History Extra podcast Deadly bellringing and fatal bacon: grisly accidental Tudor deaths
Jul 20, 2025
Steven Gunn, a Professor of History at the University of Oxford and co-author of 'An Accidental History of Tudor England,' dives into the bizarre and often grim accidental deaths of Tudor England. He discusses the wide range of fatal mishaps, from drownings to tragic encounters with livestock. Gunn highlights how limited medical knowledge meant minor injuries could lead to death, and how societal norms affected interpretations of these accidents. Listeners will be amused and astonished by the peculiar hazards of everyday Tudor life.
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Drowning Reveals Daily Struggles
- Drowning caused nearly 40% of accidental deaths, linked to daily activities like bathing and fetching water.
- These deaths reveal routines and hardships not often recorded in other historical sources.
Accidents Illuminate Everyday Life
- Accidental death records illuminate everyday life beyond major historical events.
- Ordinary people's daily activities and risks become visible through these unusual sources.
Seasonal Patterns of Death
- Accidental deaths vary seasonally, tied to climate and work patterns like thatching and harvest.
- Understanding these cycles helps map the rhythm and hazards of Tudor life.
