Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

Anne of Cleves has long been reduced to a single moment: the “failed” marriage to Henry VIII. But what if that version of her story is incomplete?In this episode, I’m joined by author Dr. James Taffe, whose book Accounting for Anne: The Tudor Queen Who Could Have Been uses Anne’s own surviving household accounts to reconstruct the queenship history usually skips over. Together, we explore what these records reveal about Anne’s daily life, her household, her spending, her relationships at court—and the hidden evidence of a woman doing far more than simply surviving.If you’ve ever felt like Anne of Cleves deserved a second look… this is the episode for you.Accounting for Anne is available on Amazon! Amazon-US--Please consider joining our upcoming online course with the amazing historian Matthew Lewis over on Eventbrite. These classes are pre-recorded and you can watch at your convenience. Learn more, here: Eventbrite--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Dr. James Taffe

In this episode of Off the Record, we’re stepping into one of history’s most fascinating rabbit holes: the heirs who should have changed everything… but died too soon.What if Arthur Tudor had survived - and become king? Would Henry VIII ever have worn the crown… or married Katherine of Aragon? Would England have avoided the seismic religious and political upheaval that followed?Then we go even deeper into the tragedy of succession: Henry, Duke of Cornwall, the long-awaited son of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon - gone before he could even grow into his destiny. What might his survival have meant for the Tudor dynasty, for Mary and Elizabeth, and for the future of the English throne?And finally, we explore the ultimate wildcard: Henry Fitzroy, Henry VIII’s acknowledged (and beloved) illegitimate son. If Fitzroy had lived - could he have been legitimized? Would Henry have pushed him forward as heir? Join us for a bold, speculative conversation full of twists, consequences, and alternate timelines as we ask the question Tudor history never lets us forget: what happens when the future dies?--Historical Nicknames Merch--New course alert! Medieval True Crime with Matt Lewis is officially on sale. Pre-recorded lessons, watch at your own pace, and a LIVE Q&A finale. Don’t miss it - tickets available now!Would you rather show us how much you love the show? Consider becoming a Patreon patron - you'll get COMMERCIAL-FREE episodes, early access, and exclusive content.--Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Dr. Emma is back, and we’re returning to Historical Tinder to swipe through the love life of Henry VIII. From mistresses and wives to potential brides who almost made the cut, we break down Henry’s matches, missteps, and marital strategy—one swipe at a time.--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonDr. Emma Cahill Marron

In this episode, I’m joined by historian and author Susan Abernethy to discuss her new book on the women who helped build — and ultimately transform — the Burgundian state.We explore the powerful wives, daughters, and female relatives of the Valois dukes of Burgundy who ruled as regents, managed territories, negotiated marriages and treaties, raised taxes, and exercised real political authority across Europe. From queens and duchesses to daughters of kings and emperors, these women were essential to Burgundian power.We also look at how dynastic marriage, particularly that of Mary of Burgundy, brought an end to the Valois Burgundian line and ushered the empire into the Habsburg world — a fitting reminder that women stood at the heart of Burgundy’s rise and fall.Get her book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dHQzK72Susan's website: https://freelancehistorywriter.com--Host: Rebecca LarsonGuest: Susan Abernethy

Welcome to the very first episode of Off the Record! Join Amy McElroy and Rebecca Larson as they dive into one of history’s biggest “what ifs”: what if Anne Boleyn had never married Henry VIII? Who might she have married instead - or would she have agreed to become Henry’s mistress? In this episode, they explore her options, share their thoughts, and enjoy a relaxed, off-the-record conversation about Tudor history together.--Have you checked out my Substack yet? You'll find a different side of me at Rebecca's History Corner. I will rage, I'll challenge, I'll tell a historical truth, and I'll share my Thomas Seymour research! ⁠Join me: https://rebeccalarson.substack.com/Amy also has a Substack you should check out - The Tudor Notebook!--Hosts:Rebecca LarsonAmy McElroy