Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

On this day in Tudor history, 7th September 1533, just over two months after the death of his previous wife, Mary Tudor. Queen of France, forty-nine-year-old Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, married his ward, fourteen-year-old Catherine Willoughby.  Find out more about this Tudor couple, how they came to be married, what their marriage was like, and what happened to them, in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, author of several Tudor history books. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/uabimBawgsI Also on this day in Tudor history, 7th September 1533, the very same day, Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, was born at Greenwich Palace. Find out more about her birth, the reactions and celebrations in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/jvte5RiCKBw

On this day in Tudor history, 6th September 1520, the famous reformer Martin Luther sent his pamphlet “On the Freedom of a Christian” (also known as “A Treatise on Christian Liberty”) to Pope Leo X. In the pamphlet, he emphasised the “two-fold nature” of Christians as saints and sinners, flesh and spirit.  Luther is, of course, seen as the catalyst of the European Reformation, and in today's talk, Tudor history author Claire Ridgway explains why, what he believed, how he ended up being excommunicated and made an outlaw, and what happened to him. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/Hua1ahnXyGg Also on this day in Tudor history, 6th September 1615, in the reign of King James I, Tudor physician, clergyman and inventor of modern shorthand, Timothy Bright, was buried at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury. Find out more about this fascinating man and the works he published in Elizabeth I’s reign, which have helped people the world over, in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/e_UpY0kNVDc 

On this day in Tudor history, 5th September 1569, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Edmund Bonner, Bishop of London and a man nicknamed “Bloody Bonner”, died in Marshalsea Prison. He had started his career in Henry VIII's reign and was not just a churchman, he was also a diplomat.   In today's talk, historian Claire Ridgway fleshes out this Tudor bishop who got his nickname from being in charge of burning reformers in London. Find out about his life, career and how he ended up dying in prison. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/Sfs2tJAdSE8   Also on this day in Tudor history, 5th September 1548, Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife, died at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire. At the time of her death, Catherine Parr was the wife of Thomas Seymour, Baron Seymour of Sudeley, her fourth husband, and she had given birth to a daughter, Lady Mary Seymour, on 30th August 1548. Find out more about her burial, the discovery of her remains in the 18th and 19th centuries, and her present resting place, in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/d4XIrkgjysk

On this day in Tudor history, 4th September 1539, William, Duke of Cleves, signed the marriage treaty promising his sister, Anne of Cleves, in marriage to King Henry VIII.  Anne would, of course, become Henry VIII's fourth wife. Find out all about the marriage agreement and its terms, and what happened next, in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, founder of the Tudor Society. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/WPs_rlPhg8I Also on this day in Tudor history, 4th September 1588, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, died at Cornbury while on his way to Buxton to take the waters for his health. The death of her favourite, and the man that is considered to be her 'true love', was a devastating blow to Elizabeth I and her reaction to the news shows just how much she loved her "sweet Robin". Find out more in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/BlUicDYZI7s 

On this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1588, or possibly the 5th September, actor and clown, Richard Tarlton, died in Shoreditch. He was buried in St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch.  Tarlton was a member of the Queen's Men acting company, but is famed for his post-play jigs as a clown. He was also known for being able to cheer up Queen Elizabeth I - how wonderful. Find out more about Tudor clown Richard Tarlton, his life and career, in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, author of "On This Day in Tudor History". You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/FSmroPwFCp0 Also on this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1592, Elizabethan writer and playwright Robert Greene died in London. Greene is best known for a pamphlet "Greene's Groats-worth of Wit bought with a Million of Repentance" which he wrote on his deathbed and in which he attacked Shakespeare as an “upstart crow”. Find out more about the man and his pamphlet in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/03qT91wY9FQ 

