Think Henry VII was just a penny-pinching miser? Think again! Dive into the hidden world of this Tudor monarch’s extravagant celebrations, complete with castles on wheels, knights, dragons, and pageantry fit for royalty. From dazzling Christmas revels to the legendary wedding of Prince Arthur and Catherine of Aragon, discover a side of Henry VII yo…

Who was Henry VII, and how did he change history forever? From his stunning victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field to his clever handling of rebellious pretenders and the economy, this video answers the top 10 most frequently asked questions about the first Tudor king. Discover how he united England, secured the Tudor dynasty, and left a legacy th…

Was Henry VIII a bold leader steering England through turbulent times, or a cruel tyrant driven by greed and paranoia? ⚔️ From his six ill-fated marriages to his brutal purges and shocking betrayals, I uncover the chilling truths behind one of history’s most infamous kings. 🏰 Discover how he shaped a nation—and destroyed lives along the way. Do we …

Henry VIII: A king of contradictions. Was he a visionary reformer, a ruthless tyrant, or both? 🤔 From his six wives and the break with Rome to his dramatic legacy, I’m tackling the top 10 questions about England's most infamous monarch. 💡 Why did he have so many wives? 💡 Who was his favorite? 💡 And why did he break from the Catholic Church? Whether…

Dive into the drama, controversy, and historical twists of Firebrand, the much-anticipated film starring Jude Law as Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Catherine Parr. Based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s The Queen’s Gambit, this gripping retelling reimagines Catherine Parr’s life in bold and unexpected ways. But how much of it is rooted in truth? 🤔 Join …

Queen Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife, lived a remarkable life—but her story didn’t end with her death. What followed was a shocking posthumous journey marked by centuries of neglect, gruesome discoveries, and astonishing disrespect. 🏰 From her peaceful burial at Sudeley Castle to being unearthed, inspected, and even mistreated, h…

You’ve seen my videos, read my articles, and maybe even own one of my books—but who am I? Who is Claire Ridgway? Discover the woman behind The Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society! In this video, I’ll answer your most-asked questions about my work, my research process, my inspiration, and why Anne Boleyn has me hooked. Whether you’re a longtime Tudo…

Did Henry VIII’s sixth wife narrowly escape the fate of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard? Catherine Parr faced dangerous accusations, court intrigue, and a plot that had the king’s own signature attached. How did this intelligent and courageous queen outwit her enemies and save her life? Join me as we unravel this gripping Tudor tale of survival, s…

Think you know everything about Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife? Think again! 📖✨ From being the first queen to publish books under her own name to her near brush with execution, Catherine’s story is packed with surprising twists. How many times was she married? Did she have children? What role did she play in the Reformation? And …

Was Henry VIII’s young queen really guilty of adultery, or was her fate sealed by mere suspicions and intent? Catherine Howard’s tragic story is often overshadowed by tales of infidelity and scandal, but the truth may be far more complex. In this video, we’ll dive into the evidence surrounding her alleged affair with Thomas Culpeper, explore her me…

Welcome to a journey through the life of Henry VIII’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard! 🌹 Often remembered for her youthful charm and tragic end, there's so much more to her story than what’s often portrayed. In today’s video, I’m diving into ten of the most-searched questions about this ill-fated queen. From her relationship with Henry VIII to the sca…

Was Anne of Cleves Henry VIII's Luckiest Queen? 🤔 When Anne of Cleves arrived in England to marry King Henry VIII, few could have predicted the twists in her royal story. From the ill-fated first encounter with her future husband to her unexpected survival in a court full of dangers, Anne's tale is one of resilience, diplomacy, and surprising fortu…

Curious about Anne of Cleves? She's the queen who defied the odds—and Henry VIII! Known as the "King's Beloved Sister," Anne of Cleves only reigned as queen for a brief six months, but her life story is packed with fascinating details and lingering questions. In this talk, I dive into 10 must-know FAQs about the queen who charmed Henry and then cho…

Have you always believed that Jane Seymour was the key reason Henry VIII reconciled with his estranged daughter, Lady Mary, who would later become Mary I? Think again! The story behind their reunion is far more complex than the popular version you've heard. In this talk, I’ll be revealing the truth behind this enduring myth, and you'll discover tha…

Who was Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's 'beloved' queen? Was she the King's favourite? Did she play a part in shaping the English Reformation? And what was her connection to the future Queen Elizabeth I? In this video, we dive into the frequently asked questions about Jane Seymour, the quiet yet pivotal third wife of Henry VIII. From her rise to queensh…

Did all of Henry VIII’s wives struggle with fertility problems? 🤔 It’s a common belief, but is it really true? In this video, I dive into the reproductive histories of Henry’s six queens, separating fact from fiction! From Catherine of Aragon’s tragic stillbirths to the myth about Anne Boleyn’s "series of miscarriages," I'll explore what we really …

