Not Just the Tudors

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.

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.

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.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Join Dr. Kate Loveman, a Professor of Early Modern Literature, as she delves into the life of Samuel Pepys, a quintessential figure of Restoration England. They explore Pepys’ motivations for keeping a detailed diary, including venting and social self-fashioning. Loveman reveals how Pepys chronicled everything from daily life to his fears of being read by others. The discussion includes Pepys' use of shorthand for privacy and the diary's historical impact, shedding light on how his candid reflections still resonate today.

Jane Boleyn has long been called the most hated woman in Tudor history. Wife to Anne Boleyn's brother George, Jane served as lady-in-waiting to five of Henry VIII's six wives, and when Anne Boleyn fell from grace, George was accused of incest with his sister. For centuries, historians claimed Jane sealed their fates with malicious lies. But was she truly a villain or just fighting for her own life? Professor Suzannah Lipscomb welcomes bestselling author Philippa Gregory to discuss Jane Boleyn, examine historical records and explore the steps women had to take to survive in the Tudor court.MORE:Normal Women with Philippa GregoryCatherine Howard: Henry VIII's Fifth WifePresented 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 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Elizabeth Drayson, an expert in Iberian history and cultural exchanges between Islam and Europe, dives into how the early modern period showcased a porous boundary between these civilizations. She discusses the profound influence of Islamic knowledge on Europe’s scientific revolution, including insights from Isaac Newton's library. Additionally, Drayson explores the cultural ramifications of events like the Morisco expulsion, the aesthetic fascination with Islam, and the shared identities that emerged from centuries of interaction.

In 16th and 17th century England, the plague and pox, disease and injury were a daily presence. At at time when medicine was a complex interplay of tradition, faith and observation, survival depended not only on doctors and their remedies but also on resilience and community support. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Alanna Skuse to explore how ordinary people navigated the perils of sickness and the diverse healers who sought to preserve life in an age where outcomes were always uncertain.More: Surgery in the Early Modern Age3 Ways to Die in Early Modern EuropePresented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Windle, 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Songs have always carried stories of love, loss, rebellion and hope. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by author Amy Jeffs, illustrator Gwen Burns and composer Natalie Brice to explore the magical, mythical, and mysterious world of traditional ballads from the Early Modern period.Together, they uncover how centuries-old songs captured human experience, challenged authority and gave voice to universal themes of love, death, female agency, and survival. With live performances woven in, they reveal how these songs have endured through oral tradition, shaped cultural memory, and continue to inspire modern audiences with their themes of transformation, resilience, and empowerment.More: Dancing Plague of 1518The WitchPresented 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.