On this day in Tudor history, 2nd September 1534, Gerald Fitzgerald, 9th Earl of Kildare and Lord Deputy of Ireland, died in the Tower of London at around the age of 47. Kildare had been arrested on 29th June 1534, accused of corruption and causing rebellion in Ireland.    Kildare seems to have spent most of his career being accused of crimes, but his son Silken Thomas's rebellion was his final undoing.    He was already ill when he was arrested and imprisoned, suffering from the after effects of being shot, but at least his wife was able to nurse him.   Find out more about this Earl of Kildare, his life and career, in today's talk from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/iFWPVHvWirs   3rd February video on Kildare’s son, Silken Thomas - https://youtu.be/JA5hsZk0G3k Also on this day in Tudor history, 2nd September 1591, naval commander and explorer Sir Richard Grenville died at sea from injuries sustained while commanding his ship, The Revenge, in the Battle of Flores. Unfortunately, Grenville's death was a result of him disobeying orders and doing his own thing. Find out more about what happened and hear excerpts from Alfred Lord Tennyon’s poem “The Revenge: A Ballad of the Fleet", in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/ideGMFpNrv4

On this day in Tudor history, 1st September 1566, Edward Alleyn, a major figure in the Elizabethan theatre, was born in the parish of St Botolph without Bishopsgate, London, and baptised the following day.   In today's talk, historian Claire Ridgway shares some facts about Edward Alleyn, including his personal life, the plays he was involved in, his theatre investments, and his desire to be appointed master of the bears, bulls and mastiff dogs!   You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/dNhFgZoym1w   Also on this day in Tudor history, 1st September 1532, in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle, King Henry VIII elevated his sweetheart Anne Boleyn to the peerage by making her Marquess of Pembroke. This was a hugely significant act because Henry VIII made Anne a marquess in her own right, granted the title to her and her heirs male (legitimate or not) and gave her a title associated with his father, Henry VII, and uncle, Jasper Tudor. It also made her a rather wealthy woman, and a fitting consort for their trip to Calais to meet with King Francis I of France. Find out more about what happened on this day in 1532, who was there, and just what Anne Boleyn was given by King Henry VIII, in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/AArtnjF6OlQ 

On this day in Tudor history, 31st August 1545, a contagious disease known as the 'Bloody flux' hit the port of Portsmouth, killing many of the men serving on the ships in its port.   But what was the Bloody Flux? What were its symptoms and why did it kill so many soldiers and sailors?   Find out about the disease, famous victims of the Bloody Flux, and how it is still affecting people today, in this talk from historian Claire Ridgway.   You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/NjyTFCd0fpU   Also on this day in Tudor history, 31st August 1555, in the reign of Queen Mary I, former minister Robert Samuel was burned at the stake in Ipswich, Suffolk, for heresy. He had continued to minister privately, after being deprived of his living, and he had refused to leave his wife. He stayed firm to his Protestant faith and became one of the Ipswich Martyrs as a result. Find out more about the man, his visions, his death and the women who died as a result of their connections with him, in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/Nz_YxDvV4VQ 

On this day in Tudor history, 30th August 1525, the Treaty of the More was agreed between King Henry VIII of England and Louise of Savoy, who was acting as regent for her son, King Francis I of France, while he was imprisoned by imperial forces.   Why was Francis in prison? What were the terms of the Treaty of the More? How did this treaty affect Henry VIII's daughter, Mary? And what happened next.   Find out all about the Treaty of the More and its consequences in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, founder of the Tudor Society.   Also, on this day in Tudor history, 30th August 1548, Catherine Parr, Queen Dowager (sixth wife of King Henry VIII) and wife of Thomas Seymour, Baron Seymour of Sudeley, gave birth to a healthy daughter at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire. Thomas and Catherine named the little girl Mary after her godmother, the future Queen Mary I. Lady Mary Seymour would soon be orphaned, and by the age of two she had disappeared from the records. What happened to Mary Seymour? Find out more in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/R_wMweeswm8 

