over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Valerie Schutte
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  Would You Rather? Medieval & Tudor History Edition 06.09.2026 1時間 2分

  Would you rather marry Henry VIII or spend five years in the Tower? Serve Katherine of Aragon during her downfall or Anne Boleyn during her rise? Discover the true identity of Perkin Warbeck or finally learn what happened to the Princes in the Tower?In this episode of Off the Record, Rebecca and Amy face a series of impossible medieval and Tudor choices involving royal marriages, dangerous courts, enduring mysteries and unforgettable historical events. From choosing between York and Lancaster to deciding whether they would rather serve Cardinal Wolsey or Thomas Cromwell, they reveal which risks they would take—and which historical figures they would trust with their lives.--Join our growing group of history fans over on Patreon and you'll also receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
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  Medieval Kings: The Questions We Never Asked 03.09.2026 1時間 25分

  In the finale of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and Matt answer listener questions, challenge medieval monarchs with some very modern dilemmas, and revisit a few of history’s most persistent mysteries. Who would survive a siege, win Survivor, or make the worst podcast guest? Join us for one final round of crowns, controversy, and medieval kings chaos!--Join our growing community of history lovers over on Patreon https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis
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  Searching for Anne Boleyn: Facial Recognition, Secret Codes, and the Tower Letter 01.09.2026 42分

  What if some of the greatest mysteries surrounding Anne Boleyn have been hiding in plain sight?In this episode, Rebecca is joined by researcher Karen L. Davis to explore three fascinating and interconnected areas of her work: the use of facial-recognition technology to investigate Anne Boleyn’s portraiture, a concealed cipher within Henry VIII’s love letters, and new evidence concerning the authenticity of the disputed Tower Letter.Karen explains why the famous Windsor sketch labelled Anna Boleyn Queen may not be as securely identified as generations have assumed—and how scientific comparison of Holbein’s preparatory drawings, Anne’s relatives, and portraits of Elizabeth I could help bring us closer to her true appearance.The conversation also turns to an enigmatic sequence of letters and numbers hidden in one of Henry’s letters to Anne, as well as the biblical and reformist language that may connect Anne’s correspondence, John Skip’s controversial sermon, and the letter reportedly written from the Tower in May 1536.From broken provenance and mistaken portrait labels to Queen Esther, secret messages, and scholarly resistance, this episode asks what might emerge when inherited assumptions are tested using new technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a fresh examination of the surviving evidence.Karen’s findings are awaiting peer-reviewed publication, but they may open remarkable new avenues in the search for the real Anne Boleyn.--Join the growing crowd of history fans over on my Patreon page - https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Karen L. Davies
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  The Yorkist Who (Almost) Survived the Tudors: Arthur Plantagenet 30.08.2026 1時間 21分

  Arthur Plantagenet survived the fall of the Yorkists and served four kings—but his loyalty could not save him from the suspicions of Henry VIII’s court.In this episode, Rebecca and Amy explore the remarkable life of Edward IV’s illegitimate son: half-brother to Elizabeth of York, uncle to Henry VIII, military commander, Knight of the Garter, and Lord Deputy of Calais. His illegitimacy may have protected him from the fate suffered by other Plantagenets, allowing him to become a trusted Tudor servant whom Henry reportedly called “the gentlest heart living.”But Arthur was a loyal and trusting man in a world that rewarded suspicion and political calculation. Isolated in Calais, burdened by administrative failures, and endangered by the religious sympathies of those around him, he was eventually drawn into an alleged Catholic conspiracy despite the lack of evidence against him.From Yorkist survivor to prisoner in the Tower, discover the tragic and often overlooked story of Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisle—and how the news of his freedom came just too late.--Sarah-Beth Watkins book - ⁠Arthur Plantagenet: Henry VIII's Illegitimate Uncle⁠--Join the fun on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy
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  The Final Year and Fall of Richard III 27.08.2026 1時間 15分

