Talking Tudors

Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Dr Wyn Derbyshire about the remarkable life of Bess of Hardwick — her uncertain origins, four marriages, sharp business sense, and rise to becoming the second-richest woman in England. The episode explores her building projects (Hardwick and Chatsworth), estate management, and relationships with Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Learn more about Dr Derbyshire

https://spiramus.com/wyn-derbyshire

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https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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In this episode host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sara Charles about the production of medieval manuscripts, her hands-on experiments with parchment, inks and pigments, and her book 'The Medieval Scriptorium'.

They explore the evidence for where manuscripts were made, the people and long supply chains behind their materials, the evolution of scripts and decoration, and the everyday details that bring medieval scribes to life.

Learn more about Dr Charles

https://www.teachingmanuscripts.com/about

Takeaway

'The Craftman's Handbook' by Cennino d'Andrea Cennin

Find out about 'Medieval Castles in Germany' by Kurt Fuchs

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1691602354/medieval-castles-in-germany?ref=listings_manager_grid&lang_mismatch=1

Learn more about your host:

https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Host Natalie Grueninger talks with historian and novelist Professor Tracy Borman about her new novel, 'The House of Boleyn', the rise and fall of the Boleyn family, and Hever Castle as the book’s intimate setting. They explore lesser-known figures like Margaret Butler and Jane Boleyn, plus the servants and daily life that shaped the family.

The conversation also covers Borman’s research process, historical details that informed the novel and publication and tour dates (UK release 23 April; US release 4 September).

Learn more about Dr Tracy Borman

https://www.tracyborman.co.uk/

Find out more about your host:

https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sean Cunningham about Henry VII’s unlikely path from exile to king, the political alliances and myths he used to secure power, and the major challenges of his reign, including rebellions and pretenders.

They explore Henry’s strategies for legitimacy, his marriage to Elizabeth of York, the role of Margaret Beaufort, and how Tudor symbolism and governance shaped the dynasty’s future.

Find out more about your host:

https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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Author Jo Harkin joins Talking Tudors to discuss her novel 'The Pretender', which imagines the life of Lambert Simnel — a farm boy thrust into Yorkist plots, crowned in Dublin, and swept through courts from Oxford to Burgundy and Ireland.

Jo explains her five-year research process, the vivid locations and powerful women who inspired her, and her approach to balancing historical fact with imaginative storytelling.

She also shares reading and viewing recommendations, a glimpse of her next project set in Spain, and practical insights into writing historical fiction.

Find out more about your host:

https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!