Not Just the Tudors Tudor True Crime: Murder in Renaissance Rome
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Jan 12, 2026 
Elizabeth Fremantle, a historical novelist focused on early modern women, delves into the tragic life of Beatrice Cenci, executed in 1599 Rome. She shares how Beatrice's harrowing story of survival and her father's murder reflects the brutal realities faced by women of the 16th century. Fremantle discusses the myth versus reality in Beatrice's legacy, the complexities of representing flawed historical figures, and the challenges of depicting violence in her writing. The conversation also touches on education, women’s rights, and attitudes towards sexuality during that tumultuous era.
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Author Haunted By Beatrice's Story
- Elizabeth Fremantle describes how Beatrice haunted her research after writing Disobedient about Artemisia Gentileschi.
- That recurring obsession pushed Fremantle to finally write Sinners about Beatrice Cenci.
Rome Was In Flux And Volatile
- Rome in the 1590s was a wealthy, volatile city undergoing cultural and political shifts under papal pressure.
- This febrile environment amplified noble violence, vendettas, and public spectacle around crimes.
Education Shaped Female Roles
- Elite women received religious-focused education that emphasized virtue over intellectual development.
- Educated women were often seen as threatening, so learning was limited and gendered.
