Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast is produced by the team that cares for six of the UK's most famous palaces, including the Tower of London and Hampton Court. It offers a fortnightly exploration of the history, stories, and people connected to these royal residences. Episodes range from recorded live talks to new discussions, covering both well-known monarchs and lesser-known historical figures.
Episodes
The Royal Menagerie - Animals at The Tower of London
For hundreds of years, the Tower of London was home to animals from all over the world. Animals were given as diplomatic gifts, brought by hunters, or captured in the process of colonisation. What were conditions like for these animals? Who cared for them? And what does their presence at the Tower tell us about Britain's relationship with the wider world? In this episode, Curator Charles Farris
Queen Victoria's Education at Kensington Palace
We might think of Queen Victoria as an elderly woman in black mourning dress, but she was only 18 when she came to the throne. Victoria spent much of her childhood at Kensington Palace. Here, a rigorous programme of education aimed to prepare her for the responsibility of ruling Britain and its Empire. Victoria believed her childhood was 'oppressive', but what was her schooling really like, an
Oliver Cromwell's Palace - Hampton Court During the Interregnum
A regicide might be the last person you'd think would save a king's palace – but in Oliver Cromwell, Hampton Court found an unlikely admirer. During his time as Head of State, Cromwell's family filled Hampton Court with music, art and beauty – and even some scandalous statues – as their family home. In doing so, they saved it from the threat of demolition, and ensured its survival until Charles
Charles I - The Execution of a 'Traitor' King at the Banqueting House
Charles I's execution was unprecedented and shocking. He staked everything on his divine right to rule – the same concept that inspired his spectacular Rubens ceiling at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace. Ironically, this glorification of monarchy was one of the King's last sights, before he died on the scaffold. In this episode, curators Minette Butler and Dr Alden Gregory explore this fas
Tudor Prisoners at the Tower of London - Stories in Graffiti
The walls of the Tower of London are covered with carvings - graffiti left behind by the prisoners who were locked inside. The Tudor monarchs imprisoned hundreds of people, for treason, sedition, or simply their religious faith. In this episode, Dr Jamie Ingram visits the Beauchamp Tower, which houses some of the most impressive and well known graffiti at the Tower of London. These marks, som
Queen Anne - A Woman of Contradictions with Gareth Russell
Queen Anne was the first Queen of Great Britain, but wasn't supposed to rule. She could be pious and shy, but was also scandelous and scheming. Today, she is perhaps best known from the award winning film, 'The Favourite'. Anne's impact is clear at Hampton Court Palace, where the ceiling of the Queen's Drawing Room is covered with a glorious homage to her reign. In this episode, join hist
Benjamin Franklin's Curious Visit to Hillsborough Castle (From The Archive)
Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father, writer, inventor – remains one of the most famous visitors to Hillsborough Castle in its history. His visit to his political foe, Wills Hill, 1st Earl of Hillsborough, in 1771 offers an unexpected link to the history of US independence. The two men were so completely opposed that earlier the same year, Franklin had tried to have Lord Hillsborough impeached. In
George III – 'Tyrant' King of the American Colonies?
In the Declaration of Independence, signed on 4th July 1776, King George III is cast as a 'tyrant'. How fair is this representation? In this episode, Kew Palace curator Polly Putnam is joined by Dr Rachel Herrmann, Senior Lecturer in Modern American History at Cardiff University, and Dr Robin Eagles, Editor at the History of Parliament Trust. Together, they explore George III's legacy in the Unit
LGBTQ+ Histories at Our Palaces (From The Archive)
LGBTQ+ people have always existed in the history of our palaces, but stories of this community are often obscured or misunderstood. We've delved into the archive to bring you this special episode for Pride Month, re-connecting with stories from the LGBTQ+ community. When we explore queer histories, we gain a much fuller picture of societies in the past, from when our palaces were first built,
What Happened to Anne Boleyn's Family After Her Fall?
