The Forgotten Tudor Powerhouse Behind William Cecil

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1553, Edward Courtenay was created Earl of Devon by Queen Mary I. It was a stunning reversal of fortune for a man who had spent 15 years imprisoned in the Tower of London after his father, the Marquess of Exeter, was executed for treason. In this podcast, I trace the extraordinary life of Edward Courtenay: His royal blood as a great-grandson of King Edward IV His childhood imprisonment and forgotten years in the Tower His dazzling restoration under Mary I — knighted, cheered by Londoners, even carrying the sword of state at Mary’s coronation Hopes that he might marry Mary (or even Elizabeth) instead of Philip of Spain His entanglement in Wyatt’s Rebellion and return to prison Exile abroad and rumours of conspiracies, assassination plots… and finally poison His sudden death in Padua in 1556, aged just thirty Courtenay’s story is one of royal promise turned to tragedy — a man hailed as “the flower of English nobility,” yet destined to be remembered as a prisoner, pawn, and victim of Tudor politics. Do you think Edward Courtenay could ever have been a successful husband for Mary or Elizabeth? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this dive into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode. For even more Tudor treasures — including exclusive talks, printable resources, Zoom chats, and my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle — consider joining my YouTube as a channel member. #TudorHistory #MaryI #WyattsRebellion #EdwardCourtenay #AnneBoleynFiles 

On 2nd or 3rd September 1507, Thomas Savage, Archbishop of York, died at Cawood Castle in Yorkshire. Savage wasn’t just a churchman — he was one of Henry VII’s most trusted servants, a skilled diplomat, and a powerful royal official in the turbulent north of England. In this video, I uncover his remarkable story: - His family connections to the influential Stanley clan - His education at Oxford, Bologna, and Padua - His rise from royal chaplain in 1485 to Archbishop of York in 1501 - His role in negotiating Prince Arthur’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon - His escort of Princess Margaret Tudor to Scotland for her historic marriage to James IV - His dangerous rivalry with the Earl of Northumberland - And his final years at Cawood Castle, with his body buried in York Minster and his heart laid to rest in Macclesfield Though not a household name today, Thomas Savage played a vital role in Tudor politics and diplomacy, and his career reminds us how powerful churchmen could be in shaping both the kingdom and the dynasty. Had you heard of Archbishop Thomas Savage before? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this deep dive into Tudor history, please give the podcast a like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss my next episode. Want even more Tudor treasures? Join my channel as a member to access exclusive posts, behind-the-scenes content, printable resources, Zoom discussions, and my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle. #TudorHistory #HenryVII #ArchbishopOfYork #AnneBoleynFiles

On 1st September 1599, Dorcas Martin — translator, bookseller, Puritan, and wife of Sir Richard Martin, twice Lord Mayor of London — was laid to rest at All Hallows, Tottenham. Though she lived much of her life in her husband’s shadow, Dorcas carved out a place of her own in Elizabethan London. She acted as a bookseller during the fierce “pulpit wars” between Puritan preacher Thomas Cartwright and John Whitgift, and her translations of prayers and psalms appeared in "The Monument of Matrones" (1582) — the very first anthology of women’s writing published in England. In this podcast, I explore the life of Dorcas Martin: - Her family and marriage to Sir Richard Martin, Master of the Mint and Lord Mayor. - Her bold role in circulating controversial Puritan texts. - Her translations and inclusion among the first printed voices of English women. - Her enduring legacy, remembered in epitaphs and dedications. Dorcas may not have been a queen or martyr, but her voice shaped Elizabethan religious culture. It’s time to remember her. If you enjoy stories of overlooked Tudor women, don’t forget to subscribe and hit the so you don’t miss future episodes. And thank you to my channel members for supporting my work — you make podcasts like this possible! #TudorHistory #Elizabethan #WomensHistory #Puritans #OnThisDay

