

Not Just the Tudors
History Hit
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks about everything from the Aztecs to witches, Velázquez to Shakespeare, Mughal India to the Mayflower. Not, in other words, just the Tudors, but most definitely also the Tudors.Each episode Suzannah is joined by historians and experts to reveal incredible stories about one of the most fascinating periods in history, new releases every Wednesday and Sunday.A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, The Ancients, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
How Poets Spoke Truth to Power
Throughout history, the words of poets have often ignited change or unsettled those in power. In England particularly, poetry has both celebrated and criticised the country's greatest triumphs and darkest hours. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Professor Catherine Clarke dive into the radical heart of poetry, where language has given rise to courage and resistance. MORE:John Donne: England’s Greatest Love PoetListen on AppleListen on SpotifyBloody Massacres and the Puritan PoetListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on
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6 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 48min
Dark Side of the Quakers
Dr. Erica Canella, a historian specializing in 17th-century English religious movements, dives into the dark origins of Quakerism born from the chaos of the English Civil Wars. She explains how trauma and instability created fertile ground for this radical faith. Their disruptive tactics alarmed authorities, while early Quakers faced persecution for challenging norms around gender and social hierarchy. The conversation also reveals failed miracles like Susanna Pearson’s resurrection attempt, illustrating the urgency and fervor with which they pursued their divine mission.

Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 1min
Mother of All Tudors: Margaret Beaufort
Step into the turbulent heart of the Wars of the Roses and meet one of history’s most formidable survivors: Lady Margaret Beaufort.A child bride, a teenage mother, and ultimately the mastermind behind the rise of the Tudor dynasty, Margaret navigated betrayal, bloodshed, and political chaos with nerves of steel.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb sits down with leading biographers Lauren Johnson and Dr. Nicola Tallis to uncover the real woman behind the legend: her extraordinary resilience, razor-sharp political instincts and the unyielding drive that helped place her son on the throne as Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch.MOREHenry VIIListen on AppleListen on SpotifyHenry VIII's Sister, Margaret, Queen of ScotsListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle. Edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here
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Nov 24, 2025 • 1h
Origins of Free Speech
Free speech is today more contested than ever before. In many places, differing views about politics, sex, and religion are suppressed and punished. In the West, debates rage over its limits and meaning. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Fara Dabhoiwala to trace the roots of this conflict back to the 18th century, when America embraced the First Amendment, while most of the world adopted a different principle: rights balanced by responsibilities. Together Suzannah and Fara explore the surprising and often troubling origins of free speech, from medieval punishments for slander and Henry VIII’s treason laws to the American Revolution’s selective embrace of liberty.MORE:17th and 18th Century Sexual RevolutionListen on AppleListen on SpotifySinging the News in Tudor EnglandListen on AppleListen on SpotifyPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on
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Nov 20, 2025 • 47min
Raleigh and the Lost Colony of Roanoke
Join archaeologist Mark Horton, a specialist in early American archaeology, as he unravels the mystery of the Roanoke Colony. He dives into Sir Walter Raleigh's ambitions, the geography that hindered settlement, and the harsh realities faced by colonists. Horton reveals the significance of the carved 'Croatoan' clue and debunks myths surrounding the 'Lost Colony.' Highlighting archaeological evidence, he discusses how early settlers may have integrated with Native Americans, contrasting this with later colonial practices.

Nov 17, 2025 • 48min
Tudor True Crime: Who Murdered Lord Darnley?
Denise Mina, an acclaimed crime writer, joins Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to delve into the notorious murder of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. They explore the explosive circumstances surrounding his death and the tangled web of romance and rivalry, including the brutal murder of David Rizzio that escalated tensions. Mina sheds light on key suspects like the Earl of Bothwell and the political fallout that ensued. The discussion highlights how societal narratives, particularly misogyny, shaped perceptions of Mary and the dramatic events leading to her downfall.

11 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 56min
Hans Holbein: New Discoveries
Dr. Elizabeth Goldring, a historian and author specializing in Hans Holbein, shares groundbreaking insights into the artist's life and techniques. She discusses how modern scientific analysis has uncovered hidden layers and lost details in Holbein's paintings. Goldring reveals the implications of Holbein's left-handedness and explores his early training, influences from Augsburg, and connections to Erasmus. The conversation highlights Holbein's innovative portrait style and the role his masterpieces played in Tudor diplomacy and culture.

Nov 10, 2025 • 52min
The Rise of St Paul's Cathedral
Join architectural historian Dr. Elizabeth Deans, a specialist in Sir Christopher Wren, as she discusses the fascinating birth of St Paul’s Cathedral from the ashes of the Great Fire of London. Delve into Wren’s journey from scientist to state architect and his ambitious designs that met both admiration and resistance. Discover the technical marvel of the dome and evolving architectural influences, alongside Wren's hands-on approach in his later years. This captivating story highlights how beauty rose from destruction, cementing Wren's legacy in British architecture.

Nov 6, 2025 • 54min
What if Guy Fawkes had succeeded?
On 5 November 1605, Guy Fawkes became infamous not for what he achieved, but for what he failed to do: kill King James VI & I and bring down the British parliament. But what if the Gunpowder Plot had been successful? How would it have reshaped Britain, Europe and even the wider world? And would Shakespeare have written 'Guy Fawkes' instead of 'Macbeth'?In this special episode Professor Suzannah Lipscomb explores one of history’s most tantalising "what ifs" with a panel of historians: Jessie Childs, Gareth Russell and Professor Anna Whitelock.Mary I: What If She'd Lived?Gunpowder Plot: Tudor OriginsPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, the audio editors are Alex Elkins and Amy Haddow and the producers are Fiona Turnock and Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit to see this episode on film and for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK
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Nov 3, 2025 • 56min
King vs. Emperor: The Battle of Pavia, 1525
Join Glenn Richardson, a Professor of Early Modern History, as he dives into the pivotal Battle of Pavia of 1525, where Francis I of France faced off against Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. They explore how this clash reshaped Europe, the allure of Italian warfare, and the profound consequences on the Italian city-states. With insights into royal rivalries, tactics, and the aftermath of Francis's capture, Glenn highlights the battle's underappreciated significance and its long-term impacts on European history.