  In the concluding episode of the Medieval Kings series, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine the turbulent final year of Richard III’s reign - and the rumors, rivalries, and betrayals that carried him toward Bosworth.Did Richard intend to marry his niece, Elizabeth of York? Did he hasten the death of his wife, Anne Neville? Or were these accusations part of a growing propaganda campaign designed to undermine his crown? From Richard’s public denial of the allegations to his negotiations for a Portuguese marriage, this episode separates contemporary evidence from the stories that later became accepted as fact.Rebecca and Matt also explore the political grievances behind Henry Tudor’s invasion, the crucial role played by the Stanleys, and Richard’s final, high-risk cavalry charge at Bosworth. His enemies did not necessarily rally behind Henry to avenge the Princes in the Tower - they brought old grudges, personal ambitions, and carefully cultivated rumors to the battlefield.This is the story of Richard III’s last year: a king surrounded by suspicion, abandoned by those he needed most, and ultimately killed fighting for his crown.--Join our growing community of history lovers on Patreon! Become part of the conversation and enjoy commercial-free episodes, early access, exclusive content, live chats, and more. Your support also helps keep the podcast - and independent history - going. Join us today using this link: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis
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  The Making and Murder of the Holy Maid of Kent 25.08.2026 46分

  Before she became known as the Holy Maid of Kent, Elizabeth Barton was an obscure housemaid suffering from mysterious trances and convulsions. Within a few short years, her prophecies had attracted thousands of followers, earned her audiences with some of Europe’s most powerful men, and placed her directly in the path of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.Rebecca is joined by historian and author Hayley Nolan to discuss her new book, Notorious: Anne Boleyn and the Great Tudor Hoax. Together, they explore the machinery behind Barton’s rise, the men who profited from her celebrity, and the coercion that may have shaped her increasingly political visions. They also examine Anne Boleyn’s surprising attempt to bring Barton into her household, Barton’s extraordinary influence over the King’s Great Matter, and the brutal execution that transformed a manipulated young woman into one of Tudor England’s most notorious figures.Was Elizabeth Barton a prophet, a fraud, a political rebel—or a victim whose voice was controlled by the men around her?ORDER: Notorious: Anne Boleyn and the Great Tudor Hoax--Please conider supporting the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Hayley Nolan
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  What If: Tudor Queen Consort Edition 23.08.2026 55分

  What if one moment had gone differently for the women of the Tudor dynasty?In this episode of Tudors Dynasty, Rebecca and Amy are rewriting history once again with a new round of Tudor “What Ifs”—this time focused on the queens whose marriages, pregnancies, and choices helped determine the future of England.What if Anne of Cleves had been pregnant when Henry VIII decided he wanted their marriage annulled? Would even Henry have dared cast aside the mother of another Tudor prince?What if Katheryn Howard had fled before she could be arrested? Could she have escaped Henry’s reach—or would she simply have found herself a queen with nowhere to go?What if Jane Seymour had given birth to a daughter instead of Edward VI? Without his long-awaited son, how quickly would Henry have searched for wife number four—and what would that have meant for the ambitious Seymour family?And what if Henry VIII had simply remained married to Katherine of Aragon? No Anne Boleyn. No Elizabeth I. Perhaps no break with Rome as we know it. How different would the Tudor dynasty—and England itself—have become?Plus, Rebecca and Amy venture slightly beyond Henry’s wives to ask one more fascinating question: What if Elizabeth of York had lived long enough to see her son become king? Could the formidable Tudor matriarch have changed the course of Henry VIII’s reign?No time machines. No definitive answers. Just history, speculation, and the enormous ripple effects of changing one moment in the Tudor story.--Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
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  Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies 20.08.2026 1時間 16分

