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

Storms at sea. Panic at court. And a queen under guard. On this day in Tudor history — 30th July 1588 — England’s fate shifted with the wind. The once-mighty Spanish Armada, already damaged by the Battle of Gravelines, was now scattered and driven northwards by violent storms. Many in England saw it as divine intervention — a “Protestant Wind” sent by God to defend the realm. In this podcast, I explore: - How the Spanish fleet faltered in the aftermath of Gravelines - Why Sir Francis Drake was so delighted - The stormy fate of the Armada - Queen Elizabeth I’s cautious moves to protect herself - And how the events of that day fed into national pride and Protestant identity I’m Claire Ridgway, author and historian, and I invite you to join me as we revisit one of the most dramatic moments of Elizabeth I’s reign. Do you think it was just a coincidence—or was there something more at work? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Tudor history. #TudorHistory #SpanishArmada #ElizabethI #ProtestantWind #ClaireRidgway #TudorEngland #OnThisDay #TudorQueen #StormsOfHistory #Gravelines #FrancisDrake #TudorWar #AnneBoleynFiles #TrueTudorTales #TudorNavy #MaritimeHistory #DivineIntervention

He didn’t wear a crown… but his choice may have changed the course of English history. On 29th July 1504, Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, died quietly at his manor in Lancashire. But nearly two decades earlier, at the bloody Battle of Bosworth, his decision to support his stepson — Henry Tudor — was a turning point in English history, ending centuries of Plantagenet rule and beginning the Tudor era. Some say he stood back and watched until the moment was right. Others claim he crowned Henry on the battlefield with Richard’s fallen crown. Was Thomas Stanley a loyal stepfather… or a master manipulator who waited to see which way the wind would blow? In this episode of On This Day in Tudor History,I take you beyond the battlefield drama to explore: Stanley’s powerful family background and early royal service His two politically significant marriages — including to Lady Margaret Beaufort, Henry VII’s mother His pivotal role at Bosworth and its aftermath Why he became Earl of Derby and godfather to Prince Arthur And whether he was a kingmaker… or just playing both sides to stay on top He may have moved in the background, but his actions helped shape the Tudor dynasty. Listen now to discover the real Thomas Stanley — and decide for yourself whether he was loyal, opportunistic… or both. #TudorHistory #OnThisDay #ThomasStanley #BattleOfBosworth #HenryVII #MargaretBeaufort #TudorDynasty #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #RoyalHistory #Plantagenets #YorkvsLancaster #TudorNerds

Starved. Poisoned. Locked in a castle tower. In Tudor England, one woman endured unthinkable cruelty at the hands of her noble husband—imprisoned in a tower, reduced to drinking her own urine to survive, and desperate enough to smuggle a secret letter to Thomas Cromwell begging for rescue. Her name was Elizabeth Hungerford. Her husband? Walter Hungerford—a man later executed for treason, sorcery, and what the records chillingly called “the abominable vice of bu****y.” But Elizabeth’s story is the real tragedy—one of domestic abuse, survival against the odds, and a rare voice speaking out in an era when women had little power or protection. In this episode of Tudor True Crime, I uncover: Who Walter Hungerford really was The disturbing charges brought against him Elizabeth’s smuggled plea for help And what became of her after his execution This is not just the story of a disgraced nobleman—it’s the haunting tale of a woman who endured and survived. Let’s give Elizabeth Hungerford the place in history she deserves. Have you heard of her before? Let me know in the comments. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more true stories from the dark heart of Tudor England. Watch my other Tudor True Crime videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrKAY-100rX6GckUPzgS8GAy #TudorTrueCrime #ElizabethHungerford #WalterHungerford #TudorHistory #WomensHistory #DarkHistory #TrueCrime #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles

What if I told you that England’s very first official voyage of exploration to the New World didn’t begin in London—or even under an Englishman’s command? Join me, Claire Ridgway, historian and author, as I tell you about "The Matthew", the tiny replica ship moored in Bristol that once carried explorer John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) across the Atlantic in 1497. Backed by Henry VII, Cabot’s bold journey from Bristol to the coast of North America marked the quiet beginnings of England’s imperial story—decades before Henry VIII or Elizabeth I ever dreamed of global power. In this episode, we’ll uncover: - How Cabot persuaded Henry VII to fund his voyage (well… sort of!) - Why this humble 50-ton ship was key to England’s first steps toward overseas discovery - What Cabot found—and why his landing was more significant than he realised - The legacy of The Matthew, its 1997 commemorative voyage, and how Bristol remembers its most daring sailor Learn more at https://matthew.co.uk Like, comment, and subscribe for more untold Tudor tales every week. Had you heard of John Cabot before? Let me know in the comments! #JohnCabot #TudorHistory #TheMatthew #BristolHistory #MaritimeHistory #HenryVII #AnneBoleynFiles #BritishHistory #TudorTok #OnThisDay #HistoryTok #Newfoundland #AgeOfExploration #CabotVoyage #TudorAdventure

Join me, Claire Ridgway, as I sit down with historian and bestselling author Toni Mount to celebrate the release of The Colour of Darkness — book 13 in the gripping Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery series. In this fascinating interview, Toni Mount takes us behind the scenes of her writing process, research into 15th-century London, and the creation of her beloved protagonist, artist and reluctant sleuth Seb Foxley. We discuss everything from: - How Seb came to life - What it was like to research crime and justice in Edward IV’s reign - Balancing historical accuracy with storytelling - The origins and future of the series And what readers can expect next! The Colour of Darkness plunges us into a sweltering London gripped by plague, suspicion, and witchcraft, where nothing is as it seems, and danger is never far from home. Whether you’re already a fan of Seb Foxley or love medieval historical fiction with a twist of mystery, you’ll love hearing from Toni about her inspiration, process, and plans. Available now in paperback and on Kindle — and free to read with Kindle Unlimited! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more author interviews, Tudor history, and behind-the-scenes chats. #ToniMount #SebastianFoxley #MedievalMystery #HistoricalFiction #TheColourOfDarkness #AuthorInterview #ClaireRidgway #MedievalLondon #TudorHistory #Witchcraft #Plague #BookLaunch

Imagine stepping into court expecting justice… and instead walking into a death sentence. On this day in Tudor history, 25th July 1577, Queen Elizabeth I’s top lawyer, Nicholas Barham, died in Oxford—not by blade or betrayal, but from a silent, invisible killer: gaol fever. Within weeks, over 500 people were dead, including judges, jurors, sheriffs, and townspeople. In this podcast, I, Claire Ridgway, historian and author, uncover: - Who Nicholas Barham was and his rise to power - How gaol fever (epidemic typhus) spread and killed - What other "Black Assizes" followed - Why even the powerful weren’t safe from Tudor disease This story isn’t just about one man—it’s about the dangers of Tudor life, the limits of medical knowledge, and the shocking realities of a justice system where one infected prisoner could doom a whole court. Had you ever heard of the Black Assizes or gaol fever? Let me know in the comments. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more chilling, fascinating Tudor history! #TudorHistory #BlackAssize #GaolFever #OnThisDay #ElizabethanEngland #HistoryTube #ClaireRidgway #PlagueHistory #TrueHistory

The Tragic Martyrdom of John Boste - They wouldn’t even let him speak. On this day in Tudor history, 24th July 1594, Catholic priest John Boste stood on the scaffold in Durham, condemned for treason simply for doing his job — ministering in secret during Elizabeth I’s reign. When guards silenced his final words, Boste prayed Psalm 116 in Latin instead. And then came the most brutal punishment of all — he was hanged, drawn, and quartered. I take you through Boste’s story — from gifted Oxford scholar to hunted man of God, betrayed, tortured by Topcliffe himself, and executed for his faith. Whether you view him as a traitor or a saint, John Boste’s courage, conviction, and dignity in the face of unimaginable suffering demand to be remembered. Please do like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the shadowy corners of Tudor life. #TudorHistory #JohnBoste #CatholicMartyrs #ElizabethI #TudorExecutions #ReligiousPersecution #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay #FaithAndCourage #TheAnneBoleynFiles

John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton   This Tudor baron backed the losing side again and again… and still kept his head. Today, I’m exploring the incredible life of John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton — a nobleman who seemed to have nine lives. He fought at Towton, rebelled against Edward IV, supported Richard III, backed the pretender Lambert Simnel against Henry VII, and even attacked York... And yet, he was pardoned. Every. Single. Time. So, how did he do it? Was Scrope a master strategist, politically untouchable, or just plain lucky? Join me as I uncover: - Scrope’s wild ride through the Wars of the Roses - His rebellion, capture, and miraculous reprieves - The secret to his Tudor survival streak Let me know in the comments — was Scrope savvy, slippery, or just well-connected? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring that bell for more Tudor tales like this one. #JohnScrope #TudorHistory #WarsOfTheRoses #HenryVII #RichardIII #LambertSimnel #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoryNerd #MedievalSurvivor #OnThisDay #BritishHistory

What if your everyday coins could get you executed? On this day in Tudor history, 10th July 1561, Queen Elizabeth I visited the Tower of London’s Mint — not just for ceremony, but to tackle an economic disaster left by her father and brother. In this deep dive, I explore: - The shocking chaos of debased Tudor currency - How Elizabeth I’s smart recoinage of 1561 helped save England’s economy - The hidden dangers of the Tower Mint (including deadly fumes and lost fingers!) - The story of a man who fell into a 14-day coma — at the Mint! - And why clipping coins could cost you your life... Learn how Tudor money worked and why Elizabeth’s economic reforms were so vital. Don’t forget to like, comment with your favourite Tudor coin, and subscribe for more hidden Tudor tales! #TudorHistory #ElizabethI #TudorEconomy #TowerMint #TudorMoney #OnThisDay #TudorCoins #Debasement #HistoryDeepDive #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #RoyalReforms #HistoricalCurrency

12,000 soldiers. 300+ servants. Fireworks. Tapestries. Jewels.* On this day in Tudor history, 20th July 1554, Prince Philip of Spain landed in England to marry Queen Mary I — and he didn’t exactly travel light! I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the most politically charged royal arrivals in English history. Philip wasn’t just Mary’s groom — he was heir to one of the most powerful empires in Europe, and his visit sparked rebellion, changed English law, and led to one of the most controversial marriages in the Tudor period. Discover: - Why Parliament restricted Philip’s power before he even set foot on English soil - How his epic journey was marked by **diplomatic theatre and imperial symbolism** - The tension between Spanish ambition and English sovereignty - And whether this marriage was doomed from the start… From triumphant pageantry to political paranoia — this is the full story of Philip of Spain’s dramatic entry into Tudor England. Also watch: Mary I marries Philip of Spain – 25 July 1554 - https://youtu.be/289MSTDoZHA Full source: Philip’s Journey to England – Spanish Relaciones (PDF)] - https://uvadoc.uva.es/bitstream/handle/10324/58553/TFG_F_2022_043.pdf?sequence=1 Let me know in the comments — **Was Philip’s marriage to Mary political brilliance, a mistake, personal tragedy… or all of them? Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Tudor deep dives every week.