Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

What’s a superlative? It’s a playful way of asking who is most likely to do something—and the Tudor court gives us plenty of possibilities.
In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and Rebecca return to the Tudors with questions about survival, rebellion, and what court life might look like in the modern world. Who could talk their way out of an execution? Who would become an influencer, run a secret group chat, or survive a zombie apocalypse?
Bring your own answers, because you’ll probably have a few opinions—and so do we.
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Join me over on Patreon where you'll not only find commercial-free episode but FREE articles on topics you're sure to enjoy! We also have a monthly chat called the Historical Reading Room where we discuss what we're reading! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

William the Conqueror’s reign was marked by both ruthless force and careful efforts to secure his rule. In this episode, we look at the Harrying of the North, the resistance that gathered at Ely around Hereward, and William’s attempts to bring England’s landholders and resources under royal control. The Hereward stories include some memorable episodes—though parts of his daring exploits come from later legend.
We also explore the Domesday survey and the Salisbury oath, then turn to William’s final days and the division of his lands among his sons: Normandy for Robert, England for William Rufus, and money for Henry. What kind of legacy did the Conqueror leave—and what tensions did his settlement create for the next generation?
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Support Rebecca and the podcast over on Patreon and join a growing community of history lovers! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis

What was Elizabeth I really like—and how much of the queen we think we know was carefully created? Historian Dr. Carole Levin joins Rebecca Larson to explore Elizabeth’s strengths and shortcomings, her carefully managed public image, and the gap between historical fact and the stories later generations told about her.
They also discuss Elizabeth’s relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots, the ways historians recover women’s voices, and how magic and superstition shaped life in Renaissance England. From women’s power to the legends that grew around Elizabeth after her death, this conversation looks at the queen behind the image—and the many people whose stories history has left at the margins.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Carole Levin

We’re handing out medieval superlatives! Think of the titles in a school yearbook: a superlative singles someone out as the “most” or “best” in a particular category.
This time, we’re choosing people from medieval history, comparing our answers, and discussing the personalities, relationships, and reputations behind them. Some choices might seem obvious; others may surprise you. Listen along and see whether you agree—or have someone else in mind!
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If you like this podcast and want to either support it or join our growing community of history lovers, please head over to my Patreon page: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Co-Host: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Margaret of Austria’s life took her from the Burgundian court to France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Along the way, she faced a broken betrothal, two marriages, and the demands of a powerful family. She also became one of the most capable political figures of her time.
In this episode of Dr. Emma and Me, Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón joins me again to follow Margaret’s travels and explore how the places she lived shaped her. We talk about her role in raising the future Charles V, her negotiations with Louise of Savoy, and the remarkable church and tomb she commissioned at Brou.
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Where did Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life take her, and what can those places tell us about her? Join me and Dr. Emma Luisa Cahill Marrón for Traveling with Eleanor of Aquitaine, a five-part course following her journey across medieval Europe. Click the link for course details and registration! https://travelwitheleanor.eventbrite.com
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Join my growing community of history lovers over on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--
Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Dr. Emma Cahill Marrón.