The Clockmaker Bartholomew Newsam What if I told you that a forgotten Tudor craftsman helped keep Queen Elizabeth I’s court running on time? Bartholomew Newsam (Newsum) wasn’t a noble, a soldier, or a politician—he was a clockmaker. But in Tudor England, clocks weren’t just practical devices—they were symbols of power, status, and prestige. And New…

Imagine being the one person entrusted to deliver the most terrifying news to the most powerful king in English history. Anthony Denny wasn’t a nobleman or a great warrior—he was a trusted confidant of Henry VIII. As Groom of the Stool, Keeper of the Privy Purse, and holder of the king’s dry stamp, Denny had intimate access to the king, power over …

Jane Dudley and the Fall of the Dudley Dynasty What happens when you’re married to one of the most powerful men in England—only to see it all come crashing down? Jane Dudley, Duchess of Northumberland, lived through a series of devastating events that could have destroyed her. She saw her family rise to incredible heights and then fall dramatically…

What happens when a Tudor princess defies royal duty, breaks all the rules, and marries for love? Scandal, outrage, and the fury of two kings! On this day in Tudor history, 14th January 1515, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, was sent to France on a mission to bring the recently widowed Mary Tudor, Queen of France, back to England. But instead of f…

What if I told you that one of Queen Mary I’s closest confidantes defied Queen Elizabeth I, became a leader of Catholic exiles in Spain, and even tried to influence the future of the English throne? Meet Jane Dormer, Duchess of Feria—a woman who lived between two worlds: Tudor England and Catholic Spain. Loyal to Mary I until the end, Jane didn’t f…

How William Howard Survived Tudor England The Tudor court was a treacherous place where even the slightest misstep could cost you your head. For William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham, survival wasn’t just luck—it was a carefully calculated game of loyalty, adaptability, and knowing when to keep quiet. On this day in Tudor history, 12th Janu…

What if printing a book could cost you your life? In Tudor England, it could—and it did. On 11th January 1584, William Carter, a Catholic printer, was brutally executed for treason after publishing a book that allegedly encouraged the assassination of Queen Elizabeth I. But was he really a traitor—or simply a man of faith in the wrong place at the …

What if Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen, had been born a boy—Lord John Grey? Would England’s history have been completely rewritten? In 1553, the Protestant King Edward VI skipped over his Catholic sister Mary and named his cousin Lady Jane Grey as his successor. But imagine if Jane had been a male heir instead. Would Mary have still managed to…

In 1513, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk—Henry VIII’s best friend and notorious rogue—caused an international incident by flirting with Margaret of Austria, a duchess and regent of the Habsburg Netherlands. It all started as innocent courtly love, but Brandon took things too far when he stole a ring from Margaret's finger and refused to return it.…

In 1493, Christopher Columbus recorded a bizarre sighting in his journal: his crew claimed to have seen three mermaids rise out of the sea! But instead of the beautiful creatures of legend, they described them as having "masculine traits" and looking far less attractive than expected. But Columbus wasn’t alone in these strange sightings. Throughout…

In 1499, King Louis XII of France had his 22-year marriage annulled to marry Anne of Brittany, one of the most powerful women in Europe. But what drove Louis to discard his first wife, Queen Joan (Jeanne) of France, after more than two decades of marriage? This is a story of royal scheming, political marriages, and a forgotten queen who would go on…

What do Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and the Tower of London have in common? Balthasar Guercy, an Italian physician who served both queens—and found himself imprisoned for his controversial beliefs. Originally from Milan, Guercy rose to prominence at the Tudor court, healing some of the most powerful figures of the day. But in 1543, he was arr…

Kidnapping, violence, treason… Not exactly what you'd expect from the man behind one of the most influential literary works of Elizabethan England! But George Puttenham’s life was anything but ordinary. On 6 January 1591, Puttenham was laid to rest, yet the scandals surrounding him remain unforgettable. From kidnapping a teenage girl to accusations…

Was Catherine de' Medici truly the sinister puppet master behind a seductive squad of spies, or has history been far too cruel to this powerful queen? Dive into the fascinating—and often misunderstood—life of the woman who ruled France from the shadows and shaped a turbulent era. On 5 January 1589, Catherine de' Medici, Queen Consort and Queen Rege…

On this day in Tudor history, 4th January 1519, reformer Martin Luther met with papal envoy Karl von Miltitz in an attempt to reconcile with the Catholic Church. But could Luther, the man who sparked the Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses, truly stay silent on indulgences and corruption? Witness the pivotal moment that led to his excommunicati…

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd January 1590, Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd, passed away at Kilmarnock. This Scottish nobleman played a key role in the turbulent politics of Mary, Queen of Scots' reign and beyond. Once a supporter of Mary, Boyd later opposed her marriage to Lord Darnley, participated in rebellion, and even became entangled in the mu…

On this day in Tudor history, 2nd January 1554, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger and Sir Peter Carew were summoned to face Queen Mary I's privy council. The reason? Whispers of a bold plot to stop her marriage to Philip of Spain. Their conspiracy aimed to replace Mary with her half-sister, Elizabeth, in a coup that spiralled into rebellion. But who bet…