In 1533, the Boleyns seemed to have it all. Anne Boleyn was Queen, and her family were reaping the rewards of Henry VIII's favour. But it was not to last. Within three years, each member of the faction was fighting for survival as their power evaporated. In this second episode of a two-part series on the Rise and Fall of the Boleyns, Tracy Borman is joined by Gareth Russell at Hampton Court Pal
Growing Up in the House of Boleyn
The Boleyn family captivated Henry VIII – but who were they before their meteoric rise to fame? Who were the little-known women operating from Hever Castle? And was Anne's father the schemer he's made out to be? In this first episode of a new series on the Rise and Fall of the Boleyns, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey from Hever Castle. They explore how
Thomas Cromwell - Architect of the Reformation?
Thomas Cromwell might have pulled off the most meteoric social climb of the 16th century. From the rough shores of Putney to the illustrious court of Henry VIII, his journey to power reveals so much about the opportunities and dangers of the Tudor period. In this final episode of our series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman explores the real story of a man often seen as a villain. Joined b
Thomas More – The Man Who Defied Henry VIII?
Thomas More lived by the mantra, 'I am the King's good servant, but God's first'. He would also die by it. His defiance at Henry VIII's break with Rome would be his salvation, and his destruction. In this episode of our series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman is joined by historian Dr Joanne Paul to examine the truth behind Thomas More's legacy. Was he a saintly man of conscience in a co
Thomas Wolsey - Henry VIII's Powerful Chief Minister
Thomas Wolsey was born the son of a butcher from Ipswich, yet he rose to become one of the most powerful men in Tudor England as Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor. He was even known as 'The Other King', and built a palace that rivalled Henry VIII's. This spectacular rise was only matched by the drama of his fall. In this first episode of our new series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman is joine
The Last Princesses of Punjab
The Last Princesses of Punjab left behind legacies that continue to resonate today, but what impact did these women have and how should we remember them? In this final episode in our series, we join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam, as they chat to researcher and collector Peter Bance, and Dr Nadhra Shahbaz, Associate Professor of the Art and Architecture of Punjab. What were the
The Duleep Singh Sisters - From Debutantes to Defiance
The Duleep Singh sisters went from Victorian Debutantes in high society, to defiant changemakers in the 20th century, but how did this change happen? Join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam, alongside Dr Sumita Mukherjee and Dr Siobhan Lambert-Hurley, to explore how the sister's heritage and individual indefinites led them to explore defiance in their lives. Find out more about Th
The Duleep Singh Family – Queen Victoria & Empire
The lives of the Duleep Singh sisters were deeply impacted by Queen Victoria's Empire in India, and their father's displacement as the last Maharaja of the Punjab, yet they lived a life of privilege as aristocrats in Victorian Britain. Join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam, alongside Dr Priya Atwal, to explore the early lives of Princesses Sophia, Catherine and Bamba. How did Empire
Hampton Court Palace - Tudor vs Baroque
Hampton Court is a palace of two halves and countless stories. But which side is best? The Tudor half displays all the court intrigue of the dynasty it's named for, and yet the Baroque side is no less dramatic, holding the stories of the Restoration, Glorious Revolution, and Georgians within its decorative walls. Join Tracy Borman and Gareth Russell on a private tour of this palace of two halve
Women of the 'Glorious Revolution' - Mary of Modena & Mary II
Mary of Modena and Mary II are two Queens whose lives have been lost in the story of the 'Glorious Revolution'. Yet they were fundamental to the machinations of the turbulent late 1600s, where heightened religious tension made for dangerous politics at the Stuart court. So for today's episode, we're bringing them back into the centre of the story. Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by Ass
Margaret Beaufort – Matriarch of the Tudors
Margaret Beaufort was a leading figure in the tumultuous Wars of the Roses and would go on to become the matriarch of the Tudor Dynasty. Mother to Henry VII and a key player in bringing the Tudors to the throne, was Margaret a manipulative schemer as she has sometimes been portrayed, or instead a resilient survivor of trauma and decades of civil conflict? To better understand Margaret in t
William Shakespeare - Playwright to The King
On the 1st of Janurary, 1604, Hampton Court Palace hosted a performance by William Shakespeare's acting troupe, The King's Men. They were booked to perform for the new King of England, James VI of Scotland, and one of the plays that they chose was 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. What did it mean to be part of 'The King's Men'? How did Shakespeare's relationship with James VI and I shape his life and
Empress Matilda - The Anarchy, Queenship & Power
Empress Matilda wielded an extraordinary amount of power during the period known as the Anarchy in the 12th century, yet she just missed out on being crowned the first queen regnant in England. Originally chosen as heir for her abilities as a ruler, Matilda was determined to fight her cause when her throne was usurped by her cousin Stephen. But how was she viewed by contemporaries, and what i
The Tower's Medieval Past through Archaeology
Archaeology can offer us new discoveries into the Tower of London's medieval past, as well as insights into the lives of the community that lived and worked there. In 2019, and in the summer of 2025, we undertook one of the most important excavations at the Tower for a generation, just outside the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula. Now for the first time ever, we have detailed information about t
What Did the Tudors Eat for Christmas?
