Talking Tudors

Natalie Grueninger is in conversation with Dr Owen Emmerson about five surviving letters written by William Kingston during Anne Boleyn’s imprisonment in May 1536. They examine Kingston’s eyewitness details—Anne’s moods, her conversations with attendants, mentions of Henry Norris, Mark Smeaton and George Boleyn—and the damaged Cotton manuscripts used alongside later transcriptions.

The episode traces Anne’s shifting emotions, her religious faith, the role of her attendants as informants, the hurried preparations for execution, and why Thomas Cromwell may have avoided visiting the prisoners.

VISIT DR EMMERSON'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://drowenemmerson.com/

EXPLORE COTTON MS OTHO C X https://searcharchives.bl.uk/catalog/040-001102888

JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND

https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/

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Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Dr Wyn Derbyshire about the remarkable life of Bess of Hardwick — her uncertain origins, four marriages, sharp business sense, and rise to becoming the second-richest woman in England. The episode explores her building projects (Hardwick and Chatsworth), estate management, and relationships with Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Learn more about Dr Derbyshire

https://spiramus.com/wyn-derbyshire

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In this episode host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sara Charles about the production of medieval manuscripts, her hands-on experiments with parchment, inks and pigments, and her book 'The Medieval Scriptorium'.

They explore the evidence for where manuscripts were made, the people and long supply chains behind their materials, the evolution of scripts and decoration, and the everyday details that bring medieval scribes to life.

Learn more about Dr Charles

https://www.teachingmanuscripts.com/about

Takeaway

'The Craftman's Handbook' by Cennino d'Andrea Cennin

Find out about 'Medieval Castles in Germany' by Kurt Fuchs

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1691602354/medieval-castles-in-germany?ref=listings_manager_grid&lang_mismatch=1

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https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Host Natalie Grueninger talks with historian and novelist Professor Tracy Borman about her new novel, 'The House of Boleyn', the rise and fall of the Boleyn family, and Hever Castle as the book’s intimate setting. They explore lesser-known figures like Margaret Butler and Jane Boleyn, plus the servants and daily life that shaped the family.

The conversation also covers Borman’s research process, historical details that informed the novel and publication and tour dates (UK release 23 April; US release 4 September).

Learn more about Dr Tracy Borman

https://www.tracyborman.co.uk/

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https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sean Cunningham about Henry VII’s unlikely path from exile to king, the political alliances and myths he used to secure power, and the major challenges of his reign, including rebellions and pretenders.

They explore Henry’s strategies for legitimacy, his marriage to Elizabeth of York, the role of Margaret Beaufort, and how Tudor symbolism and governance shaped the dynasty’s future.

Find out more about your host:

https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!