Not Just the Tudors

In 1518 one woman's mysterious dance sparked an uncontrollable epidemic, leading up to 400 people to dance wildly for weeks.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Lynneth J. Miller Renberg to explore the bizarre Dancing Plague, discussing the theories of demonic possession, divine punishment, and social protest, finding out how the city struggled to contain this strange phenomenon. The medical missteps, and cultural tensions fueled one of history's most puzzling outbreaks.MOREHow to Survive the Plaguehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/01e8GRcHkZuHjmUTvlIwRxPresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.Theme music from All3Media. Other 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 and ad-free podcasts. 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

Claire Mitchell, Advocate and King's Counsel, and Zoe Venditozzi, Writer and campaigner, dive into the dark history of witch trials in Scotland, highlighting the tragic fate of over 4,000 accused individuals. They discuss the societal and legal conditions that fueled these hunts, including the role of James VI and the psychological dynamics at play. The horrific torture methods and coercive confessions reveal deep-rooted gender issues, while their advocacy work seeks justice and acknowledgment for the victims. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of remembering these injustices.

Dr. Daniel Swift, an Associate Professor at Northeastern University, shares fascinating insights on the formative years of Shakespeare's career. He explores the significance of London’s first playhouse and the impact of James Burbage's vision on the theater scene. The discussion reveals how social dynamics and economic realities of Elizabethan England shaped Shakespeare’s works. Listeners dive into the collaborative bond between Shakespeare and actor Richard Burbage, illuminating their vital role in the playwright's evolution.

In this insightful discussion, historian Nicola Tallis, author of "Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Virgin Queen," delves into the tumultuous early life of Elizabeth I. Born to Anne Boleyn, she faced uncertainties as her legitimacy was questioned. Tallis explores Elizabeth's relationships, particularly the impact of her stepmother Catherine Parr and the scandal involving Thomas Seymour. The conversation highlights how Elizabeth transformed from a vulnerable princess into a politically savvy ruler, navigating both personal trauma and intricate court dynamics.

In this discussion, Amy Fuller, a historian specializing in early modern Spain and Mexico, reveals the dark consequences of Diego de Landa's fanaticism against the Maya. She details how Landa's destruction of sacred texts led to profound cultural loss, while ironically becoming a source for understanding Maya civilization. The conversation explores the Maya's rich intellectual heritage in mathematics and astronomy, their resilience against colonial oppression, and the complex legacy of their cultural narrative amidst historical erasure.

Professor Jerry Brotton, a Renaissance Studies expert at Queen Mary, University of London, dives into England's unexpected connections with the Islamic world during the Elizabethan era. He discusses how Elizabeth I's excommunication spurred diplomatic ties with Muslim powers against Catholic Spain. Fascinating exchanges with figures like Moroccan ambassadors and the impact of commerce are revealed. Brotton highlights hidden histories of women, the cultural exchanges reflected in Shakespeare's Othello, and the intricate dance of trade and diplomacy that reshaped national identity.

For centuries, Sir Francis Drake has been celebrated as a national hero - the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. But behind the Drake legend, was there a darker reality of violence and exploitation? Were his attacks on Spanish galleons and settlements acts of imperial bravery - or state-sanctioned piracy? What happened to the enslaved people Drake transported? And how did he justify the execution of his own shipmate?Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Richard Blakemore to take a fresh look at Drake’s voyages and uncover the brutal truths often left out of the history books.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Edited by Amy Haddow 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 and ad-free podcasts. 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

What was life like for man's best friend in the court of Henry VIII? Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is led by the pawprints of history by Mike Loades through the fascinating, fur-filled world of Tudor dogs. From royal decrees banning all but a few pampered spaniels at Hampton Court to velvet-clad hunting hounds and Anne Boleyn's heart-wrenching loss of her lapdog Pourquoi, they uncover the surprising roles dogs played in Tudor society. Whether guarding, hunting or simply being adored, they reveal a lot about the hierarchy, politics and humanity of the time.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, 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 podcast.Watch Mike Loades embark on a hands-on exploration into the amazing history of dogs in his new History Hit documentary, Dogs of the Tudors. Sign up to History Hit for that and hundreds more 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://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Alice Samson, a Lecturer at the University of Leicester and archaeologist, dives into the encounters between Indigenous Peoples and Europeans in the Caribbean after Columbus's arrival. The discussion reveals fierce resistance and unexpected alliances, as well as the blending of religious traditions influenced by colonization. They examine the archaeological treasures of Mona Island, including ancient cave art and its significance in understanding cultural exchanges. The conversation highlights the rich resilience of Caribbean communities in preserving their diverse heritage amid colonial challenges.

No advisor was more important to King Henry VIII than Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. He captured Henry's attention with his brilliance and became his most trusted confidant.  But when the King wanted to divorce Catherine of Aragon, not even the eloquent Wolsey could convince the Pope to agree. In this edition of Not Just the Tudors, first released in January 2022, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks to Wolsey's biographer Professor Glenn Richardson, about the man who was responsible for building Henry VIII's reputation as England's most impressive king but ended up being accused of treason.Hear more:Wolf Hall: Who's Who >Six Wives: Catherine of Aragon >Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. Edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.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 and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here