What was on the table for a Tudor Christmas dinner? From the lavish feasts of Henry VIII to the sugar delicacies gifted to Elizabeth I, Christmas at court was a spectacle to behold and to taste! But for ordinary people, the preservation of meats, cheese, fruit and vegetables was essential to even last the winter. In this episode, Hampton Court Palace's Historic Kitchens Team discuss the cultu
The Lie that Started the Stuarts
The lie that started the Stuart Dynasty in England, also shaped the end of the Tudor era. But how can we better understand how this fiction was created, and ultimately who it benefitted? In this final episode of our Stolen Tudor Crown series with Chef Historian Tracy Borman, we delve into the end of Elizabeth I's reign, and the manuscripts written by William Camden that document it. What is truth
Arbella Stuart - Elizabeth I's Forgotten Heir
Today Arbella Stuart is Elizabeth I's forgotten heir, yet during her lifetime she was raised in the belief that she might one day be Queen. Her life can be viewed as tragically romantic, but is there much more to her story then that? What agency did Arbella wield, or was she completely controlled by the forces around her? In this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by historian Sarah
Guy Fawkes - Legacy of the Gunpowder Plot
Guy Fawkes, the man behind the iconic rhyme has just failed to light the fuse of the Gunpowder Plot, one of the most notable plots in British history. In this second episode of our two-part series, Curators Charles Farris, Brett Dolman and Alden Gregory talk through the failure of the plot and what relevance this has to us today. Why do we still celebrate it?
Why Did The Gunpowder Plot Happen?
In November 1605, a group of religious radicals attempted to assassinate King James I, the man they deemed responsible for their oppression. Guy Fawkes was meant to light the fuse, bringing the Houses of Parliament down in a catastrophic explosion. He failed. But what drove him and the other plotters to this drastic action? In this re-released episode, hear from curators Charles Farris, Al
Elizabeth I's Uncrowned Heirs
Who were the many uncrowned heirs to Elizabeth I, and how did their role as unnamed successors shape their lives? In this second episode of the series, we're back with Chief Curator Tracy Borman, as she follows the Tudor family tree back to Henry VII, to unpick the complicated web of successors to Elizabeth I's throne. Find out more about the claimants to the Tudor Crown. Read about
The Stolen Tudor Crown with Tracy Borman
What is the story we think we know about the Elizabethan succession? Was it a smooth transition to the Stuarts, or was it a stolen Tudor crown? In this first episode of our four-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman will talk us through why Elizabeth I never named an heir, and what repercussions that had for the end of the Tudor dynasty. Find out more about Elizabeth's brush with death in
Introducing The Stolen Tudor Crown – NEW SERIES
The story of the end of the Tudor dynasty is well known. With the death of Elizabeth I, the accension of James VI & I saw the Stuarts take the English throne. But the truth behind the succession is much darker than a peacful transition, it's a tale full of treachery and deceit. In this four-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman will explore the Stolen Tudor Crown. Who were the front runners
Behind The Scenes of The Tudor Chapel Royal
The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace is a melting pot of architectural styles from across history, reflecting the era-spanning life of the palace itself. But step away from the grandeur of the Chapel's interior, and this amazing space holds hidden evidence of how the Tudors would have experienced it, and how the palace has been renovated into what we see today. In this re-released ep
Medieval Secrets of the Byward Tower
The Byward Tower at the Tower of London holds some of the oldest surviving treasures of the fortress, including a unique medieval masterpiece – the wall painting known as the Byward Angel. In this episode of A Space I Love, enter past the Tower's formidable defenses, and follow Curator Alfred Hawkins on an exclusive tour of this remarkable space, which is usually closed to visitors. Explore
George III's Great Pagoda in Kew Gardens
George III's Great Pagoda in Kew Gardens is the tallest building Historic Royal Palaces looks after. With its Chinese-inspired design and fierce dragons, it is an eye-catching example of the Georgian fascination with architecture from around the world. Welcome back to the new series of A Space I Love, the mini-series that transports you to history where it happened. Join curator Lee Prosser
The Royal Drawing Room at Hillsborough Castle
Step inside the Drawing Room of the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Inspired by the Queen Mother, full of contemporary art, and surprisingly cozy, this is a room unlike any other across our palaces. Welcome to a new series of A Space I Love, the mini-series that transports you to history where it happened. In this first episode, Castle Host Carol McMullan takes us on an
Elizabeth I's Lost Private Gardens
The Private Tudor Gardens of Hampton Court were lost when they were replaced by later additions. Yet small glimpses remain to us of these Privy Gardens, revealing an intriguing snapshot into the private lives of the Tudor monarchs and the people who worked for them. Alexandra Stevenson is Curator of Archaeology and Historic Buildings. She shares with us her latest research exploring Elizabeth I'
Holbein's The Ambassadors - A Tudor Masterpiece
Hans Holbein's Tudor masterpiece known as the Ambassadors was painted in 1533, the year when Henry VIII changed the course of history. Religious turmoil sweeps through Europe and Anne Boleyn is Queen of England. Two Ambassadors choose to capture this pivotal moment of religious and political upheaval, but who were they and what did they want this painting to convey? In today's episode we joi
A Walk in the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle
The Gardens of Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are the perfect place to walk and enjoy the sounds and feelings of being in nature. So for today's episode, we're collaborating with sound artist and musician Alice Boyd, who is going to lead us into these tranquil gardens to meet Claire Woods who is Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle. We want you to be immersed by this episode, so take a
LGBTQ+ History – Queer Possibilities at Our Palaces
LGBTQ+ people have always existed in the history of our palaces, yet the stories of this community have often been obscured or misunderstood. When we explore queer histories, we gain a much fuller picture of societies in the past, from when our palaces were first built, right on through to their more recent history. In this week's episode, Curator Matthew Storey is joined by Assistant
Queens of the Medieval Tower of London
There are two Queens Consort particularly connected to the history of the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London; Eleanor of Provence and Eleanor of Castile. Although less famous than other queens, these women are emblematic of how medieval queenship could perform and embody power in the 13th century. To find out more, Curator Charles Farris is joined by Professor Louise Wilkinson. Today mark
The Medieval Jewish community at the Tower of London
The history of the Jewish community in Medieval England is complex and fascinating, but it hasn't received as much attention as it deserves when it comes to our understanding of the Tower of London. In this bonus episode as part of our mini-series, curator Charles Farris is joined by Dr Rory MacLellan and Professor Miri Rubin to discuss how the Jewish community interacted with the Crown and t
The Tower of London's Medieval Palace
The Medieval Palace at the Tower of London formed a significant part of the Tower's large-scale expansion in the 13th Century, turning the castle into a strong defensive fortress. In this episode, Curator Charles Farris explores the Medieval Palace that survives today, to find out what place the Tower held in medieval society. How was it used by the kings and queens who lived here, and what can
The Medieval Tower of London - NEW SERIES
In this new three-part series Curator Charles Farris will be exploring what the Tower of London was like in the medieval times. We'll step into the Medieval Palace, walking in the footsteps of the kings, queens, and communities who built these walls. In the 13th century, the Tower was expanded into the fortress we recognise today, but what can we learn from it, and how was it used by the peopl
Tudor Treasures of the Mary Rose
When the Mary Rose was raised in the 1980s, she brought to light a treasure trove of objects that can reveal so much about life in Tudor England and beyond. In this second episode of our two-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is shown the preciously conserved history of the Mary Rose by Dr Alex Hildred, Head of Research at the musuem. Find out more about visiting and supporting the M
Henry VIII's Warship – The Mary Rose
The story of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's favourite ship, is one that is closely connected to the reign of the iconic Tudor monarch, but it is the history of her demise that remains a mystery to this day. When she sank in 1545, she lost almost her entire crew, but this tragedy would preserve for posterity a remarkable time capsule of Tudor England and beyond. In this first episode of our mini-se
Dress Codes of Historic Court Fashion
Dress codes can tell us so much about historic court fashion and the rules and regulations of royal clothing. But they can also relate to the way we think about, and express who we are today, as much as in the past. To celebrate the opening of our new exhibition at Kensington Palace, Caterina Berni speaks to Curator Matthew Story and bespoke period tailor Zack Pinsent of Pinsent Tailoring; to expl
Matilda of Flanders - Queen of the Conqueror
Matilda of Flanders is the formidable consort of William the Conqueror, yet she is relatively unknown in the story of the 1066 conquest of England. Chief Historian Tracy Borman makes her pitch for the pivotal role Matilda played as a champion for female sovereignty, and for her contribution to arguably the most successful dynasty in medieval Europe, the Normans. Read more about Matilda of F
Women Who Rarely Make History
We're all familiar with the iconic queens who have lived at the palaces, but what about the women who haven't made it into the history books? What are their stories, and what are some of the obstacles to studying women's history? In this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman celebrates International Women's Day by asking four of our curators and researchers to tell us about their favourite lesser
Love Life of King James VI & I
Understanding the love life of James VI & I can give us a better picture of the man himself in his entirety, and not simply through the lens of his kingship, or the politics of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. So in this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is once again in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace, joined by Gareth Russell to discuss the subject of his latest book 'Quee
Torture at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is almost synonymous with the idea of torture, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries. When we think of this iconic historic site, the history of violence is one of the first things to come to mind, yet to what extent is this a fabrication of history? In this episode, Dr Catherine Jenkinson from the University of Oxford talks us through one of the latest research projects at
New Research with Lucy Worsley - Floating Palaces: Royal Yachts
In this mini-series on new research at our palaces, PhD student Ellis Huddart joins Lucy Worsley to explore the history of the Royal Yacht. Ellis' PhD hopes to examine how Royal Yachts existed as places outside of the usual rules and conventions of both royal palaces and royalty. They can therefore reveal a lot about the material culture of British Imperialism in the Victorian era, and the changin
New Research with Lucy Worsley - Queen Victoria's Library
In this mini-series on new research at our palaces, PhD student Gabrielle Fields joins Lucy Worsley to explore the life of Queen Victoria through the books she read. Gabrielle's PhD introduces a new lens through which to examine Queen Victoria through her reading materials. It ultimately aims to reveal Queen Victoria's efforts to educate herself politically, her attempts at self-improvement, and
New Research with Lucy Worsley – The Multiple Identities of Mary II
In this mini-series on new research at our palaces, Dr Holly Marsden joins Lucy Worsley to explore the many identities of Mary II, disentangling her story from that of her husband and co-ruler William III. The product of four years of research, Holly's PhD ultimately aims to disrupt the perception that Mary did not have political agency. This episode is part of a mini-series about new research at
History of Christmas at the Palaces
From Tudor and Medieval Christmas tide celebrations, to Queen Victoria and Albert's newer traditions, we're re-releasing our Christmas episode to reveal the history of Christmas at our palaces. Curator Charles Farris is joined by Historic Kitchens Manager Richard Fitch, and Curator Lee Prosser, as they begin the holiday season with some festive tomfoolery. Make our Victorian Christmas puddi
Elizabeth I – Gloriana, the Virgin Queen
Elizabeth I's propaganda images of Gloriana and the Virgin Queen have hugely impacted her reputation as the last Tudor Monarch. Yet the twilight years of her reign were both personally and politically difficult. In this final episode in our series, Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman is joined by renowned historian Dr Helen Castor. Together they contemplate which female relationships shaped this ti
Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots
Elizabeth I's relationship with Mary, Queen of Scots is perhaps the most pivotal of her entire life, and yet they never met. In this second episode in our series, Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman is joined by Dr Andrea Clarke, to discuss how as confidantes and rival queens, Elizabeth and Mary's relationship would shape the image that Elizabeth would adopt for herself, that of Gloriana. Read abo
Elizabeth I - The Women Who Shaped a Queen
Elizabeth I was profoundly shaped by the women around her, and this series will explore these pivotal relationships throughout her life. Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman opens our series with Dr Nicola Tallis, and together they explore the young Elizabeth, before she came to the throne. The formative relationships she experienced during this time shaped the queen she would become; her mother Anne
Introducing Elizabeth I - The Women Who Shaped A Queen - NEW SERIES
This new three-part series on the Historic Royal Palaces Podcast will explore Elizabeth I, and the women who shaped a queen. Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman will take us on a journey from Elizabeth's early life, right the way through to the challenging final years of her reign. We'll learn which pivotal female relationships made her the queen we know today, and how these nurturing and often chall
James I and the Witch Hunts: A War on Women?
