Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

What did people in medieval England really understand about mental health?
In this episode, I’m joined by Michèle Schindler, author of Mental Health in Late Mediaeval England, to explore a subject that is often misunderstood—and oversimplified. From the famous collapse of Henry VI to lesser-known noble case studies, we move chapter by chapter through her research to uncover how mental illness was recorded, interpreted, and treated in the late Middle Ages.
Were those suffering seen as “mad”… or simply unwell?
Did medieval society respond with cruelty—or with compassion?
And how did religion, law, and community shape the experience of mental illness?
We also dive into the difficult topic of suicide, challenging long-held assumptions about how strictly Church doctrine was applied in practice.
This conversation may change the way you think about the medieval mind—and the people who lived within it.
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Michèle's books through Pen & Sword
Michèle's books through Amberley
Michèle's books on Amazon US
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Want to support the show, please head over to Patreon to see what benefits you get by being a patron! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Michèle Schindler

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the grim realities of execution under Henry VIII. From Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, to Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Lord Dacre, and others, we explore the stories behind their downfalls. Ambition, loyalty, and suspicion collide in a series of fates that reveal just how dangerous life at the Tudor court could be—each ending as tragic as it is telling.
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Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy

In this episode, we go beyond the fairytale image to uncover the real expectations placed on royal daughters. Princesses were far more than ornaments of the court - they were political assets, diplomatic bridges, and the key to securing dynastic futures. As daughters, they forged alliances. As wives, they strengthened kingdoms. As mothers, they ensured survival.
But what happened when they stepped outside those expectations?
From Joan, the illegitimate daughter of King John and wife of Llywelyn the Great, whose scandal rocked Anglo-Welsh relations… to Eleanor de Montfort, a king’s sister caught up in rebellion… to Juliana, Henry I’s daughter, who allegedly tried to kill her own father - this episode explores the moments when royal duty clashed with personal ambition, loyalty, and survival.
Were these women simply reacting to impossible situations? Or were they exercising power in ways history has long misunderstood?
Join us as we explore the duties of a princess - and the consequences of defying them.
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Sharon's Books on Amazon
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolluy

Today I’m joined again (Part Two) by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives (Anne of Cleves, Katheryn Howard, and Kateryn Parr) of Henry VIII. From long-standing misconceptions to stories that have taken on a life of their own, we start unpacking what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Miss Part One? Watch HERE!
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Sylvia's current books on Amazon. Here is the Amazon US link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XKCDHJX?ccs_id=5ef24eaf-a4aa-4191-9f01-fda8b7a51770
Sylvia's Substack
Sylvia's Mary Boleyn book through History Press - Preorder now!
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There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! ⁠https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

It's time for another historical WHAT IF, and today we are looking at Henry VII and what if he had remarried after the death of Elizabeth of York in 1503. This was an interesting topic to discuss, especially when we get to the end and talk about what would happen if he had children by his new wife. We ask YOU some questions at the end and we want to hear what you think!
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There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com
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Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy