Not Just the Tudors

A young widow stands against the expectations of her family. A woman striving for love and agency in a society which demands she claimed neither, she stands firm in the face of torture and even death.Unravel the gripping layers of John Webster’s 17th-century masterpiece The Duchess of Malfi, with Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dr. Will Tosh.The harrowing plot of the Duchess asserting her place in the world is all the more remarkable for being written by a man in the 1600s. Suzannah and Will explore why this tale of love, power, and betrayal remains a fixture on the stage, resonating across the centuries, and discuss the dramatic history of its performances, the transformative power of early modern theatre lighting, and the poignant representation of female agency.MORE:Going to the Theatrehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/7lbdfK2fbgxtXReriTyydMNormal Women with Philippa Gregoryhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0b5aXZh1HLVhJxyTyQuf2yPresented 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.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 drives a nation to civil war? Why would a king turn on his own Parliament? Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Jonathan Healey to explore the chaotic and combustible months - and the men behind the rebellion - that hurled 17th-century England into one of the bloodiest periods in its history.MORE:Trial of Charles Ihttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2O5aoB5BP4QXjikwNdXJCsSuccession 1625: James I to Charles Ihttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6x7zJL9UK3lqHTC1ExgWnIPresented by Professor Susannah Lipscomb. audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.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 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

Historian Ira Mukhoty, author of 'Akbar, the Great Mogul,' shares insights on the remarkable reign of Akbar the Great. They discuss his journey from royal hostage to a powerful emperor known for military conquests and progressive religious policies. Topics include Akbar's innovative strategies during the battle for Chittor, his commitment to inclusivity, and the complex dynamics of his harem as a community of influential women. The conversation highlights Akbar's lasting legacy and the challenges faced by his successors in maintaining his vision.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Matthew Steggle, a Shakespeare expert from the University of Bristol, uncovers the influential women in Shakespeare's life, including his wife and daughters. He reveals how digital tools and forgotten manuscripts shine new light on their stories, challenging the narrative that they've been intentionally hidden. Topics include a newly discovered letter connected to Mrs. Shakespeare and the impact of Susanna on her father's legacy. This exploration highlights the unsung contributions of women and reshapes our understanding of Shakespeare's world.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Roger E. Moore, a Principal Senior Lecturer in English at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on Jane Austen's connections to the Reformation. They delve into how Austen's works reflect the societal upheaval post-dissolution of the monasteries. Key topics include her critique of gentry and the loss of charity in communities, as well as her nuanced portrayal of power and nostalgia. Moore argues that Austen's insights on women's struggles resonate deeply with contemporary issues, emphasizing her relevance today.

**This episode includes descriptions of accidental deaths**Professor Suzannah Lipscomb investigates the grim but fascinating world of accidental deaths in Tudor England. In the 16th century, everyday activities like fetching water, football and even May Pole dancing could prove fatal. Then there were the unexpected perils of agriculture and industry including lethal haystacks and falling hammers. Suzannah is joined by Professor Steven Gunn and Dr. Tomasz Gromelski to discuss their grisly, groundbreaking research.More:How People Died in 16th Century Londonhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/0nTXTSMsOSdRduiWKy2hMo3 Ways to Die in Early Modern Europehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6RPZhgQ2kVXcTcielpeu5vPresented 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.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

Discover the captivating life of Isabella d'Este with Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and acclaimed novelist and historian Sarah Dunant. They discuss Isabella's incredible journey from a well-educated noblewoman to the First Lady of the Renaissance, how she mastered political strategy, diplomatic finesse, and art patronage while navigating the treacherous Italian wars.Suzannah and Sarah uncover intimate details of Isabella's unconventional marriage and her groundbreaking influence in the art world as she pursued Michelangelo for the perfect portrait with a unique blend of charm and ruthlessness, which made her one of history's most compelling women.More:Katherine of Aragon: England's First Renaissance Queenhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6cDqkgk8aoDAUn6KxwlX7UMichelangelohttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3ocKCFinOdaCZYfBtHoMXnPresented 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.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

In this engaging discussion, historian and author Victoria Shepherd sheds light on the Cheapside Hoard, an extraordinary collection of Elizabethan jewelry unearthed in 1912. She explores its glittering origins, revealing how the diverse treasures reflect the socio-economic and cultural dynamics of their time. The mysteries surrounding the hoard's burial and the intriguing life of its discoverer, Stony Jack, provide a fascinating backdrop. Shepherd also links the jewels to significant historical events, including colonialism and personal ambition, capturing the allure of this hidden treasure.

In the second of our special episodes exploring the rise and fall of Sir Thomas More, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dr. Joanne Paul chart the great Tudor statesman's demise. Despite his silence about Henry VIII's self-proclamation as Supreme Head of the Church of England, More was executed for treason on 6 July 1535. What were the events leading up to his fall from grace? How did More's position impact the King? And what can we now make of this contradictory character and his contribution to Renaissance thought?Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, 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.More:Thomas More on Film: The HIstorian's Verdict >Wolf Hall - Who's Who >Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries including Suzannah Lipscomb's series on the Dissolution of the Monasteries, plus 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

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Joanne Paul, a Professor in Intellectual History and author of 'Thomas More, A Life and Death in Tudor England,' delves into the complexities of Thomas More's life. She examines his dual portrayal as a saintly figure and a controversial zealot, unraveling his profound influence on modern Europe. The conversation also highlights More's personal tragedies, his political rise under Henry VIII, and the societal tensions of his time, including the May Day riots. Join them as they navigate More's legacy, from 'Utopia' to his tragic downfall.