When James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne as James I, he sparked the English witch hunts into a fire. They would become one of the largest miscarriages of justice against women in the 17th century, but what prompted them, and why did James become such a ruthless champion of this war on women? For this Halloween Episode, we join Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman and historian Gareth Rus
A Space I Love S3 – The Queen's Staircase at Hampton Court Palace
In this final episode of our A Space I Love Series, we join Deputy Chief Curator Sebastian Edwards in the Queen's staircase at Hampton Court Palace. The stairs are the hub of the palace, and they represent a surprisingly unique space with a lot to say. Once the main thoroughfare to the queen's private apartments, but largely unused after Henry VIII's time, the grand staircase has remained uncha
A Space I Love S3 – Chapel of St John the Evangelist at the Tower of London
This week is the third part of our mini-series on spaces we love. We'll be joining Assistant Curator Alfred Hawkins, who has chosen to take us into the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, at the Tower of London. As the most important space in the White Tower, the Chapel Royal holds huge historic significance in representing the Norman Conquest's power, control and religious dominance. Alfred explo
A Space I Love S3 – The Dining Room at Hillsborough Castle
This week we're continuing our mini-series on treasured spaces with a trip to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland. We'll follow Research and Interpretation Producer Emma Lawthers, into the magnificent state dining room – a space that represents the political history of Northern Ireland, with a curious and unexpected connection to the birth of the United States of America. Find
A Space I Love S3 – The Oak Room at Hampton Court Palace
In this four part mini-series, we're back exploring a selection of treasured spaces in our palaces with the people who know them best, our curators. Each space has been personally chosen by our resident experts, revealing how immersing ourselves in a place can connect us to the past, and make us reflect on the present. In this first episode we'll follow Assistant Curator Minette Butler into a d
The Tudor World - Beyond Hampton Court Palace
The Tudor world ushered in an age of wealth, magnificence, challenge and opportunity in the early 16th century. Hampton Court Palace stood at the heart of this period, as the home of Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII's chief minister. But the Tudor story extends beyond the palace walls into the wider world, encompassing a time of exploration and exploitation. In this episode, Curator Brett Dolman walks u
The Princes in the Tower - Wars of the Roses Part Five
Does the mystery of the Princes in the Tower remain of such interest today because it is unsolved? In this final episode of our Wars of the Roses series, Curator Charles Farris is joined by Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman and Research Lead Dr Laura Tompkins, to discuss the complex and divisive 'end' to the Wars of the Roses with the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower, and the reputation
Women of the Wars of the Roses - Part Four
Women played vital roles in the power struggles of the Wars of the Roses, but history hasn't always been portrayed this way. In this episode we're putting women back in the narrative, from Margaret of Anjou right the way through to Elizabeth of York and the start of the Tudor Dynasty. Curator Charles Farris and Dr Joanna Laynesmith talk us through the key women of the Wars of the Roses. Furthe
Wars of the Roses Part Three – Edward IV to Richard III
The middle and end of the Wars of the Roses is arguably the most complicated period of this history, with big personalities and power players fighting for the top spot in the game of thrones. In episode three of this series, we hope to unpack the reigns of Edward IV through to the Battle of Bosworth, asking along the way when the real end to the Wars of the Roses was? Curator Charles Farris is
Wars of the Roses Part Two – The Reign of Henry VI
In this second episode of our five-part series on the Wars of the Roses, we investigate the reign of Henry VI and the start of the dynastic struggle that was the Wars of the Roses. Henry has often been blamed for the start of the conflict because of his methods of kingship. His experience with mental health challenges was little understood by his contemporaries, and arguably by historians today.
Wars of the Roses Part One - Origins and Context
The Wars of the Roses was a turbulent period of conflict in the 15th century that ultimately ushered in a new dynasty with the Tudors. In this first episode of our new five-part series, Historic Royal Palaces Curator Charles Farris leads us into the stormy dynastic struggle by laying out the context and origins behind the Wars. Who were the major power players, and what initiated such a period of
The Wars of the Roses - NEW SERIES
In this new five-part series, Historic Royal Palaces Curator Charles Farris leads us into the stormy world of the Wars of the Roses. We aim to reveal how and why such a turbulent period of conflict occurred in the 15th century, and ultimately how it ushered in a new dynasty with the Tudors. Charles will be joined by expert historians and Curators from Historic Royal Palaces, to help unpack wha
Graffiti at the Tower of London – New Research at the Palaces
The Tower of London holds an incredible collection of historic graffiti, from the prisoners of the Tudor dynasty, right through to the 20th century. But there is still so much that we don't know about who made the graffiti and why. In this episode, we follow Postdoctoral Research Associate Jamie Inghram into the Salt Tower, a legendary prisoner tower in the precinct of the Tower of London. The Sa
Outliers – Pinpricks of Light
Caroline Herschel stares at the stars. Recognition as an astronomer and scientist seems further away than even the most distant constellations. But her discovery of comets and her love for her work is contagious. It's not long before Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, takes notice. Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events
Outliers – Secrets of the Bedchamber
Catalina served Katherine of Aragon for years, proudly, passionately, and loyally following her from Spain all the way to the side of King Henry VIII. But Henry's interest has turned. He is intent on divorce, and his henchmen are digging up the secrets of Katherine's first marriage to Arthur Tudor. They think Catalina is the weakest link and their method is intimidation. But have they underestima
Outliers – Crack of Thunder
Leech is a man who knows about fire, how it burns and how it feels. But when Whitehall Palace, the largest palace in Europe, becomes the greatest kindling pile for a seemingly unquenchable blaze, even he is left dazzled. Everything burns, even the home of kings. Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the
Outliers – Fresh Sweat and Cloves
As lady-in-waiting to an ageing queen and wife to a failed adventurer, Bess Raleigh has learnt to fight her corner against all adversity. Her life is spent in the shadow of the Tower of London with her husband Sir Walter Raleigh. But will she manage to keep her head whilst others around her lose theirs? Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explore
Outliers – Mehmet and Peter
Outliers – Stories from the edge of history is an historic fiction podcast that explores how big events are viewed and shaped by the people in the shadows. It's late spring in 1726 at Kensington Palace, and the lavish court of King George I is in residence. Meanwhile, Mehmet, the Turkish valet to the King, is having some problems with Peter from Hanover, 'the wild boy' who is kept for the King
Henry VIII's Royal Progresses - New Research at the Palaces
The practice of journeying around the country on royal progress is one that monarchs used to strengthen their rule. But they can reveal a lot more than you'd think about kingship and queenship, even for tried and tested subjects such as Henry VIII and his six Queens. We follow Post-Doctoral Research Assistant Kirsty Wright, as she guides us through the importance of new research into where
Day in the Life of...A Yeoman Warder
The Yeoman Warders have guarded the Tower of London for 500 years, and is perhaps the oldest of jobs that still exists in our palaces today. In this final episode of a Day in the Life, we meet the Chief Yeoman Warder himself, Rob Fuller, and Curator Charles Farris fills us in on the storied history of this role. To find out more about the forgotten stories of those who worked at the royal pala
Day in the life of...A Bricklayer
Hampton Court Palace was built and maintained by craftspeople, and this is a practice that endures to this day at the palaces. We follow Master Bricklayer Emma Simpson into her workshop where she describes the joy of her work and how it connects her to history. We then hear from Assistant Curator Alexandra Stevenson as she tells us about her research into female craftspeople who had a hand in bui
Day in the Life of...A Gardener
In this episode we meet Senior Gardener Jane, who works at Hampton Court Palace. Jane takes us behind the scenes into the Nursery as we contemplate the hard work that goes into creating beautiful gardens. To help contextualise the work of an historic gardener, Curator Lee Prosser takes us on an informative stroll around the gardens that have been worked for hundreds of years. For the next few
