Episode 309 - Anne Boleyn Through the Centuries with Helene Harrison
Host Natalie Grueninger welcomes historian Helene Harrison to explore how Anne Boleyn crafted her image and how it was reshaped after her death. They discuss Anne’s coronation symbolism, self-fashioning, and efforts by Henry VIII’s court to win public favour.
The conversation examines key portraits and artefacts—from the Hever Rose portrait and the Chequers ring to the 1534 medal—and the ongoing debates around their dating and identification.
Helen traces contemporary reactions at home and abroad, Anne’s reappearance in Elizabeth I’s reign, and the clash between Nicholas Sander and John Foxe. She then follows Anne’s evolving legacy through Stuart drama, Victorian myth‑making, and modern screen portrayals, including Anne of the Thousand Days, The Tudors, Wolf Hall, and Six the Musical.
Helene also shares details of her new book, The Many Faces of Anne Boleyn, teases a forthcoming study of Henry VIII’s Great Matter, and offers a lighthearted Tudor-themed reading recommendation.
Visit Helene's blog
https://tudorblogger.com/author/tudorblogger/
Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com
Support Talking Tudors on Patreon
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Episode 308 - Rethinking Race in Medieval Europe with Georgie Anderson
Join host Natalie Grueninger in this fascinating episode of Talking Tudors as she welcomes special guest Georgie Anderson, a PhD researcher at the University of Kent. Georgie delves into her intriguing study on race in medieval Europe, focusing on the portrayal of people of colour in chivalric romances from North Atlantic Europe.
Discover how Georgie's research challenges modern conceptions of race by exploring narratives involving the Black Knight and other figures, revealing a complex tapestry of social interactions and identities from five centuries ago. The discussion includes insights into manuscript analysis, the role of popular culture in the Middle Ages, and the portrayal of race and nobility within Arthurian literature.
Follow Georgie on Bluesky
https://bsky.app/profile/medievalgeorgie.bsky.social
Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com
Support Talking Tudors on Patreon
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Episode 307 - Edward Seymour and his Wives with Rebecca Batley
Join host Natalie Grueninger in this captivating episode of 'Talking Tudors' as she delves into the narratives of Edward Seymour's wives with historian and archaeologist, Rebecca Batley. Discover the mysterious life of Catherine Filliol, the enduring allure of Anne Stanhope, and the complex web of intrigue at the Tudor court.
Gain insights into Seymour's rise to power, the enigmatic scandals surrounding his marriages, and the enduring influence of his family during the tumultuous reign of the Tudors. Rebecca Batley sheds light on the lesser-known stories woven into the rich tapestry of 16th-century England.
Visit Rebecca's Substack
https://amymcelroy.substack.com/
Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com
Support Talking Tudors on Patreon
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Episode 306 - The Tyranny of Henry VIII with Jackson van Uden
Welcome to another riveting episode of Talking Tudors, hosted by Natalie Grueninger. In this episode, we dive deep into the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII, exploring his tyrannical rule and its profound impact on those around him. Joined by special guest Jackson van Uden, a historian and political theorist, we dissect the infamous moments of Henry's reign, analyse his personal relationships, and compare him to other historical figures.
Discover how Henry's actions have influenced dictators throughout history and the long-lasting effects of his rule. Join us on a journey through the dazzling yet dangerous world of the Tudor court and uncover the complexities and controversies of one of England's most notorious monarchs.
Visit Jackson's official website
https://historywithjackson.co.uk/
Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com
Support Talking Tudors on Patreon
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Episode 305 - Isabella of Aragon: Duchess and Dynast with Professor Darius von Güttner
Join Natalie Grueninger on this captivating episode of Talking Tudors as she explores the fascinating life of Isabella of Aragon. Discover how Isabella navigated the treacherous waters of 16th-century politics, transforming from a marginalised duchess into a formidable ruler in her own right. With guest historian Professor Darius von Güttner, delve into Isabella's strategic mind, her courtly innovations, and her lasting legacy rendered through her daughter, Bona Sforza. Unravel the mysteries behind her connections with Leonardo da Vinci and the compelling theory that links her to the iconic Mona Lisa. This episode offers a deep dive into the complex role of women in power during the Renaissance, encompassing dynastic politics, cultural patronage, and the profound resilience of an often-overlooked historical figure.
Visit Professor Darius von Güttner's official website
Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com
Support Talking Tudors on Patreon
Established in 2018, Talking Tudors is one of the longest-running and most popular independent interview podcasts about the Tudor era. It boasts an international listenership and has been downloaded in excess of 4 million times. In each episode, creator and host Natalie Grueninger speaks with esteemed historians and other experts about a wide range of subjects associated with Tudor England. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the Podbean app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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