The Tudor Chest Podcast

Anna and the House of Cleves with Dr Heather Darsie

Dr Heather Darsie is an American attorney and historian who specialises in German medieival and Tudor history. She has written extensively on the subject and has released two books, Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The Kings Beloved Sister and Children of the House of Cleves, Anna and her Siblings. She joins me today for a fascinating discussion about the Cleves family, including of course, it’s most famous member, Anna, the fourth wife of Henry VIII known to history as the ugly flanders mare, or was she? Heather’s incredible research has led her to many significant conclusions which entirely re-write the accepted reasons for the breakdown in the marriage between Henry VIII and Anna of Cleves, she is even firmly of the belief that their marriage was fully consummated and that ultimately the one person who is to blame for the breakdown of the couples relationship was neither party, but Anna’s brother, Duke Wilhelm of Julich-Cleves-Berge. Prepare to re-think everything you thought you knew about this fascinating family!

Henry VIII and Hollywood

He's the most famous king in all of British history and has been a staple of Hollywood since the dawn of film, being played by some of the greatest actors to ever walk the earth, including Richard Burton, Keith Michell and Damien Lewis, but which of the many interpretations of Henry VIII are the closest to the real man? Which leave much to be desired? Well I cover it all, with unapologetic frankness in my opinions! Happy listening!

Lady Arbella Stuart - England's Lost Queen with Sarah Gristwood

She's one the lesser known Tudor's, but has a story as dramatic and shocking as many of her more famous relatives. The direct descendant of Henry VII, Lady Arbella Stuart was a one time candidate to succeed Queen Elizabeth I, and yet her story is one seldom explored or discussed at any length. To help me unpack the story of this lost Tudor Princess I am thrilled to welcome Historian, Author and Broadcaster Sarah Gristwood onto The Tudor Chest Podcast. Sarah's book, "Abrella, England's Lost Queen" is the sole in depth examination of this fascinating figure, and so she was the ideal guest to come onto the show. Enjoy! 

Elizabeth Woodville - Queen, Queen Dowager, Survivor

She is known to history as the most beautiful Queen in English history and immortalised for modern audiences as "The White Queen", but who was the real Elizabeth Woodville? How did she rise from being the widow of a mere Lancastrian knight, to becoming the wife and queen of the first Yorkist King in English History?

Elizabeth I in Film - A look back and Review

She's been played by everyone from Bette Davis to Glenda Jackson, Cate Blanchett to Helen Mirren. Elizabeth I is a staple for both the big and small screen, but which of the many depictions of her is the best? Which comes closest to telling the truth of this most iconic of queens and which fail to capture the essence of the last Tudor sovereign?

Tudor Myths and Legends versus the Facts

Anne Boleyn had six fingers and was a witch, Henry VIII had syphilis, Anne of Cleves was ugly - lies, lies lies, so where did they start and why? In this weeks episode of the Tudor Chest podcast I examine some of the common myths and legends from Tudor England and where possible, refute them!

Elizabeth of York - The First Tudor Queen

Born to the captivating Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth of York was the greatest heiress in England and sister to the "Prince's in the Tower". Her marriage to Henry Tudor brought the Wars of the Roses to its close and established the new Tudor dynasty, but who was the real woman and why is her story seldom explored at any length?

Becca Segovia - Royalty Now - The Studio bringing the past back to Life

Becca Segovia is a graphic designer who has taken the history world by storm thanks to her truly magnificent digital recreations of some of histories most iconic characters, from Anne Boleyn to Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc to Edward IV, Becca's work is a stunning example of using technology to bring to life faces from our past!

Christmas with the Tudors with Dr James Taffe

It's the most magical time of the year for millions around the world, but how did the Tudors spend Christmas? What food did they eat? How did they exchange gifts? Well to answer these questions plus much more, I am thrilled to welcome Dr James Taffe, historian and author of his brand new book "Christmas with the Tudors". 

Queen Catherine Parr with Dr Elizabeth Norton