Not Just the Tudors
History Hit
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb talks about everything from the Aztecs to witches, Velázquez to Shakespeare, Mughal India to the Mayflower. Not, in other words, just the Tudors, but most definitely also the Tudors.Each episode Suzannah is joined by historians and experts to reveal incredible stories about one of the most fascinating periods in history, new releases every Wednesday and Sunday.A podcast by History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, The Ancients, and Betwixt the Sheets.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2026 • 40min
Girl With a Pearl Earring: Identity Revealed
Join art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon as he tackles one of art's great mysteries: the identity of the girl in Vermeer's painting. With a rich background in European art, Andrew reveals how Vermeer’s turbulent context influenced his serene works. He argues that the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring is actually Magdalena van Ruyven, depicted in a spiritual moment. Delve into themes of gender and spirituality in Vermeer’s oeuvre, and learn about the egalitarian ideas of his patrons—ideas still relevant today!
Jan 19, 2026 • 47min
Henry VIII's Reckoning: Pilgrimage of Grace
Join historian Andy Wood, an expert on early modern England and social unrest, as he unpacks the dramatic Pilgrimage of Grace. Discover how the dissolution of monasteries sparked a fierce rebellion in northern England, driven by both religious fervor and a desire to restore customs. Hear about key figures like Robert Aske and the complex interplay of local politics and spirituality. Andy reveals the rebels' disciplined organization and the eventual harsh response from Henry VIII, which forever altered the region's social fabric.
14 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 7min
Hamnet
Maggie O'Farrell, a celebrated novelist known for her award-winning work 'Hamnet,' shares insights on transforming Shakespeare's life into captivating fiction. She discusses reframing Shakespeare's character and explores gaps in the historical narrative around his wife, Agnes Hathaway. Dr. Will Tosh offers a scholarly review of the film adaptation, emphasizing its focus on Agnes's grief rather than Shakespeare's legacy. Both guests delve into the emotional landscape, themes of motherhood, and how tragic loss might influence Shakespeare's writing.
10 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 46min
Tudor True Crime: Murder in Renaissance Rome
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.
Jan 8, 2026 • 45min
Elizabeth I's Succession Crisis
Historian Tracy Borman, an expert in Tudor and Stuart history and author of The Stolen Crown, joins the discussion about Elizabeth I’s troubling succession crisis. They delve into Elizabeth's strategic refusal to name an heir, fearing the rise of rivals like Mary, Queen of Scots, and exploring the impact of smallpox on her reign. Borman highlights the political dangers posed by various claimants and the tension surrounding James VI. The conversation reveals how these succession struggles shaped the course of English history and the ensuing chaos after Elizabeth’s death.
Jan 5, 2026 • 48min
Christopher Marlowe: A Dangerous Life
In this fascinating discussion, Stephen Greenblatt, a renowned literary critic and Harvard professor, explores the life of Christopher Marlowe, a revolutionary playwright. He delves into Marlowe's humble beginnings, the shocking content of his works, and the rivalry with contemporaries like Shakespeare. Greenblatt also examines Marlowe's rumored queerness and the espionage implications of his life. The conversation highlights Marlowe's daring translations and how his pursuit of power led to dangerous friendships and ultimately, a tragic end.
Jan 1, 2026 • 43min
Enchanted Realms: Fairies in the 16th Century
Professor Diane Purkiss, a scholar of witchcraft and folklore, joins Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to explore the menacing reality of 16th-century fairies. They debunk the Tinkerbell myth, revealing fairies as dangerous beings involved in child-snatching and seduction. Purkiss explains their role in significant life transitions and challenges the views of witch trials, where fairies were often misinterpreted as demonic. The conversation delves into fairy tales as a way for women to address taboo issues and the broader societal implications of belief in these supernatural figures.
17 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 52min
The Secrets Hidden In Tudor Art
Delve into the captivating world of Tudor art, where power is expressed through visual propaganda. Discover how pearls and tapestries spoke of ambition, and how portraits shaped royal identities. Uncover the symbolism behind Lady Margaret Beaufort's possessions, and the clever image-making of Henry VII. Explore the role of iconoclasm, the beauty of miniature portraits, and Elizabeth I's evolution into a regal icon. Global influences from the Ottoman Empire and beyond also color this fascinating tapestry of history.
21 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 60min
Princes in the Tower
Historian Nathan Amin, author of 'Henry VII and the Tudor Pretenders,' and Matt Lewis, co-host of the 'Gone Medieval' podcast, delve into the mystery of the Princes in the Tower. They explore whether Richard III murdered his nephews, debate the authenticity of various claimants like Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck, and discuss new evidence suggesting the princes may have survived. Their captivating conversation reveals the political intrigues of the Tudor era and the enduring appeal of this infamous cold case.
11 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 40min
Did Oliver Cromwell Ban Christmas?
Mark Stoyle, a historian specializing in the English Civil Wars, discusses the Puritan ban on Christmas in 1647. He reveals how this wasn't just a holiday suppression but a clash of beliefs, with festive families lighting candles in secret and even staging the plum pudding riots. Stoyle connects the resistance against the ban to Scotland's earlier experiences with Christmas. He highlights the cultural impact of the prohibition, linking it to later literary figures like Dickens and C.S. Lewis, while emphasizing the ban's social ramifications and the importance of community celebration.