In this video, I’ll be diving into the most popular FAQs about Anne Boleyn! Discover why she became one of the most famous figures in Tudor history and unravel the mysteries surrounding her. Why did Henry VIII fall for her? How did she change England? Was there really a sixth finger? From her rise to power to her dramatic downfall, learn the truth …

Catherine of Aragon's deep faith shaped many aspects of her life, including her practice of fasting. But could her religious devotion have impacted her ability to carry healthy pregnancies to term? 📿 Join me as I explore the fascinating theory that Catherine’s fasting and the immense pressure to produce a male heir may have contributed to her tragi…

🔎 Curious about Catherine of Aragon? In this video, I dive into the Top 10 most frequently asked questions about Henry VIII’s first wife. From her long battle for her marriage, her relationship with Anne Boleyn, to the controversial details of her death – there’s so much to uncover about this fascinating queen! 👑 Whether you’re new to Tudor history…

Join me as I take a stroll through the beautiful Wepre Park in North Wales, where hidden in the lush woodland lies the mysterious Ewloe Castle. Why was this medieval fortress built in such an unusual location? Was it a statement of power by the Welsh princes, or is there more to its story? From woodland walks to ancient battlegrounds, this podcast …

Was Mary Boleyn really the "pretty" Boleyn sister? Did she have a long love affair with Henry VIII? In this video, we’re diving into 11 major misconceptions about Mary Boleyn’s life, from her rumoured relationships to the true nature of her family’s ambitions. Get ready to uncover the real story behind the myths you’ve heard in books and movies. Fr…

Think you know the Tudors? Think again! From misconceptions about hygiene to false beliefs about their love lives and diets, this talk will completely change the way you see the Tudor era! Were they as dirty and smelly as people say? Did they all get married super young? And what about those messy eating habits we've seen in movies? Get ready to bu…

In this final part of my series on Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, I introduce you to the one son Henry VIII proudly acknowledged – Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset. Who was this boy the king doted on and elevated to the highest ranks of nobility? Could Fitzroy have been King Henry IX? 🏰👑 Join me as I unravel the story of th…

Think you know everything about Henry VIII? 🤔 Think again! From the number of wives he had to whether he was a bed-hopping tyrant, there are so many myths surrounding this infamous Tudor king. 👑 In this video, I bust some of the biggest misconceptions about Henry VIII and reveal the truth behind the legend. Was he really a monster? Did he write "Gr…

What if history took a different turn? Join me as we dive into the life of Arthur Tudor, the Prince of Wales who was destined to be king, but whose untimely death altered the course of history. We'll explore his upbringing, his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and the intriguing "what-ifs" that could have changed England forever. Was he the king th…

In this video, I continue my deep dive into Henry VIII's alleged illegitimate children, and today we explore the intriguing case of Richard Edwards – the renowned Tudor poet, playwright, and... possibly the king’s son. 😮 Could this talented artist really be the offspring of one of England’s most notorious monarchs? Is there solid evidence, or is th…

Could Henry VIII have fathered Mary Boleyn's children, Catherine and Henry Carey? 🤔 In this episode, I explore the facts and fiction surrounding their paternity. Mary was once the king’s mistress, but how much of what we've heard holds up to scrutiny? 📜💔 Join me as I delve into the mysteries of Tudor history, examining whether the Carey children we…

In this revenge quiz, Tim has extracted the first paragraphs from Claire's Tudor history books and asks her to guess which book they come from! Maybe you can pick which book they are from the list here: On This Day in Tudor History I On This Day in Tudor History II Tudor Places of Great Britain The Anne Boleyn Collection The Anne Boleyn Collection …

We've hit over 70,000 YOUTUBE subscribers, and you know what that means—Tim is in the hot seat for another Tudor history quiz! 😄 Thanks to our amazing channel members, who’ve crafted today’s tricky questions, Tim is in for a real challenge. From annulments and treaties to executed queens and royal lineages, this quiz has it all. Will Tim ace it, or…

Henry VIII's six marriages are some of the most famous and tumultuous unions in history. Between his accession to the throne in 1509 and his death in 1547, Henry's quest for a male heir led him through a series of marriages, each marked by intrigue, drama, and often, tragedy. Think you know Henry VIII’s six wives? 🤔 From Catherine of Aragon’s 24-ye…

We've all heard of Bessie Blount, King Henry VIII's mistress who gave him a son. But did she also give him a daughter? 🤔 In today's episode of my series on King Henry VIII, I delve into this intriguing mystery. 📜 Discover: The story of Bessie Blount and her son, Henry Fitzroy. The evidence suggesting Elizabeth Tailboys might have been fathered by t…

Did you know the young Henry VIII had a major idol? 🤩 Discover how Philip the Handsome, a dashing European ruler, made a lasting impression on the 14-year-old prince during their fateful meeting in 1506. From his athletic prowess to his dynamic leadership, Philip left an indelible mark on the future king of England. Join me as I dive into the fasci…

