
Tracy Borman
Best-selling author and historian specializing in the Tudor period, known for her work on Henry VIII.
Top 10 podcasts with Tracy Borman
Ranked by the Snipd community

22 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 48min
Tudor England | 4. Religion and superstition
Tracy Borman, an expert in Tudor history, discusses the tumultuous era of the English Reformation and its profound effects on society. The conversation delves into the pivotal figures like Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn who shaped religious transformations. Borman highlights how ordinary citizens clung to customs and superstitions amidst the upheaval. The podcast also explores the societal fears surrounding witchcraft and childbirth, revealing the intricate blend of faith and folklore that defined everyday life in Tudor England.

21 snips
Apr 1, 2021 • 45min
39. Elizabeth I
Tracy Borman, a historian specializing in Tudor England and author of "Elizabeth's Women," joins the hosts to dissect the legacy of Elizabeth I. They explore her powerful Tilbury speech during the Spanish Armada threat and her role as a formidable monarch. The discussion highlights Elizabeth's complex relationships, her strategic mastery in unifying religious factions, and how her past shaped her public persona as the 'Virgin Queen.' They also delve into the legacy of her reign and debate which historical figures might compete in a fictional monarch World Cup.

19 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 38min
Tudor England | 5. The wider world
Tracy Borman, an esteemed author and historian focusing on Tudor history, joins Emily Briffett to discuss the intriguing world of 16th-century England. They explore how England emerged as a significant European player amid wars and the darker sides of exploration, including slavery. The conversation delves into notable Tudor explorers like Drake and Raleigh, the development of an English identity influenced by Henry VIII, and the grim realities of exploitation faced by indigenous peoples, all set against a backdrop of cultural advancements and international rivalry.

11 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 50min
Tracy Borman, "The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty" (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2025)
Tracy Borman, a prominent historian and chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces, delves into her latest work exploring the tumultuous end of the Tudor dynasty. She reveals new insights into Elizabeth I's mysterious succession and debunks the long-accepted narrative that James was her chosen heir. Borman discusses the power struggles and rival claims of Elizabeth’s time, the hidden motivations behind her decisions, and fascinating evidence showing William Camden’s alterations to historical texts to legitimize James’s reign. A riveting look at monarchy, legacy, and deception!

11 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 33min
Henry VIII's Tudor Christmas
Tracy Borman, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, and Richard Fitch from the Historic Kitchens Team explore the extravagant Christmas celebrations of Henry VIII. They reveal how the King feasted on lavish dishes like roast swan and venison pasties, famously spending £13 million on festivities. The discussion unveils the complex interplay of festive traditions, from the grandeur of the royal court to the simpler celebrations of commoners, and the essential role of kitchens in Tudor charity and communal dining.

11 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 41min
Tudor England | 2. Daily life
Tracy Borman, an author and historian specializing in Tudor history, shares intriguing insights on daily life in Tudor England. Discover the most popular pastimes, misconceptions about bathing, and the ingenious ways people conserved warmth by sharing their homes with pets. Borman also discusses the harsh realities faced by the rural majority compared to the glamorous court life, and the social customs that shaped family dynamics and marriage in this fascinating era.

11 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 46min
Tudor England | 1. Power and politics
Tracy Borman, an author and historian specializing in Tudor England, shares fascinating insights into the turbulent era of the Tudors. She delves into the precarious nature of power and politics, revealing how a single misstep could lead to dire consequences for those at court. Discover the intricacies of daily life among Tudor monarchs and the societal impacts of their decisions. Borman also highlights the risks of losing royal favor, particularly for the likes of Henry VIII's wives, stressing the volatile survival stakes in a world rife with intrigue.

Nov 27, 2022 • 56min
The Sunday Debate: Who was the greatest English monarch? In Partnership with History Hit
Join award-winning historians Tom Holland, Tracy Borman, Helen Castor, and Jane Ridley as they debate who truly deserves the title of England's greatest monarch. They discuss the unifying efforts of Alfred the Great during Viking invasions, Henry VIII's transformative reign, and the complexities surrounding Elizabeth I's authority as a female ruler. Queen Victoria's dual legacy in a shifting political landscape is also explored. This lively conversation dives into the lasting impacts of these monarchs and the criteria for historical greatness.

Nov 14, 2025 • 34min
Who stole the Tudor crown?
Historian Tracy Borman, author of The Stolen Crown, unveils shocking new evidence about the Tudor-Stuart succession. She reveals hidden edits that fabricated Elizabeth I's announcement of James VI as her successor, suggesting a far less secure transition than previously thought. Tracy discusses James's legitimacy issues and the complex political landscape with rivals like Mary, Queen of Scots. She also examines Elizabeth's careful management of contenders, highlighting the turbulent backdrop to this pivotal moment in history.

Nov 12, 2025 • 50min
Tracy Borman, "The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty" (Atlantic Monthly Press, 2025)
Dr. Tracy Borman, a renowned Tudor historian and author, dives into the tumultuous succession crisis after Elizabeth I's reign. Discover her revelations from newly analyzed manuscripts that challenge the long-accepted narrative of Elizabeth naming James as her heir. Borman discusses the political machinations behind the claimants to the throne, including Mary Queen of Scots and Arbella Stuart, and explores why Elizabeth refused to name an heir. The episode is a fascinating exploration of power, deceit, and the rewriting of history.


