Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

The Medieval Queens series begins with Isabella of Angoulême, remembered by many as the young bride of King John. But her story reaches far beyond her first marriage.
Dr. Gabby Storey joins me to explore Isabella’s life as queen, mother, political player, and Countess of Angoulême. We look at the choices that shaped her marriages, her role in securing her son Henry III’s position, and the years she spent building power in her own right. We also ask how much of Isabella’s reputation comes from the evidence—and how much comes from the hostile accounts of the men who wrote about her.
Join us as we look past the familiar labels and meet a medieval queen whose story is far richer than the footnotes suggest.
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Gabby Storey

For centuries, Kateryn Parr and Anne Stanhope, Duchess of Somerset, have been portrayed as bitter rivals, caught in a dispute over royal jewels, status, and power. But was their relationship really as hostile as history would have us believe?
In this episode, Rebecca Larson welcomes back historian and author Rebecca Batley to explore the controversy surrounding Kateryn Parr's jewels following Henry VIII's death. Together, they examine the surviving evidence, question long-standing assumptions, and reconsider the roles played by the powerful Seymour family.
Was this truly a feud between two Tudor women, or has history been telling us the wrong story?
Rebecca's books on Blackwell's
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If you enjoy the podcast please consider supporting me by becoming one of my patrons on Patreon. As a patron you get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Rebecca Batley

What would you do if you suddenly found yourself in the Middle Ages? Whose royal household would you serve in, and what impossible choices might you face?
This week on Off the Record, Rebecca Larson and Amy McElroy are back with another round of Would You Rather?, but this time we're leaving the Tudors behind and heading into the medieval world!
Amy has prepared a new set of tricky questions involving medieval queens, royal courts, and some rather uncomfortable dilemmas. Rebecca has to make her choices on the spot, defend her answers, and occasionally question why Amy is putting her through this in the first place!
Expect plenty of laughter, a little historical debate, and some decisions that are much harder than they first appear.
Now it's your turn! Play along as you listen and let us know in the comments which options you'd choose. Would you agree with Rebecca, or would you make completely different decisions?
Join us for another fun-filled Sunday on Off the Record, where history doesn't always have to be serious!
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Co-Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Before costumes, candy, and jack-o'-lanterns, there was Samhain. But how much of what we celebrate today can actually be traced back to this ancient Celtic festival?
In this special Halloween episode, I'm joined by folklorist Amy Boucher to explore the fascinating history of Samhain and the centuries of traditions, beliefs, and superstitions that helped shape Halloween as we know it.
From the ancient Celtic world to medieval All Hallows' Eve, we discuss the practice of souling, the origins of dressing in costumes, and the ways ordinary people kept their traditions alive despite religious changes during the Reformation.
Amy also introduces us to the mysterious world of the Fae, shares some rather unusual Halloween divination rituals, and recounts local legends from Shropshire, including one involving a churchyard and a chilling prediction of death!
Along the way, we explore how Victorian fascination with the supernatural and later American influences helped transform Halloween into the holiday we recognize today.
So, whether you're fascinated by folklore, curious about the origins of Halloween, or simply enjoy a good ghost story, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
🎃 Happy Halloween!
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Amy's blog: https://nearlyknowledgeable.co.uk/
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Enjoy my podcast? Please consider being one of my patrons! Without patrons I would not be able to provide you with all the episodes, articles, etc. In return I'll give you commercial-free episodes, early access, and content you'll only find on Patreon! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Amy Boucher

In the final episode of our Norman Kings series, Matt Lewis returns to explore the later years of Henry I’s reign—and the succession crisis that followed his death.
The White Ship disaster took Henry’s only legitimate son and heir, along with many others. Henry remarried and named his daughter, Empress Matilda, as his heir, but his plans were complicated by political rivalries, family tensions, and a difficult marriage. When Henry died in 1135, Matilda was far from England. His nephew Stephen seized the opportunity and was crowned king, setting the stage for the Anarchy.
Join us for a lively conversation about Henry’s shifting plans, the legacy of the White Ship, and the uncertain path from one Norman king to the next.
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If you enjoy this podcast please consider becoming a patron and supporting me on this journey! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis