

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

Mar 13, 2025 • 45min
The Birth of New York City
Exactly 400 years ago, the Dutch West India Company built Fort Amsterdam on the southern tip of Manhattan island, a beacon of power and resilience against threats from Europeans and Indigenous Americans. But how did things change when England invaded in 1664?Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Russell Shorto, author of Taking Manhattan, to uncover the untold stories of New York City's emergence as a hub of capitalism and pluralism, laying the groundwork for America's rise and shaping the city's enduring legacy.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith. Edited by Amy Haddow. 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
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Mar 10, 2025 • 44min
Ireland's Witchcraft Trials
In 1711, a wave of terror gripped the Islandmagee peninsula in County Antrim. First there was the haunting and supernatural murder of a local clergyman's wife. Then 18-year-old Mary Dunbar suffered violent convulsions, levitation and vomiting of pins, feathers, and buttons, sparking accusations against eight local women. After Mary’s sudden death, the trial took an unprecedented turn when one William Sellar was put on trial.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb finds out more from Dr. Andrew Sneddon about this chilling true story of possession, witchcraft accusations, and Ireland’s only recorded execution of a man for witchcraft.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith. Edited by Amy Haddow. 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
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Mar 6, 2025 • 58min
Robert Dudley: Elizabeth I's Forbidden Love
Passion, scandal, and power collided in the tumultuous relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley. Rumours of secret trysts between them set the court ablaze, but their love was doomed from the start.Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dr. Joanne Paul unravel the complex tapestry of Dudley's life, Elizabeth's devotion and the decades of political intrigue and personal heartbreak. Then, Dr. Tracey Wedge explores how Dudley's extravagant wardrobe became a powerful tool in the game of courtly politics.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith. Produced and edited 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
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Mar 3, 2025 • 36min
Shakespeare's Daughter, Judith
Grace Tiffany, a Professor of Shakespeare and author of 'The Owl Was a Baker's Daughter,' highlights the intriguing life of Judith Shakespeare, William Shakespeare's overlooked twin sister. They discuss how Judith's experiences mirror contemporary issues like religious extremism and women's struggles in male-dominated fields. Listeners learn about her bond with twin brother Hamnet, the impact of personal loss on Shakespeare's works, and Judith's fight for identity amidst scandal and societal expectations during a tumultuous political era.

Feb 27, 2025 • 50min
The Great Siege of Malta
Join Professor Marcus Bull, a University of North Carolina scholar specializing in 10th-16th century Europe, as he delves into the gripping tale of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. Discover how a small force of Knights of St. John, led by the steadfast Jean de Valette, defended their island against the formidable Ottoman Empire. Bull explores military strategies, the cultural implications of the siege, and the overlooked contributions of Maltese civilians, painting a vivid picture of resilience and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Feb 24, 2025 • 36min
How to Run a Stuart Household
Dr. Kimberley Connor, a historical archaeologist and food historian, joins Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to explore Stuart-era recipe books. They discuss Margaret Baker's 1675 collection, revealing how these texts were vital for sharing medicinal and culinary knowledge. The conversation highlights women's pivotal roles in domestic spheres and culinary practices of the time, emphasizing the recipes’ rich social contexts. They also examine how these books served as educational resources, connecting women across different social strata and reflecting their adaptations during crises.

Feb 20, 2025 • 40min
Giordano Bruno: Mystic, Heretic, Spy
S.J. Parris, a best-selling author known for her historical crime novels featuring Giordano Bruno, joins Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to explore the life of this radical thinker. They discuss Bruno's bold ideas that clashed with the Catholic Church, leading to his tragic fate. Parris shares insights into Bruno's influences, such as Copernicus, and his role as a symbol of defiance against religious oppression. The conversation highlights his enduring legacy in the tension between scientific inquiry and faith, making him a fascinating figure of the Renaissance.

Feb 17, 2025 • 53min
German Peasants' War
The German Peasants' War - which happened exactly 500 years ago - saw peasants across Germany, Switzerland and Austria rise up against oppressive lords in a bid for freedom and social reform. This was a pivotal and cataclysmic moment in European history, as transformative as the French Revolution and as deadly as World War I. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Professor Lyndal Roper, author of Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants' War, to explore this moment of rebellion, hope and bloodshed that reshaped the landscape of early modern Europe.Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, edited and produced by 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
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Feb 13, 2025 • 34min
Versailles: Science & Splendour
Matthew Howes, Associate Curator at the Science Museum in London, reveals the fascinating scientific advancements that took place at Versailles. Discover the palace as a hub of innovation, from groundbreaking surgeries to the infamous hot air balloon launch with live animals. Learn about the unique taxidermy of a rhinoceros and the intertwining of horticulture with royal power. The conversation also highlights the contributions of women in science and the promotion of medical practices that shaped 18th-century France.

Feb 10, 2025 • 56min
Nell Gwyn: Actress and Royal Mistress
In this engaging discussion, Laura Engel, a Professor of English specializing in art and theatre history, and Charles Beauclerk, a direct descendant of Nell Gwyn, explore the extraordinary journey of Gwyn from humble orange seller to the beloved mistress of King Charles II. They delve into the rise of female performers in the 17th century, the cultural significance of her legacy, and how she embodied early celebrity culture. The conversation highlights Gwyn's charm and resilience, revealing her lasting impact on both theatre and society.


