Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

In this episode, we go beyond the fairytale image to uncover the real expectations placed on royal daughters. Princesses were far more than ornaments of the court - they were political assets, diplomatic bridges, and the key to securing dynastic futures. As daughters, they forged alliances. As wives, they strengthened kingdoms. As mothers, they ensured survival.
But what happened when they stepped outside those expectations?
From Joan, the illegitimate daughter of King John and wife of Llywelyn the Great, whose scandal rocked Anglo-Welsh relations… to Eleanor de Montfort, a king’s sister caught up in rebellion… to Juliana, Henry I’s daughter, who allegedly tried to kill her own father - this episode explores the moments when royal duty clashed with personal ambition, loyalty, and survival.
Were these women simply reacting to impossible situations? Or were they exercising power in ways history has long misunderstood?
Join us as we explore the duties of a princess - and the consequences of defying them.
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Sharon's Books on Amazon
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sharon Bennett Connolluy

Today I’m joined again (Part Two) by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives (Anne of Cleves, Katheryn Howard, and Kateryn Parr) of Henry VIII. From long-standing misconceptions to stories that have taken on a life of their own, we start unpacking what’s fact and what’s fiction.
Miss Part One? Watch HERE!
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Sylvia's current books on Amazon. Here is the Amazon US link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XKCDHJX?ccs_id=5ef24eaf-a4aa-4191-9f01-fda8b7a51770
Sylvia's Substack
Sylvia's Mary Boleyn book through History Press - Preorder now!
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There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! ⁠https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton

It's time for another historical WHAT IF, and today we are looking at Henry VII and what if he had remarried after the death of Elizabeth of York in 1503. This was an interesting topic to discuss, especially when we get to the end and talk about what would happen if he had children by his new wife. We ask YOU some questions at the end and we want to hear what you think!
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There are still seats available for the SPECIAL EVENT next Sunday, March 22nd. You guys, this is gonna be an opportunity to hear from two of the leading Mary I scholars on what queenship looked like under Mary I as the first queen regnant, but also how Mary influenced Elizabeth's queenship, too. Please consider joining us! https://queenshipbeforeelizabeth.eventbrite.com
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Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy

In this episode of Rebecca & Friends, I’m joined by historian and author Matt Lewis to explore one of the most powerful—and complicated—couples of the Middle Ages: Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Their marriage in 1152 created an empire that stretched from England to the Pyrenees, but ruling that empire was anything but simple. Together we dig into the personalities behind the power. Was Henry II really the tireless administrator history remembers—or was he sometimes a lazy king who left much of the heavy lifting to men like Thomas Becket? And what about Eleanor—was she truly the rebellious, difficult wife she’s often portrayed as, or might she have been a far better partner and political ally than later stories suggest?
From political gambles and court culture to rebellion and reputation, we unpack the myths and realities behind a royal marriage that shaped medieval Europe.
Join us as we take a closer look at the power, passion, and conflict that defined Henry and Eleanor’s extraordinary partnership.
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Listen to Matt on Gone Medieval and Echoes of History podcasts!
Check out Matt's books on Amazon.
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We have an amazing upcoming SPECIAL EVENT happening on Sunday, March 22nd on Mary I that you will not want to miss - this event is led by two experts on Mary I: Dr. Johanna Strong and Dr. Peter Stiffell. Learn more HERE.
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Want to support the show? Become a Patreon patron: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matthew Lewis

Today I’m joined by historian and friend Sylvia Barbara Soberton to dig into some of the most famous - and widely repeated - myths about the six wives of Henry VIII. From long-standing misconceptions to stories that have taken on a life of their own, we start unpacking what’s fact and what’s fiction. But we had so much fun talking about the first three queens that we completely ran out of time… so this episode is Part One of a two-part conversation.
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Find Sylvia's books on Amazon!
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Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Sylvia Barbara Soberton