What if Prince Arthur, Henry VIII’s elder brother, had survived? In this special interview, I sit down with novelist Leah Toole to talk about her fascinating book "The Rose and The Pomegranate" — an alternative history novel that asks one of Tudor history’s biggest “what ifs.” In Leah’s world, Arthur Tudor doesn’t die in 1502 — and the ripple effects are enormous. Katherine of Aragon’s destiny changes, Henry VIII’s life takes a very different course, and familiar figures like the Boleyns, Wolsey, and Cromwell walk entirely new paths. In this conversation we explore: - Why Arthur Tudor and this “what if”? - How Leah balanced historical accuracy with imagination. - Arthur and Katherine’s marriage — and how it might have unfolded. - A reimagined Henry VIII without the six wives we know so well. - Which events Leah chose to keep… and which to reshape. - How a single turning point could have reshaped England, Europe, and the Church. It’s a thoughtful, imaginative, and meticulously researched take on Tudor history that fans won’t want to miss! "The Rose and The Pomegranate" is available now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rose-Pomegranate-Leah-Toole/dp/173857783X/ https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Pomegranate-Leah-Toole/dp/173857783X/ What Tudor “what if” would YOU most like to see explored? Tell us in the comments! More of my interviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrJ4vaP25436VYCw9ZB76J3J

In 1537, Cromwell had to investigate a sordid rumour about William Webbe's "pretty wench" and Henry VIII. It claimed the king had not only been unfaithful to his new queen, Jane Seymour, but had stolen another man’s mistress and kept her for himself. The story spread so widely it ended up in Alison Weir’s modern-day "Henry VIII: King and Court" and even inspired a scene in Showtime's "The Tudors" series. But what really happened? In this podcast, I investigate the 16th century sources to find out what really went on. Was this tale evidence of adultery, malicious gossip, or something darker? And what does it reveal about Henry VIII’s reputation in the shadow of Anne Boleyn’s downfall and his hasty marriage to Jane Seymour? Listen to discover: - The original 1537 letter that spread the rumour. - How Cromwell’s investigation handled it and his conclusion. - Why The Tudors dramatised the story and changed the timeline. - Whether Henry’s reputation was already beginning to unravel. Thanks for listening! If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor scandal, rumour, and history, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and consider joining my channel membership for exclusive talks, resources, and my monthly magazine The Privy Chronicle. #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #JaneSeymour #TheTudors #History

When we think of Elizabethan adventurers, names like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh usually come to mind. But on 29th August 1583, another Tudor mariner met a tragic fate — one whose name history has largely forgotten. His name was Maurice Browne. Browne wasn’t just an adventurer — he was a well-connected courtier who worked for Elizabeth I’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, and even acted as a court agent. But his ambition and spirit of exploration led him to join Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s doomed voyage to North America. Browne had the chance to escape his sinking ship. Instead, he stayed with her, dying a captain's death. In today’s video, I uncover the remarkable — and little known — story of Maurice Browne, the Tudor courtier-turned-adventurer who chose duty over survival. If you enjoy learning about forgotten figures of Tudor history, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. And if you’d like to unlock even more Tudor history — including Zoom talks, my members-only magazine "The Privy Chronicle", and behind-the-scenes extras — consider joining my channel membership today.   #TudorHistory #ElizabethanEra #AgeOfExploration #HistoryYouTube #TudorEngland #ForgottenHistory #MaritimeHistory #Shipwreck #SirFrancisDrake #SirWalterRaleigh #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoricalStories #TudorAdventurers #LostAtSea #TudorCourt 

On 28th August 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada, a young Franciscan friar named Thomas Felton was hanged near Brentford, Middlesex. Felton’s “crime”? His Catholic faith, and his refusal to acknowledge Elizabeth I as head of the Church. The son of Blessed John Felton (executed in 1570 for posting the papal bull of Elizabeth’s excommunication), young Thomas endured brutal imprisonment and torture — confined in the Little Ease, flogged, and even hanged by his hands until they bled. Yet he refused to betray his faith or the priests who sheltered English Catholics. He was just 21 years old when he went to the gallows — turning down a pardon rather than compromise his beliefs. In this podcast, I, Claire Ridgway, historian and author, share the tragic yet inspiring story of Thomas Felton, and why his courage deserves to be remembered. If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor history, please like and subscribe, and consider joining my channel membership for exclusive talks, resources, and a monthly Tudor magazine. #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #SpanishArmada #CatholicMartyrs #OnThisDay

