Edward II has often been remembered as a king who simply didn’t fit the role he inherited. In this episode, we trace his reign from the shadow of his formidable father, Edward I of England, through the controversies that defined his rule - his favoritism, his relationships, and his uneasy connection with the nobility. Why did his choices spark such intense opposition? And how did a king lose control of his own kingdom? As we follow Edward II’s story to his deposition, something unexpected emerges: a king increasingly aware of his own failures - offering, perhaps, a quiet kind of redemption at the very end. -- Listen to Matt on Gone Medieval! -- BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matthew Lewis
Katherine Swynford: From Mistress to Duchess
2026/04/28 | 1h 3 mins.
In this episode, I’m joined by historian Sharon Bennett Connolly to explore the life of Katherine Swynford - her relationship with John of Gaunt, the scandal that shook the royal court, and how her legacy would shape the future of the English throne. -- Sharon's Website: https://historytheinterestingbits.com/author/sharonbennettconnolly/ Sharon's Upcoming Events: https://historytheinterestingbits.com/forthcoming-events/ Sharon's Books on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B072156Z8V?ccs_id=2752d8c6-9e4d-4cca-b600-6046103545e6 -- BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com -- Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolly
Henry VII: What Ifs & Misconceptions
2026/04/26 | 57 mins.
What if Henry Tudor never made it out of England? What if Bosworth had gone differently? And how much of what we think we know about Henry VII is actually wrong? In this Off the Record episode, we're joined by historian Nathen Amin to dig into the myths, misconceptions, and fascinating “what ifs” surrounding England’s first Tudor king. From his years in exile with Jasper Tudor to the pivotal moment at Battle of Bosworth Field, we explore just how fragile Henry’s path to the throne really was. Would he have tried again if Bosworth had been lost? What if he had never fled into exile at all? Was his marriage to Elizabeth of York inevitable - or simply the best available option? And after her death, who might Henry have chosen next? We also tackle the question people love to ask (but rarely explore properly): was Henry VII a mama’s boy under the influence of Margaret Beaufort…or something far more calculated? This is Henry VII stripped of the textbook narrative - uncertain, strategic, and far more human than you might expect. -- https://nathenamin.substack.com/ -- BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com -- Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy Guest: Nathen Amin
Edward I: Tyrant or Mastermind?
2026/04/23 | 1h 4 mins.
Was Edward I of England a brilliant reformer—or a ruthless tyrant? In this episode, we dig into the life and reign of one of England’s most formidable kings. From legal reforms and the shaping of Parliament to his brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward’s legacy is anything but simple. We explore the man behind the crown—his ambition, his grief after the death of Eleanor of Castile, and the decisions that still spark debate today. Was he building a stronger England…or ruling through fear? -- BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com --
Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Matt Lewis
Myths & Misconceptions: Elizabeth Boleyn
2026/04/21 | 1h 7 mins.
In this episode, I’m joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to challenge everything you think you know about Elizabeth Boleyn. If you’ve ever wondered whether Elizabeth Boleyn has been unfairly judged, this conversation will make you rethink everything. -- Sophie's book: Blackwells Amazon (US) Sophie's Social Media: Instagram Bluesky Sophie's Substack -- BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com -- Credits: Host: Rebecca Larson Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman
Welcome to Tudors Dynasty & Beyond, the podcast where history comes alive through stories of royalty, rebellion, and resilience. Hosted by independent researcher Rebecca Larson, each episode dives into the Tudors and beyond—Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Katherine of Aragon, forgotten queens, rebels, and adventurers. Enjoy Sunday storytelling (or interviews), engaging historian chats, and the popular Thursday series Dr. Emma & Me, with Dr. Emma Cahill Marron. Discover love, power, intrigue, and survival in early modern England and across Europe.
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