Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

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?
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis

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.
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Mikes' Books on Amazon US (you can find them in most retailers as well)
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Michael Jones

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.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis

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.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sharon Bennett-Connolly

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.
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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy