What makes a marriage work - especially in a world where love was often optional and politics were everything?

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the messy, fascinating world of marriage in Tudor England - where alliances could build dynasties… or completely destroy them. We’re looking beyond Henry VIII’s famously disastrous relationships (don’t worry, he gets enough attention) and instead shining a light on other unions that reveal what “good” and “bad” really meant in the 16th century.

From genuinely supportive partnerships like Henry VII and Elizabeth of York - where stability and mutual respect helped heal a kingdom - to deeply troubled matches like Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Stafford, where power struggles and personal cruelty played out behind closed doors… we’re breaking it all down.

What did a “good marriage” actually look like in Tudor society? Was it about love, loyalty, survival—or simply staying out of trouble? And how do we even begin to judge these relationships by modern standards?

Expect strong opinions, a few laughs, and plenty of moments where you’ll be glad you’re not navigating courtship in the 1500s.

Because in Tudor England… marriage wasn’t just personal. It was political.

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Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

My brother from another mother, Matt Lewis, is back—and we’re continuing the story of the children of Henry II of England (and Eleanor of Aquitaine). But since King John was…well…such an idiot, we decided to start with his sisters to make things far more enjoyable 😂

And honestly? These women were incredible—sharp, capable, and miles ahead of their brothers. I think you’ll feel the same once you hear their stories.

In the second half, we finally turn to King John to see if—maybe—there’s a redeeming quality or two hiding in there. Spoiler alert: there isn’t. If anything, you might end up disliking him even more by the end… just like I did. What an absolutely terrible man!

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Check out Matt's books: https://mattlewisauthor.com/

Gone Medieval: https://access.historyhit.com/gone-medieval

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

Edward Seymour is often remembered as the powerful Lord Protector who ruled during the minority of Edward VI—but what about the women behind him?

In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight onto the wives of Edward Seymour—and trust me, their stories are anything but quiet.

From his first marriage to Catherine Fillol, surrounded by whispers of scandal and betrayal, to his formidable second wife, Anne Stanhope, whose ambition and sharp presence at court earned her both power and enemies—these women played far more significant roles than history often gives them credit for.

Was Catherine truly cast aside for infidelity… or was there something more strategic at play? And did Anne Stanhope help shape Seymour’s rise—and perhaps even his fall?

This is a story of reputation, rumor, and ruthless court politics—where marriage was never just about love, and scandal could reshape dynasties.

Let’s step beyond the Protector—and into the lives of the women who stood beside him.

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Find Rebecca Batley's Books:

On Pen & Sword website: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Rebecca-Batley/a/4665

On Blackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/search/author/Rebecca%20Batley

On Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rebecca-Batley/author/B0BLZPHJLL?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1774888814&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=fbe496f2-7200-4af3-a437-a221410a0fe2

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Support the podcast over on Patreon and get commercial-free episode, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Rebecca Batley

In this episode, we spin off from our recent discussion on who was truly safe under Henry VII - and turn the spotlight on Thomas More. What if he had made a different choice? Instead of staying, what if he had fled into exile? Where would he have gone - and would he have taken his family with him? And perhaps most importantly… how would history remember him if he hadn’t died on the scaffold? We explore the possibilities, the risks, and the life Thomas More might have lived.

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Show your support over on Patreon and get early access, exclusive content, and more! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

As a king, having “an heir and a spare” is ideal—but Henry II of England may have taken things a bit too far with four ambitious sons: Henry the Young King, Richard I of England, Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany, and John, King of England.

Join Matthew Lewis and me for a lively and unfiltered conversation about the unbelievable—and often chaotic—stories of the sons of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. Rivalries, rebellions, betrayals…this family drama has it all.

It’s a wild ride (with a little swearing), so buckle up—Henry II certainly had to.

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If you haven't already, check out Matt's podcast: Gone Medieval

Matt's books: https://mattlewisauthor.com/

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Want to support the podcast? Head over to Patreon and become a patron! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

What did people in medieval England really understand about mental health?

In this episode, I’m joined by Michèle Schindler, author of Mental Health in Late Mediaeval England, to explore a subject that is often misunderstood—and oversimplified. From the famous collapse of Henry VI to lesser-known noble case studies, we move chapter by chapter through her research to uncover how mental illness was recorded, interpreted, and treated in the late Middle Ages.

Were those suffering seen as “mad”… or simply unwell?
Did medieval society respond with cruelty—or with compassion?
And how did religion, law, and community shape the experience of mental illness?

We also dive into the difficult topic of suicide, challenging long-held assumptions about how strictly Church doctrine was applied in practice.

This conversation may change the way you think about the medieval mind—and the people who lived within it.

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Michèle's books through Pen & Sword

Michèle's books through Amberley

Michèle's books on Amazon US

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Want to support the show, please head over to Patreon to see what benefits you get by being a patron! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Michèle Schindler

In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the grim realities of execution under Henry VIII. From Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, to Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Lord Dacre, and others, we explore the stories behind their downfalls. Ambition, loyalty, and suspicion collide in a series of fates that reveal just how dangerous life at the Tudor court could be—each ending as tragic as it is telling.

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Hosts:

Rebecca Larson

Amy McElroy

In this episode, we go beyond the fairytale image to uncover the real expectations placed on royal daughters. Princesses were far more than ornaments of the court - they were political assets, diplomatic bridges, and the key to securing dynastic futures. As daughters, they forged alliances. As wives, they strengthened kingdoms. As mothers, they ensured survival.

But what happened when they stepped outside those expectations?

From Joan, the illegitimate daughter of King John and wife of Llywelyn the Great, whose scandal rocked Anglo-Welsh relations… to Eleanor de Montfort, a king’s sister caught up in rebellion… to Juliana, Henry I’s daughter, who allegedly tried to kill her own father - this episode explores the moments when royal duty clashed with personal ambition, loyalty, and survival.

Were these women simply reacting to impossible situations? Or were they exercising power in ways history has long misunderstood?

Join us as we explore the duties of a princess - and the consequences of defying them.

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Sharon's Books on Amazon

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolluy