The Priest in the Priest Hole – The Execution of John Cornelius (1594)

On 3rd or 4th July 1594, Catholic priest John Cornelius was executed at Dorchester, along with three loyal men: Thomas Bosgrave, John Carey, and Patrick Salmon. Their crime? Helping a priest in Protestant Elizabethan England. In today’s video, I share the story of John Cornelius—from his Irish-Cornish roots and education at Oxford, to his exile, priesthood, arrest at Chideock Castle, and eventual execution. A tale of courage, faith, and one man’s final decision to become a Jesuit before facing death.   A sobering glimpse into the dangers faced by Catholics in Tudor England.   Subscribe for more true stories from Tudor history: betrayals, bravery, reform, rebellion—and everything in between.   #TudorHistory #CatholicMartyrs #ElizabethI #JohnCornelius #TudorExecutions #ChideockCastle

Why were Henry VIII and Elizabeth I part of a dynasty called “Tudor”?  In this podcast, historian and author Claire Ridgway explores the fascinating Welsh origins of the name Tudor—from its Brythonic meaning to how a noble family from Anglesey became one of the most famous royal houses in English history. Discover how: - The name “Tudor” evolved from patronymic Welsh naming traditions - Owain ap Maredudd ap Tudur rose from Welsh nobility to royal service - His descendants shaped the Tudor dynasty - Henry VII proudly claimed his Welsh heritage in his rise to power - And why he used a red dragon in his arms From rebellion and exile to royal marriage and the Battle of Bosworth—this is the real story behind the name Tudor. Did you know the Tudors were Welsh? Share your favourite Tudor trivia in the comments! Subscribe for more Tudor deep-dives every week! #TudorHistory #WelshHistory #HenryVII #ElizabethI #TudorDynasty #OwenTudor #ClaireRidgway #BritishMonarchy #RoyalHistory #HouseOfTudor

From the rise in population and bad harvests to the closing of the monasteries and harsh Poor Laws, we’ll explore the causes of poverty, the categories of the poor, and how Elizabethan England created one of the earliest welfare systems in Europe. Learn about: - The 1601 Elizabethan Poor Law - Almshouses, houses of correction, and the “poor rate” - The impact of enclosure and inflation - Tudor views on charity and vagrancy Plus examples of real local initiatives to support the poor. For further reading, see:  – Poor Relief in Tudor England by Edith Burrows - https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/1075/  – Rich and Poor in Tudor Times by Peter D. Riley - Borrow at https://archive.org/details/richpoorintudort0000rile  And my article on Anne Boleyn’s charitable giving at: https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/anne-boleyn-and-charity/ #TudorHistory #ElizabethanPoorLaw #TudorEngland #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay #TudorSociety #TudorLife

On this day in Tudor history, 25th June 1601, Peregrine Bertie, 13th Baron Willoughby, died of fever at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Born in exile during the reign of Mary I, Bertie was the son of Katherine Willoughby, Duchess of Suffolk and widow of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. A soldier, a diplomat, and a loyal servant to Elizabeth I, Bertie led troops in the Netherlands, fought at the Battle of Zutphen, and helped defend England during the time of the Spanish Armada. In this podcast, I look at the life and legacy of this often-overlooked Tudor figure, from his birth abroad to his final days at the Anglo-Scottish border. #TudorHistory #PeregrineBertie #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorSoldier #ElizabethanEra #OnThisDay #HistoryVideo #ClaireRidgway

Sir Walter Ralegh may get the credit, but tobacco’s story in England started long before he lit up — and it’s far more surprising than you might think. In this video, we explore how tobacco travelled from sacred Native American ceremonies to Tudor England’s courtly circles. From its use in healing rituals to its rise as a fashionable trend—and finally to King James I’s fiery condemnation in A Counterblaste to Tobacco—this is the fascinating tale of how one plant sparked one of history’s first public health debates. We’ll look at how sailors, explorers, physicians, poets, and monarchs all played a part in the spread (and backlash) of this smoky habit. From nose cancer to nose-wrinkling monarchs, Tudor tobacco was anything but boring. Let me know in the comments—were you surprised by any of these tobacco twists? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more intriguing dives into Tudor life, culture, and controversy. #TudorHistory #TobaccoHistory #SirWalterRalegh #KingJamesI #CounterblasteToTobacco #OnThisDay #HistoryTube #TudorLife #ElizabethI #16thCentury #EarlyModernMedicine #TobaccoFacts

