Tudor History with Claire Ridgway Podcast By Claire Ridgway cover art

Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

By: Claire Ridgway
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Step back into a world of intrigue, passion, and ruthless ambition — welcome to Tudor England. Join historian and bestselling author Claire Ridgway as she uncovers the riveting stories of the Tudor dynasty. From the scandalous love affairs of King Henry VIII to the tragic fall of Anne Boleyn, the fierce reign of Elizabeth I, and the lesser-known secrets of Tudor court life, this podcast brings history to life in vivid detail. Hear dramatic tales of betrayal, execution, forbidden love, and political manoeuvring that shaped England forever. Discover daily Tudor history with fascinating “On This Day” episodes — unique insights you won’t find in typical history books. Get behind-the-scenes stories from Claire’s own research trips to historic sites like the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, and more. Enjoy interviews with top historians and experts in Tudor studies, plus lively Q&A sessions tackling listeners’ burning Tudor questions. 🖋 Who is Claire Ridgway? Claire is the author of the bestselling On This Day in Tudor History series and numerous other Tudor books loved by readers around the world. She founded The Tudor Society, connecting enthusiasts with experts through live online events, and runs the hugely popular history websites The Anne Boleyn Files and www.ClaireRidgway.com. Her mission: to uncover the human stories behind the crown — the hopes, fears, and triumphs of not only kings and queens but also the courtiers, rebels, and ordinary people who lived under the Tudor rose. What can you expect? - Gripping accounts of famous events like the Field of Cloth of Gold, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, or the Babington Plot. - Intimate portraits of Tudor figures: Anne Boleyn’s charm and downfall, Thomas Cromwell’s rise and brutal fall, Elizabeth I’s cunning survival. - Dark mysteries and unsolved deaths — who really killed Amy Robsart? Was Katherine Howard truly guilty? - Special episodes on Tudor fashion, food, medicine, and the day-to-day lives of Tudor men and women. Join thousands of Tudor fans worldwide Never miss an episode — subscribe now and become part of a global community that can’t get enough of Tudor drama. Explore more with Claire’s books, free resources, and live historical events at www.ClaireRidgway.com. Ready to travel back 500 years? Press play and let the adventure begin.Copyright © All rights reserved. Education Personal Development Personal Success World
Episodes
  • From Empty Tomb to Easter Feast: Easter Sunday in Tudor Times
    Apr 4 2026

    Easter Sunday marks one of the most important moments in Christian history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this video, I explore the events of that first Easter morning through the Gospel of John, including Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and her powerful encounter with the risen Christ. I also share a passage from William Tyndale's Bible, a version of the New Testament that brought these words to English readers in the 16th century. But how was Easter Sunday celebrated in Tudor England? From darkened churches being filled with light again, to the opening of the Easter sepulchre and joyful feasting after Lent, this video looks at both the spiritual meaning of Easter and the traditions that surrounded it. We also explore the symbolism that continues today, from roast lamb to Easter eggs, all reflecting themes of resurrection, renewal, and hope. Do you celebrate Easter? I’d love to hear your traditions in the comments. #EasterSunday #EasterHistory #ChristianHistory #TudorHistory #Resurrection #OnThisDay #BibleHistory #EasterTraditions

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    4 mins
  • The Dark Side of Elizabeth I’s Golden Age (What They Don’t Tell You)
    Apr 3 2026

    Elizabeth I’s reign is often remembered as a Golden Age, a time of stability, cultural flourishing, and triumph over the Spanish Armada.

    But was it really golden for everyone?

    In this video, I go beyond the myth to explore the realities beneath the surface of Elizabeth I’s England, because while this period brought opportunity and power for some, for others it was marked by poverty, conflict, and fear.

    We’ll look at:

    • The growing gap between rich and poor
    • Rising inflation, poor harvests, and economic hardship
    • The devastating impact of war in Ireland
    • England’s early involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, including the voyages of John Hawkins
    • The increasing danger faced by Catholics after Elizabeth’s excommunication

    This is not about dismissing Elizabeth’s achievements, but about understanding the full picture of her reign.

    Watch next: My video on Elizabeth's Golden Age and why she's seen by many as England's greatest monarch - https://youtu.be/0rEsyt_7PHE Let me know in the comments: Do you think Elizabeth’s reign deserves to be called a Golden Age?

    #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Tudors #GoldenAge #HistoryMatters #WomensHistory #EarlyModernHistory

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    8 mins
  • Good Friday in Tudor England: Ritual, Power, and the Reformation
    Apr 2 2026

    Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a moment at the heart of the Christian faith, remembered as the ultimate act of sacrifice and redemption. But how was Good Friday marked in Tudor England? In this video, I explore both the meaning of Good Friday and the powerful, physical rituals that shaped its observance in medieval and Tudor times. From the biblical account of Christ’s trial before Pontius Pilate and crucifixion at Calvary, to the dramatic church practices of the period, including the Easter Sepulchre and the deeply symbolic ceremony of “creeping to the cross”. By the reign of Henry VIII, even the monarch took part in these rituals, approaching the cross on his knees in an act of humility. But the Reformation brought change and controversy. Under Edward VI, such practices were abolished, only to be restored with intensity under Mary I of England, whose Good Friday ceremonies also included the blessing of cramp rings and the royal healing touch. With the reign of Elizabeth I, these traditions were once again swept away, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of the Tudor period. This is a glimpse into a world where faith was not just believed, it was expressed physically, emotionally, and publicly, by both ordinary people and monarchs. How is Good Friday marked where you are? Let me know in the comments. #TudorHistory #GoodFriday #HenryVIII #MaryTudor #ElizabethI #BritishHistory #HistoryExplained #Reformation #Easter #OnThisDay

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    8 mins
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