Could Thomas Stukeley, a daring adventurer and notorious rogue, have been an illegitimate son of Henry VIII? 📜👑 In this video, I explore the fascinating life of Stukeley, from his noble beginnings and military exploits to his controversial career as a pirate and spy. Discover the rumours and evidence that suggest he might have been the king's secre…

When we think of Henry VIII, we often imagine the older, larger-than-life monarch from his later years. But what did this iconic king look like in his youth? Discover the stunning transformation of Henry VIII, from a handsome, athletic young prince to the imposing figure of his final decade. How did his appearance change over the years? What did co…

I'm kicking off a new series on Henry VIII, the second Tudor monarch who ruled from 1509 until his death in 1547. He’s a figure that fascinates and divides opinion, often seen as either a tyrant or a complex ruler who achieved much during his reign. 🚩👑 Want to join me for a deeper dive? I’m hosting a members-only livestream here on YouTube this Sun…

Did Henry VIII have syphilis? 🤔 Today, I'm debunking a persistent myth about the infamous Tudor king. Spoiler: The answer is a resounding NO! 🙅‍♂️ Join me as I explore the origins of this misconception and the real story behind Henry's health issues. Plus, I have some exciting news for you! 🎉 📅 LIVE Chat Announcement: On 28th July, I'll be going li…

Today, I’ve got a bit of a confession to make – I’ve started watching My Lady Jane on Amazon Prime and I’m loving it. From social media comments, I gather that as a historian, I’m meant to hate it, but nope, I love it! Based on the book by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, it’s a fantasy with only a passing resemblance to actual history…

Today, I have some fascinating facts to share about the Boleyn family, a family close to my heart. These tidbits might surprise you and give you a deeper insight into their intriguing history. Did you know that Anne Boleyn’s father inherited a unique family heirloom? Or that her mother was praised by a famous poet? There are also some mysteries abo…

Dive into the mystical world of Tudor England with us as I explore the enigmatic prophecies surrounding Anne Boleyn! In an era rife with superstition, discover how visions and omens foretold the rise and fall of one of history's most captivating queens. From eerie books of prophecy to foreboding dreams and cryptic verses, see how these predictions …

What Happened to Catherine Howard’s Music Teacher? Ever wondered what became of the first man to be involved with Catherine Howard, her music teacher Henry Manox? While much is known about her tragic end and the fates of Francis Dereham and Thomas Culpeper, Manox’s story is often overlooked. In this video, I uncover the intriguing details of his re…

Discover the stunning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn Choir Screen at King’s College Chapel, Cambridge! This exquisite wooden rood screen, praised by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner as “the most exquisite piece of Italian decoration surviving in England,” is more than a beautiful artefact. It holds a fascinating link to Anne Boleyn and the Tudor dynasty. 🏰👑 Eric I…

I dive into an intriguing Tudor mystery sparked by a question from Chris Celsie about a ring supposedly given to Anne Boleyn by Henry VIII. This diamond ring was displayed at an exhibition in Toronto in 1994 as Anne's engagement ring. But did such a ring really exist? What We Know: - Exhibition Clue: The Toronto Star article mentioned an engagement…

Could Anne Boleyn really have been guilty of murder? Dive into the intriguing story of this Tudor queen as we explore claims made by Philippa Gregory and delve into historical events like the deaths of Bennett Curwen and Alice Tryppytt. Did Anne poison them, or is it all just a wild rumour? Join me as I uncover the truth behind these accusations an…

Did you know that Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII exchanged love messages in a religious book? #bookofhours #anneboleyn #henryviii #britishlibrary You can find my books on Amazon at http://viewauthor.at/claireridgwayBy AnneBoleynFiles

This week’s #PortraitTuesday treat is another Anne Boleyn portrait from the collection at Hever Castle! An 18th century portrait.By AnneBoleynFiles

In this week's #MondayMartyr, Claire talks about Blessed Adrian Fortescue, a courtier at the court of Henry VIII whose fall is shrouded in mystery. #henryviiiBy AnneBoleynFiles

Anne Boleyn preferred the French style of dress over the English style, but what was the French style?By AnneBoleynFiles

Claire looks at a pair of portraits of sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn from Hever Castle's collection.By AnneBoleynFiles

On 23rd June 1592, Robert (Roger) Ashton was hanged, drawn and quartered after being found in possession of a papal dispensation. But what actually happened?By AnneBoleynFiles

Did you know that Mary would have been better off accepting the deal offered her by Anne Boleyn than what she got while Jane Seymour was queen? #anneboleyn #janeseymour #tudorhistory #maryI #henryviii You can find my books on Amazon at http://viewauthor.at/claireridgwayBy AnneBoleynFiles