On this day in Tudor-Stuart history, 19th June 1566, King James VI of Scotland and I of England was born at Edinburgh Castle—an infant who would one day unite two crowns and leave a lasting legacy on British history. The only son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Lord Darnley, James became King of Scotland at just 13 months old following his father’s murder and his mother’s forced abdication. Raised as a Protestant in a volatile Scotland, James matured into a politically astute and scholarly monarch. In 1603, he succeeded Queen Elizabeth I of England, uniting the thrones and becoming the first monarch to rule both Scotland and England. His reign was marked by events both dramatic and defining: the Gunpowder Plot, the publication of the King James Bible, witch hunts, and his vision for a united Britain. James was a complex figure — a believer in the divine right of kings, a published author on monarchy and morality, a man whose close male relationships stirred controversy, and a ruler who sought peace over war. In this podcast, we explore the life, reign, and legacy of one of the most fascinating monarchs in British history. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into Tudor and Stuart history! #JamesVI #JamesI #TudorHistory #StuartHistory #OnThisDay #GunpowderPlot #KingJamesBible #MaryQueenOfScots #BritishMonarchy

On this day in Tudor history — traditionally 15th June 1519 — Henry Fitzroy, the illegitimate but much-loved son of King Henry VIII and Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount, was born at the Priory of St Lawrence in Essex. Acknowledged by his father and showered with titles, Fitzroy was raised for greatness. At just six, he became Duke of Richmond and Somerset, Earl of Nottingham, and Knight of the Garter—unprecedented honours for a royal bastard. He was educated like a prince, married into the powerful Howard family, and held top-level posts including Lord Admiral and President of the Council of the North. There were even whispers he might be legitimised and named heir. But in July 1536, aged only seventeen, Fitzroy died suddenly—likely from tuberculosis—just weeks after witnessing the fall of Anne Boleyn. His father was devastated. Had Fitzroy lived, could he have succeeded his father as king? Was England robbed of a strong, adult heir? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Tudor history stories. #TudorHistory #HenryFitzroy #HenryVIII #BessieBlount #OnThisDay #RoyalBastards #TudorHeir #16thCentury #HistoryTube #TudorPrince #AnneBoleyn  

On this day in Tudor history, 12th June 1567, Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich, died—and few figures in the Tudor era have earned the label "villain" quite like him. From betraying Sir Thomas More to personally torturing Protestant martyr Anne Askew, Rich’s name is forever tied to some of the darkest episodes of Henry VIII’s reign. But was he simply ruthless—or just a master of survival in a dangerous political landscape? In this podcast, I take a closer look at Richard Rich’s life and legacy—from his legal rise and key government roles, to his shocking betrayals, opportunism, and his surprisingly charitable acts later in life. He served under Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I… but not Elizabeth I. And yet, his impact on Tudor England is undeniable. Let me know in the comments—Tudor villain or savvy survivor? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Tudor deep dives. #TudorHistory #RichardRich #AnneAskew #SirThomasMore #TudorVillains #OnThisDay #HistoryTube #16thCentury #TudorPolitics #Reformation #TudorDrama

Tossing and turning at night? The Tudors may have had the answer. In this video, we dive into the fascinating world of Tudor sleep—where bedtime wasn’t just about rest, but about health, virtue, and even the soul. From feather mattresses and “sleep tight” rope beds to nighttime prayers, herbal pouches, and warm possets, sleep in Tudor England was a carefully managed ritual. Did you know Tudors often had a first sleep and second sleep, waking in between to read, pray, or talk quietly by candlelight? Or that the wrong sleeping position could disrupt your digestion—or invite nightmares? Join me as I explore what the Tudors believed about sleep, how they prepared for bed, the beds they slept in, and how their nightly habits could still teach us something today. Whether you're a history lover or a fellow night owl—this one’s for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more glimpses into daily life in Tudor England. Sleep tight!   Here's a recipe for a Tudor posset made from eggs, milk, ale and cinnamon and ginger, which could also be infused with rose or lemonbalm - http://www.historiesofsleep.com/2017/06/27/little-moreton-halls-sleep-remedies/ Further reading: Sleep in Early Modern England – Sasha Handley https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall/features/how-we-used-to-sleep  

On this day in Tudor history, 5th June 1516, Maria de Salinas married Lord Willoughby of Eresby. But this Spanish noblewoman would be remembered not for her marriage, but for her fierce loyalty to Queen Catherine of Aragon. Maria’s story is one of deep friendship, political influence, and unwavering devotion. She followed Catherine from Spain to England, stood by her through triumph and tragedy, and, in the end, defied royal orders to be with her dying friend. In 1536, when Catherine was banished and gravely ill at Kimbolton Castle, Maria risked everything. She rode through a bitter winter storm, suffered a riding accident, and still pushed on—claiming to have lost her permission papers, just to reach Catherine’s side. She arrived just in time. The queen died the next day. Join me as I explore the extraordinary life and character of Maria de Salinas—friend, mother, fighter, and one of the most loyal women in Tudor history. #MariaDeSalinas #CatherineOfAragon #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #WomenInHistory #TudorCourt #TudorQueens #RealFriendship #TudorEngland #SpanishNoblewoman #KimboltonCastle #LoyaltyAndLove #HistoricalWomen #TudorDrama #AnneBoleynFiles