Author Jo Harkin joins Talking Tudors to discuss her novel 'The Pretender', which imagines the life of Lambert Simnel — a farm boy thrust into Yorkist plots, crowned in Dublin, and swept through courts from Oxford to Burgundy and Ireland.

Jo explains her five-year research process, the vivid locations and powerful women who inspired her, and her approach to balancing historical fact with imaginative storytelling.

She also shares reading and viewing recommendations, a glimpse of her next project set in Spain, and practical insights into writing historical fiction.

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In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger speaks with historian Dr Natalie Donnell about the life and career of Margaret of Austria. Born in Burgundy and raised at several European courts, Margaret was the long-serving regent of the Netherlands.

The conversation covers Margaret’s education under powerful women, her role raising and supporting Charles V, her diplomatic success in the 1529 'Ladies' Peace', her patronage of the arts, and her legacy as a capable and influential female ruler until her death in 1530.

VISIT DR DONNELL'S WEBSITE

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TAKEAWAY

'The Theatre of the World' by Abraham Ortelius

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Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Mexican author Sofia Robleda about her new novel, The Other Moctezuma Girls. They explore the life and legacy of Isabel Moctezuma, the identity of her daughters, and the complex world of 16th‑century Mexica society before and after Spanish contact.

The conversation covers conquest, cultural exchange, women’s roles, Robleda’s research and personal connection to the history.

Visit Sofia's official website

https://sofiarobleda.com/

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In this episode Natalie Grueninger interviews manuscript specialist Sienna Wells about illuminated medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. They discuss how manuscripts were made, who produced and owned them (including women), how the printing press changed book culture, and what physical traces of use reveal about past readers' lives and emotions.

The conversation highlights personal stories like birthing girdles and the intimacy of Books of Hours, offering listeners insights into the human connections preserved in these remarkable objects.

Follow Sienna on Instagram

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Takeaway

'Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts' by Christopher de Hamel

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Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson as they explore Hever Castle's new exhibition, 'Capturing a Queen', examining portraiture, miniatures, manuscripts, and objects that shaped Anne Boleyn’s public and private image. The episode discusses scientific analyses, iconography, myths versus evidence, and the ways Anne and later generations constructed her likeness.

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Rethinking Anne Boleyn

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Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Rosemary Goring about Mary Queen of Scots, tracing her life from Scotland to years of captivity in England and the historic places that shaped her story.

The episode covers Mary’s relationships, imprisonment at sites like Tutbury Castle, the 2023 discovery of coded letters revealing plots and health concerns, and how culture and espionage influenced her downfall.

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In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger welcomes Dr James Taff to discuss his book 'Accounting for Anne' and how Anne of Cleves' household accounts reveal the daily workings of her short queenship.

They examine the blended German and English household, Anne's wardrobe and rewards, myths about her appearance, the aftermath of the annulment, and the research challenges that bring this overlooked queen into sharper, more sympathetic focus.

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Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson's new online event: 'Rethinking Anne Boleyn'

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In this episode, Natalie Grueninger speaks with historian Lauren Johnson about Margaret Beaufort — a child bride turned survivor whose political skill, marriages, and networks helped secure Henry VII’s rise. They trace her early life, complex role during the Wars of the Roses, and her close but often-misunderstood relationship with her son and Elizabeth of York.

The conversation also busts long-standing myths, explores Margaret’s religious patronage and use of early printing, and highlights her cultural legacy. Lauren discusses her new biography, Margaret Beaufort’s Survivor Rebel Kingmaker, and why Margaret’s story matters today.

Visit Lauren Johnson's official website

http://www.lauren-johnson.com/

Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson's new online event: 'Rethinking Anne Boleyn'

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethinking-anne-boleyn-tickets-1981325385564?aff=oddtdtcreator

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