When you hear the name Bacon, you probably think of Sir Francis Bacon — philosopher, scientist, genius. But behind him stood an equally remarkable woman: his mother, Lady Anne Bacon (née Cooke). Born in the 1520s, Anne was one of the famous Cooke sisters of Gidea Hall, all of them classically educated at a level most Tudor men could only dream of. She mastered Latin, Greek, and even Italian, and grew up immersed in humanist thought. In 1553, Anne married Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal. Together they raised Anthony (the Tudor spy) and Francis (the great thinker), but Anne wasn’t simply a background figure in their lives. She was a scholar, translator, and moral force in her own right. In this podcast, I explore: - Anne Bacon’s extraordinary education and family background - Her marriage and role in one of Tudor England’s most influential households - Her translation of John Jewel’s Apologie, a landmark defence of Protestantism - Her surviving letters — over 90 — which reveal her piety, intellect, and maternal guidance - Why she deserves to be remembered as more than just “Francis Bacon’s mother” Do you think women like Anne Bacon get enough credit in Tudor history? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoy learning about remarkable Tudor women, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future podcasts. And for even more history — including exclusive talks, printable resources, and a monthly Tudor magazine — consider joining my channel membership on YouTube. #AnneBacon #FrancisBacon #TudorHistory #TudorWomen #CookeSisters #ElizabethanEngland #ProtestantReformation #Humanism #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

Imagine being remembered not just as a bishop, diplomat, and court insider… but also as the student who annoyed a future martyr with your recorder practice! That was Thomas Thirlby, a man whose life saw the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. He supported Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, helped suppress the Pilgrimage of Grace, became the very first Bishop of Westminster, rose high under Mary I as Bishop of Ely, and yet ended his life under house arrest in Elizabeth’s reign. In this video, I explore: - Thirlby’s rise under Cromwell and Cranmer - His role in diplomacy and religious change - Why he had to degrade his old friend Thomas Cranmer before his execution - How his Catholic faith cost him dearly under Elizabeth I - And of course, that quirky Cambridge anecdote about annoying reformer Thomas Bilney with his recorder playing! Had you heard of Thomas Thirlby before? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoy deep dives into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss my next podcast. And if you’d like to join my Tudor membership — with exclusive talks, printable resources, and even a monthly magazine — click “Join” on the Anne Boleyn Files YouTube channel homepage. #TudorHistory #ThomasThirlby #AnneBoleynFiles #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #ThomasCranmer #MaryI #EdwardVI #TudorChurch #ClaireRidgway

When you hear the name Cecil in Tudor history, you probably think of William Cecil, Elizabeth I’s right-hand man. But behind him was his wife, Mildred Cecil, born Mildred Cooke on 25th August 1526 — a woman every bit as remarkable, and one of the most learned women of her age. In this video, I uncover the fascinating life of Mildred Cecil: - Her extraordinary humanist education, ranking her alongside Lady Jane Grey. - Her marriage to William Cecil, forming a true Tudor power couple. - Her scholarship, translations, and magnificent library. - Her role at Elizabeth I’s court and her influence behind the scenes. - The legacy she left behind — from books gifted to schools and universities to her resting place in Westminster Abbey. Too often overshadowed by her husband and son, Mildred Cecil deserves to be remembered as a Tudor powerhouse in her own right. If you enjoy discovering hidden stories of the Tudor world, please like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you’d like to step into my Tudor court with exclusive perks — including my monthly magazine The Privy Chronicle and live Zoom discussions — click “Join” beneath this video or on The Anne Boleyn Files channel homepage. #MildredCecil #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #WomenInHistory #AnneBoleynFiles