On this day in Tudor history, 1st January 1515, King Louis XII of France passed away at just 52 years old, less than three months into his marriage to the young and vibrant Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. Was his death due to illness or, as the French people whispered, the toll of overexerting himself in hopes of securing an heir? 🕊️ This st…

Think Henry VII was just a penny-pinching miser? Think again! Dive into the hidden world of this Tudor monarch’s extravagant celebrations, complete with castles on wheels, knights, dragons, and pageantry fit for royalty. From dazzling Christmas revels to the legendary wedding of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon, discover a side of Henry VII yo…

Who was Henry VII, and how did he change history forever? From his stunning victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field to his clever handling of rebellious pretenders and the economy, this video answers the top 10 most frequently asked questions about the first Tudor king. Discover how he united England, secured the Tudor dynasty, and left a legacy th…

Was Henry VIII a bold leader steering England through turbulent times, or a cruel tyrant driven by greed and paranoia? ⚔️ From his six ill-fated marriages to his brutal purges and shocking betrayals, I uncover the chilling truths behind one of history’s most infamous kings. 🏰 Discover how he shaped a nation—and destroyed lives along the way. Do we …

Henry VIII: A king of contradictions. Was he a visionary reformer, a ruthless tyrant, or both? 🤔 From his six wives and the break with Rome to his dramatic legacy, I’m tackling the top 10 questions about England's most infamous monarch. 💡 Why did he have so many wives? 💡 Who was his favorite? 💡 And why did he break from the Catholic Church? Whether…

Dive into the drama, controversy, and historical twists of Firebrand, the much-anticipated film starring Jude Law as Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Catherine Parr. Based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s The Queen’s Gambit, this gripping retelling reimagines Catherine Parr’s life in bold and unexpected ways. But how much of it is rooted in truth? 🤔 Join …

Queen Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife, lived a remarkable life—but her story didn’t end with her death. What followed was a shocking posthumous journey marked by centuries of neglect, gruesome discoveries, and astonishing disrespect. 🏰 From her peaceful burial at Sudeley Castle to being unearthed, inspected, and even mistreated, h…

You’ve seen my videos, read my articles, and maybe even own one of my books—but who am I? Who is Claire Ridgway? Discover the woman behind The Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society! In this video, I’ll answer your most-asked questions about my work, my research process, my inspiration, and why Anne Boleyn has me hooked. Whether you’re a longtime Tudo…

Did Henry VIII’s sixth wife narrowly escape the fate of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard? Catherine Parr faced dangerous accusations, court intrigue, and a plot that had the king’s own signature attached. How did this intelligent and courageous queen outwit her enemies and save her life? Join me as we unravel this gripping Tudor tale of survival, s…

Think you know everything about Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife? Think again! 📖✨ From being the first queen to publish books under her own name to her near brush with execution, Catherine’s story is packed with surprising twists. How many times was she married? Did she have children? What role did she play in the Reformation? And …

Was Henry VIII’s young queen really guilty of adultery, or was her fate sealed by mere suspicions and intent? Catherine Howard’s tragic story is often overshadowed by tales of infidelity and scandal, but the truth may be far more complex. In this video, we’ll dive into the evidence surrounding her alleged affair with Thomas Culpeper, explore her me…

Welcome to a journey through the life of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard! 🌹 Often remembered for her youthful charm and tragic end, there's so much more to her story than what’s often portrayed. In today’s video, I’m diving into ten of the most-searched questions about this ill-fated queen. From her relationship with Henry VIII to the sca…

Was Anne of Cleves Henry VIII's Luckiest Queen? 🤔 When Anne of Cleves arrived in England to marry King Henry VIII, few could have predicted the twists in her royal story. From the ill-fated first encounter with her future husband to her unexpected survival in a court full of dangers, Anne's tale is one of resilience, diplomacy, and surprising fortu…

Curious about Anne of Cleves? She's the queen who defied the odds—and Henry VIII! Known as the "King's Beloved Sister," Anne of Cleves only reigned as queen for a brief six months, but her life story is packed with fascinating details and lingering questions. In this talk, I dive into 10 must-know FAQs about the queen who charmed Henry and then cho…

Have you always believed that Jane Seymour was the key reason Henry VIII reconciled with his estranged daughter, Lady Mary, who would later become Mary I? Think again! The story behind their reunion is far more complex than the popular version you've heard. In this talk, I’ll be revealing the truth behind this enduring myth, and you'll discover tha…

Who was Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's 'beloved' queen? Was she the King's favourite? Did she play a part in shaping the English Reformation? And what was her connection to the future Queen Elizabeth I? In this video, we dive into the frequently asked questions about Jane Seymour, the quiet yet pivotal third wife of Henry VIII. From her rise to queensh…

Did all of Henry VIII’s wives struggle with fertility problems? 🤔 It’s a common belief, but is it really true? In this video, I dive into the reproductive histories of Henry’s six queens, separating fact from fiction! From Catherine of Aragon’s tragic stillbirths to the myth about Anne Boleyn’s "series of miscarriages," I'll explore what we really …