  In Richard III: The Parliament That Made Him Enemies, Rebecca Larson and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s landmark Parliament of 1484—an assembly whose legislation was praised even by historians otherwise hostile to his reign.Richard abolished forced “benevolences,” strengthened protections for people accused of crimes, confronted corruption within the jury system, protected English merchants and land buyers, and expanded access to justice for those unable to afford it. These were extraordinary reforms designed to restrain the powerful and protect ordinary people. But in challenging the privileges and practices of England’s nobility, was Richard also weakening the support upon which his crown depended?Beyond Parliament, Richard showed remarkable mercy toward those convicted of treason—including Margaret Beaufort, whose continued plotting would help place her son on the throne. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Woodville left sanctuary and entrusted her daughters to Richard’s court, Richard and Anne suffered the devastating loss of their only son, and Henry Tudor gained both an experienced commander and the backing of France.Richard III may have been governing for the people—but was he making enemies of the very men who had the power to dethrone him?--Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis
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  Bosworth: The Battle That Richard III Almost Won 18.08.2026 1時間 7分

  The Battle of Bosworth is often remembered as the inevitable end of Richard III and the triumphant beginning of the Tudor dynasty - but Henry Tudor’s victory was anything but certain.In this episode, we examine the battle from Richard’s perspective, revealing an experienced commander who entered the field with the larger army and came within seconds of killing Henry Tudor. Far from a final act of desperation, Richard’s legendary cavalry charge may have been a sound tactical decision that almost changed the course of English history.We also explore Henry’s precarious invasion, the uncertain loyalties of the Stanleys, the three armies gathered at Bosworth, and the last-minute intervention that decided the battle. From French mercenaries and sweating sickness to political betrayal and a remarkably unlikely cast of Tudor supporters, this is the story of how Richard III almost won - and how narrowly the Tudor dynasty came to never existing at all.--Mikes' Books on Amazon US (you can find them in most retailers as well)--Support the podcast on Patreon and get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Michael Jones
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  Richard III: The Gathering Storm (Medieval Kings Series) 13.08.2026 1時間 17分

  Richard III’s reign began with remarkable speed—and almost immediately began to unravel. In this episode, Rebecca and historian Matt Lewis examine Richard’s accession in June 1483, the declaration that Edward IV’s children were illegitimate, and the precedent behind his acceptance of the throne at Baynard’s Castle. Just days later, Richard was crowned at Westminster Abbey before an impressive gathering of the English nobility.But beneath the ceremony, opposition was already taking shape. Margaret Beaufort and Bishop John Morton maneuvered behind the scenes, Elizabeth Woodville entered into a remarkable alliance, and the Duke of Buckingham emerged as the leader of a rebellion that may have concealed ambitions of his own. Meanwhile, rumors surrounding the Princes in the Tower spread unchecked, encouraged by Richard’s decision to keep their whereabouts secret.The discussion also explores the international threat from France, the questionable reliability of Dominic Mancini, and the strategic errors that left Richard increasingly vulnerable—including his decision to leave London on royal progress and his misplaced trust in Buckingham.By the end of 1483, Buckingham was dead and the rebellion had failed—but the opposition Richard faced was no longer hidden.And be sure to stay until near the end, when Matt reveals a surprise that Rebecca certainly wasn’t expecting.--Like the podcast? Please consider becoming a patron on Patreon, and you'll receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis
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  Queens, Rebels and the Women Who Shaped 1066 11.08.2026 1時間 17分

  Queens, Rebels and the Women Who Shaped 1066 explores the remarkable women whose influence helped define the Norman Conquest and transform 11th-century England.Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Silk and the Sword, joins Rebecca to bring women such as Emma of Normandy, Lady Godiva, GYtha of Wessex, and Edith of Wessex out of the historical footnotes and place them at the center of the story. From queens who guarded royal treasuries and negotiated dangerous dynastic politics to mothers who resisted William the Conqueror and preserved Harold II’s bloodline, these women were far from passive observers.The conversation also uncovers the likely truth behind Lady Godiva’s legendary “naked” ride, examines whether Emma of Normandy was betrayed by a forged letter, and investigates the mysterious Elfgifu scene in the Bayeux Tapestry. Who was she—and was the cleric offering a blessing, delivering a reprimand, or exposing a scandal?Discover the queens, rebels, mothers, and survivors who shaped 1066—and whose legacies continued within the English royal family for centuries.--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Sharon Bennett-Connolly
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  What If Katherine of Aragon Had Stepped As 09.08.2026 49分

  What if Katherine of Aragon had willingly stepped aside and allowed Henry VIII to marry Anne Boleyn? Would Mary have remained legitimate—and could England’s break with Rome have been avoided?Rebecca and Amy explore the legal, political, and religious consequences of this alternate Tudor timeline. Even with Katherine’s cooperation, Henry’s marriage would still have required a formal dissolution, raising difficult questions about Mary’s legitimacy and place in the succession. Could Parliament have protected her rights, and what might Katherine have demanded in return?The conversation also considers whether Henry would have remained loyal to Rome, how slowly religious reform might have progressed, and whether England’s monasteries could have escaped wholesale dissolution. Finally, what would Katherine’s peaceful retirement have meant for Anne Boleyn—and might Anne later have been persuaded to accept a similar settlement?From the precedent of Joan of France to the possibility of a palace for England’s displaced queens, this episode asks how one decision might have transformed the Tudor dynasty and the religious future of England.--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and access to our monthly BOOK CLUB! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy
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  Richard III: Honor in a Ruthless Age 06.08.2026 1時間 19分

  Before Richard III became king - and long before history cast him as a villain - he built a very different reputation in the north of England.In this episode, Rebecca Larson and Matt Lewis continue Richard’s story from his marriage to Anne Neville through his rise as one of Edward IV’s most trusted lords. They examine the bitter division of the Warwick inheritance, Richard’s relationship with Anne Beauchamp, his settlement of the Percy–Neville feud, and the authority he established across northern England.Through several surviving legal disputes, a striking pattern emerges: Richard repeatedly ruled against his own retainers and social superiors when the evidence demanded it, placing equitable justice above personal advantage. The conversation also explores his refusal of a French pension, his white boar badge, the religious college he founded at Middleham, and his successful Scottish campaign, which recovered Berwick-upon-Tweed for England.Was Richard an honorable man attempting to navigate a deeply corrupt political system? This episode reveals the principled lord, capable commander, and trusted northern leader whose record stands in sharp contrast to the villain he would later become in popular history.--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Matt Lewis
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  Anna of Denmark: The Clever Queen History Underestimated 04.08.2026 1時間 3分

  Historian and bestselling author Tony Riches joins Rebecca Larson to discuss his new book, Queen Anna, and the remarkable woman behind it. Often dismissed as frivolous and shallow, Anna of Denmark was a gifted linguist, devoted mother, influential patron of the arts, and a queen who understood how to gather information and exercise influence at the Stuart court.Tony shares how newly translated letters, primary sources, and visits to historic locations helped him reclaim Anna’s story - from her elaborate court masques and architectural legacy to the devastating loss of four of her seven children. He also offers a fascinating look at his research and writing process and reveals what readers can expect from his new Stuart Queens trilogy.--Tony's Books on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B006UZWOXA?ccs_id=33d48809-6952-4dd8-bfd3-8f1c059d0f04Tony's Books on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B006UZWOXA--Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Tony Riches
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  Historical Mysteries: No Research, Just Opinions 02.08.2026 45分

  What happens when two history lovers tackle some of the past’s greatest mysteries - with no preparation, no research, and plenty of opinions? Rebecca and Amy debate whether Perkin Warbeck was really a prince, who was responsible for the deaths of Thomas Becket and Henry VI, whether Edward II escaped his fate, and what truly happened between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, Katherine Howard and Thomas Culpepper, and Katherine of Aragon and Prince Arthur. They also consider whether Jane Grey was truly queen, reveal their choice for the best Tudor monarch, and ask whether solving history’s mysteries would only create more questions. Plus, Amy shares a memorable behind-the-scenes story from Harvington Hall!--DON'T FORGET - SUNDAY, AUGUST 16TH IS OUT FIRST HISTORY READING ROOM MEETING (NON-book club, book club)!See info here: https://www.patreon.com/tudorsdynasty/posts/history-reading-163802931?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link--Co-hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy