Host Natalie Grueninger welcomes historian Dr Elizabeth Norton to discuss her new book, 'Women Who Ruled the World', a global history of reigning queens and female heads of state across 5,000 years.

The episode explains the difference between queens consort and reigning queens, highlights 15th–16th century examples (including Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Isabel of Castile), and explores common challenges female rulers faced worldwide—misogyny, succession pressure, and the need for strong propaganda and personality.

Dr. Norton also shares research methods, regional comparisons, and why understanding global patterns of female rulership matters today.

Visit Dr Norton's official website

http://www.elizabethnorton.co.uk/

Join Dr Owen Emmerson & Natalie Grueninger for 'The Rise of a Queen: Anne Boleyn, 1526-1533'

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-rise-of-a-queen-anne-boleyn-1526-1533-tickets-1363827166769?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Architectural Historian Roberto Prieto-Labrador joins Natalie Grueninger to explore the domestic world of the Tudor middling sort — tradespeople, merchants, and prosperous farmers. They trace architectural changes from medieval open-hall houses to floored, chimneyed homes during the Great Rebuilding, discuss materials, reuse and regional differences, and reveal household practices and apotropaic marks used to ward off harm.

The episode also examines how wills and inventories inform building history, compares English and Spanish domestic layouts, and highlights the Weald and Downland Living Museum as a resource for experiencing historic buildings.

Connect with Roberto on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-prieto-labrador-339169163/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Kate McCaffrey of Hever Castle about a newly unveiled portrait of William Carey, his role at Henry VIII’s court, and his marriage to Mary Boleyn.

They discuss the portrait’s provenance and artistic origins, Tudor corridor portraits and genealogy displays, Hever’s wider Tudor collection (including Anne Boleyn’s books of hours), and upcoming exhibitions and events that bring the Boleyn circle to life.

Follow Kate on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kateemccaffreyhistorian/

Join Dr Owen Emmerson & Natalie Grueninger for 'The Rise of a Queen: Anne Boleyn, 1526-1533'

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-rise-of-a-queen-anne-boleyn-1526-1533-tickets-1363827166769?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Host Natalie Grueninger welcomes historian Helene Harrison to explore how Anne Boleyn crafted her image and how it was reshaped after her death. They discuss Anne’s coronation symbolism, self-fashioning, and efforts by Henry VIII’s court to win public favour.

The conversation examines key portraits and artefacts—from the Hever Rose portrait and the Chequers ring to the 1534 medal—and the ongoing debates around their dating and identification.

Helen traces contemporary reactions at home and abroad, Anne’s reappearance in Elizabeth I’s reign, and the clash between Nicholas Sander and John Foxe. She then follows Anne’s evolving legacy through Stuart drama, Victorian myth‑making, and modern screen portrayals, including Anne of the Thousand Days, The Tudors, Wolf Hall, and Six the Musical.

Helene also shares details of her new book, The Many Faces of Anne Boleyn, teases a forthcoming study of Henry VIII’s Great Matter, and offers a lighthearted Tudor-themed reading recommendation.

Visit Helene's blog

https://tudorblogger.com/author/tudorblogger/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Join host Natalie Grueninger in this fascinating episode of Talking Tudors as she welcomes special guest Georgie Anderson, a PhD researcher at the University of Kent. Georgie delves into her intriguing study on race in medieval Europe, focusing on the portrayal of people of colour in chivalric romances from North Atlantic Europe.

Discover how Georgie's research challenges modern conceptions of race by exploring narratives involving the Black Knight and other figures, revealing a complex tapestry of social interactions and identities from five centuries ago. The discussion includes insights into manuscript analysis, the role of popular culture in the Middle Ages, and the portrayal of race and nobility within Arthurian literature.

Follow Georgie on Bluesky

https://bsky.app/profile/medievalgeorgie.bsky.social

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Join host Natalie Grueninger in this captivating episode of 'Talking Tudors' as she delves into the narratives of Edward Seymour's wives with historian and archaeologist, Rebecca Batley. Discover the mysterious life of Catherine Filliol, the enduring allure of Anne Stanhope, and the complex web of intrigue at the Tudor court.

Gain insights into Seymour's rise to power, the enigmatic scandals surrounding his marriages, and the enduring influence of his family during the tumultuous reign of the Tudors. Rebecca Batley sheds light on the lesser-known stories woven into the rich tapestry of 16th-century England.

Visit Rebecca's Substack

https://amymcelroy.substack.com/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Welcome to another riveting episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, we dive deep into the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, exploring his tyrannical rule and its profound impact on those around him. Joined by special guest Jackson van Uden, a historian and political theorist, we dissect the infamous moments of Henry's reign, analyse his personal relationships, and compare him to other historical figures.

Discover how Henry's actions have influenced dictators throughout history and the long-lasting effects of his rule. Join us on a journey through the dazzling yet dangerous world of the Tudor court and uncover the complexities and controversies of one of England's most notorious monarchs.

Visit Jackson's official website

https://historywithjackson.co.uk/

Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Support Talking Tudors on Patreon