In this video, I’ll be diving into the most popular FAQs about Anne Boleyn! Discover why she became one of the most famous figures in Tudor history and unravel the mysteries surrounding her. Why did Henry VIII fall for her? How did she change England? Was there really a sixth finger? From her rise to power to her dramatic downfall, learn the truth …

Catherine of Aragon's deep faith shaped many aspects of her life, including her practice of fasting. But could her religious devotion have impacted her ability to carry healthy pregnancies to term? 📿 Join me as I explore the fascinating theory that Catherine’s fasting and the immense pressure to produce a male heir may have contributed to her tragi…

🔎 Curious about Catherine of Aragon? In this video, I dive into the Top 10 most frequently asked questions about Henry VIII’s first wife. From her long battle for her marriage, her relationship with Anne Boleyn, to the controversial details of her death – there’s so much to uncover about this fascinating queen! 👑 Whether you’re new to Tudor history…

Join me as I take a stroll through the beautiful Wepre Park in North Wales, where hidden in the lush woodland lies the mysterious Ewloe Castle. Why was this medieval fortress built in such an unusual location? Was it a statement of power by the Welsh princes, or is there more to its story? From woodland walks to ancient battlegrounds, this podcast …

Was Mary Boleyn really the "pretty" Boleyn sister? Did she have a long love affair with Henry VIII? In this video, we’re diving into 11 major misconceptions about Mary Boleyn’s life, from her rumoured relationships to the true nature of her family’s ambitions. Get ready to uncover the real story behind the myths you’ve heard in books and movies. Fr…

Think you know the Tudors? Think again! From misconceptions about hygiene to false beliefs about their love lives and diets, this talk will completely change the way you see the Tudor era! Were they as dirty and smelly as people say? Did they all get married super young? And what about those messy eating habits we've seen in movies? Get ready to bu…

In this final part of my series on Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, I introduce you to the one son Henry VIII proudly acknowledged – Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset. Who was this boy the king doted on and elevated to the highest ranks of nobility? Could Fitzroy have been King Henry IX? 🏰👑 Join me as I unravel the story of th…

Think you know everything about Henry VIII? 🤔 Think again! From the number of wives he had to whether he was a bed-hopping tyrant, there are so many myths surrounding this infamous Tudor king. 👑 In this video, I bust some of the biggest misconceptions about Henry VIII and reveal the truth behind the legend. Was he really a monster? Did he write "Gr…

What if history took a different turn? Join me as we dive into the life of Arthur Tudor, the Prince of Wales who was destined to be king, but whose untimely death altered the course of history. We'll explore his upbringing, his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and the intriguing "what-ifs" that could have changed England forever. Was he the king th…

In this video, I continue my deep dive into Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, and today we explore the intriguing case of Richard Edwards – the renowned Tudor poet, playwright, and... possibly the king’s son. 😮 Could this talented artist really be the offspring of one of England’s most notorious monarchs? Is there solid evidence, or is th…

Could Henry VIII have fathered Mary Boleyn's children, Catherine and Henry Carey? 🤔 In this episode, I explore the facts and fiction surrounding their paternity. Mary was once the king’s mistress, but how much of what we've heard holds up to scrutiny? 📜💔 Join me as I delve into the mysteries of Tudor history, examining whether the Carey children we…

In this revenge quiz, Tim has extracted the first paragraphs from Claire's Tudor history books and asks her to guess which book they come from! Maybe you can pick which book they are from the list here: On This Day in Tudor History I On This Day in Tudor History II Tudor Places of Great Britain The Anne Boleyn Collection The Anne Boleyn Collection …

We've hit over 70,000 YOUTUBE subscribers, and you know what that means—Tim is in the hot seat for another Tudor history quiz! 😄 Thanks to our amazing channel members, who’ve crafted today’s tricky questions, Tim is in for a real challenge. From annulments and treaties to executed queens and royal lineages, this quiz has it all. Will Tim ace it, or…

Henry VIII's six marriages are some of the most famous and tumultuous unions in history. Between his accession to the throne in 1509 and his death in 1547, Henry's quest for a male heir led him through a series of marriages, each marked by intrigue, drama, and often, tragedy. Think you know Henry VIII’s six wives? 🤔 From Catherine of Aragon’s 24-ye…

We've all heard of Bessie Blount, King Henry VIII's mistress who gave him a son. But did she also give him a daughter? 🤔 In today's episode of my series on King Henry VIII, I delve into this intriguing mystery. 📜 Discover: The story of Bessie Blount and her son, Henry Fitzroy. The evidence suggesting Elizabeth Tailboys might have been fathered by t…

Did you know the young Henry VIII had a major idol? 🤩 Discover how Philip the Handsome, a dashing European ruler, made a lasting impression on the 14-year-old prince during their fateful meeting in 1506. From his athletic prowess to his dynamic leadership, Philip left an indelible mark on the future king of England. Join me as I dive into the fasci…