Pioneering Women: Ada Lovelace & Florence Nightingale

In this episode, we explore Tony Riches' Bess – Tudor Gentlewoman, uncovering the life of Bess Throckmorton, a woman who captured Sir Walter Raleigh's heart and played a subtle yet powerful role in the Tudor court. Riches’ book reveals the secrets, ambition, and quiet strength of this fascinating figure in Elizabethan history.Tony's Book on Amazon--If you love the show and want exclusive content, commercial-free episodes, and more - head over to Patreon!Love to read about history? Head to my website: https://tudorsdynasty.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Tony Riches

20 Mai 49min

Anne Neville’s life was anything but ordinary. Born to the powerful “Kingmaker” Earl of Warwick, she survived exile, two royal marriages, civil war, and the loss of a son—ultimately becoming Queen of England beside Richard III. In this episode, we uncover the remarkable journey of a woman often overlooked in history, yet whose story reveals the quiet strength and resilience required to survive one of England’s most turbulent eras.--Show your support and get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content over on PatreonRead more about the Tudors AND beyond at https://tudorsdynasty.com--Narrator: Rebecca LarsonResearched & Written by: Emily Airey

18 Mai 10min

Alejandro Vergara-Sharp’s upcoming book Clara Peeters explores the life and work of the pioneering Flemish still-life painter. As one of the few women artists of her time, Peeters mastered the art of depicting luxurious banquets and subtly included self-portraits in reflective surfaces. This book highlights her role in shaping 17th-century still-life painting and the cultural world of early modern Antwerp.Books by Alejandro Vergara Sharp:Clara PeetersWhat is Quality in Art?--Host: Dr. EmmaGuest: Alejandro Vergara Sharp

15 Mai 51min

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Amy McElroy for a deep dive into the fascinating life of Erasmus of Rotterdam! This conversation was full of unexpected twists—just when I thought I had a handle on his story, another surprise popped up. You won’t want to miss it!*Find Amy's books everywhere, but here is the Amazon link--Would you prefer a commercial-free episode, early access and exclusive content? Head over to my Patreon!--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Amy McElroy

13 Mai 43min

In this episode, we dive into the dramatic and controversial life of Joan of Kent—daughter of scandal, wife of two men at once, and mother to a future king. Known for her beauty and boldness, Joan defied convention and royal expectation with a secret marriage that nearly brought down the crown. From forbidden love to political power, discover the woman who became England’s "Fair Maid" and changed royal history forever.--Would you prefer a commercial-free experience? Head over to my Patreon!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched by: Emily Airey

11 Mai 6min

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back historian and author Helene Harrison for a captivating discussion on the love triangle that changed the course of history—the infamous "Great Matter" involving Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn. Their tangled story sparked a series of events that helped make the Tudors one of the most iconic dynasties in history.Helene's Books on AmazonTudor Blogger Website--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Helene Harrison

8 Mai 49min

Today, I'm joined by Shakespeare lecturer and author Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones for a fascinating conversation about one historical figure who has long remained an enigma to me—William Shakespeare.We delve into why Shakespeare remains an enduring icon, what he may have been like in real life, how his writing evolved, the ways his work shaped our understanding of history, his famously sharp insults—and even the tale of how he may have made a tree magical!--Darren's Book: Shakespeare's Borrowed Feathers - Barnes & Noble, AMAZON, Manchester University PressSir Ian Mckellen's Thomas More speech: https://youtu.be/AjEAeOshUGQ?si=v_f7clkBvLG3GMHB&t=138--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. Darren Freebury-Jones

6 Mai 51min

In 1566, Agnes Waterhouse became one of the first woman executed for witchcraft in England. Accused of killing her neighbor with the help of a talking cat named Sathan, her trial marked the beginning of a dark chapter in English history. In this episode, we explore the haunting story of Agnes, the rise of witchcraft laws under Elizabeth I, and how fear, superstition, and gender shaped one of the era’s most terrifying injustices.As always, commercial-free on Patreon!--Narrated by: Rebecca LarsonResearched and Written by: Emily Airey

4 Mai 9min