Today, 29th August, is the Feast of the beheading of St John the Baptist. Lovely!   In today's talk, Claire Ridgway, author of "On This Day in Tudor History", shares the story behind this Tudor holy day, a story which is often depicted in illuminations in manuscripts and psalters. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/euOkRXqXjfs   You can see photos of illuminations at https://blogs.bl.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2014/08/dont-lose-your-head-its-just-st-john-the-baptists-day.html and https://www.flickr.com/photos/22274117@N08/9578703780 Claire's video on Midsummer and St John the Baptist - https://youtu.be/Y-XPm3n-udc  Also on this day in Tudor history, 29th August 1538, Geoffrey Pole, son of Sir Richard Pole and Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, was arrested. He was already on thin ice, having been a staunch supporter of Queen Catherine of Aragon and Princess Mary, but he now was suspected, like other members of his family, of being in communication with his brother, Cardinal Reginald Pole, a man who had upset King Henry VIII. Unlike other members of his family, including Margaret Pole, Geoffrey managed to survive this trouble - how? Why? What happened? Find out in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/HWWQReXzcUY 

On this day in Tudor history, 28th August 1588, an ailing Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, wrote his final letter to his queen and childhood friend, Elizabeth I. He wrote it while on his way to Buxton, in Derbyshire, to take the waters for his health.   The letter is very special because Elizabeth labelled it "His Last Letter" and kept it close by her until her own death in 1603.   In today's talk, historian Claire Ridgway shares a transcript of Robert Dudley's last letter and talks about Elizabeth I's reaction to his subsequent death. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/ApSPxK1d_0o   Also on this day in Tudor history, 28th August 1551, thirty-five-year-old Mary, future Mary I, received a visit from a delegation of men sent by her half-brother, thirteen-year-old King Edward VI. Mary was being defiant and disobedient. She was ignoring her half-brother's orders and was breaking the laws of the land. What was she doing? She was continuing to celebrate the Catholic Mass in her household. Find out more about what happened on this day in 1551 and how Mary handled it, in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/aQgA90q7HHw 

On this day in Tudor history, 27th August 1557, St Quentin was stormed by English and Imperial forces. Admiral de Coligny and his French troops, numbering only a thousand, were overcome by around 60,000 soldiers, and St Quentin fell. Henry Dudley, the youngest son of the late John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, was killed by a cannonball during the storming.    Find out about the siege and battle, and what happened next, in today's talk from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/W1U1ZqajrUs   Also on this day in Tudor history, 27th August 1549, the Battle of Dussindale took place near Norwich, in East Anglia. It ended Kett’s Rebellion once and for all. Find out what happened on that day in 1549 and what happened to the rebels who survived the battle, in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/9mUmt9J6_FE 

On this day in Tudor history, 26th August 1555, Queen Mary I and her husband, Philip of Spain, departed from Whitehall in preparation for Philip's return to the Low Countries.   This was an awful time for Mary I. She had just come out of confinement after months of believing she was pregnant, and now her husband was leaving her. He'd be gone for over 18 months.   Find out more about Mary's state of health and mind, the arrangements for Philip's departure, and Mary's reaction, in today's talk from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/RdzLpuGHaSU   Also on this day in Tudor history, 26th August 1533, Queen Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII, prepared for the birth of her first child by "taking her chamber" at Greenwich Palace. This child was of course the future Queen Elizabeth I. “Taking her chamber” was common practice in Tudor England, and I explain all of the rituals and traditions involved in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/xsfsQEhlVD4 

On this day in history, 25th August 1554, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, magnate, soldier and uncle of Queens Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, died of natural causes at his home of Kenninghall in Norfolk. He was laid to rest in St Michael’s Church, Framlingham, Suffolk.   Find out more about this important Tudor man, and how he escaped the axe-man and died at a good age in his bed, in this talk from Claire Ridgway, author of "The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown". You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/gkA0xdCzT6Q   Also on this day in Tudor history, 25th August 1549, Robert Kett and his rebels launched an attack on the south side of Norwich and burned a number of buildings. Kett's Rebellion lasted from July 1549 until the Battle of Dussindale on 27th August 1549, but what was it all about? What were the rebels' grievances? Find out in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/FKq4MyLj-KM 

On this day in Tudor history, 24th August 1507, Cecily of York, Viscountess Welles, died at Hatfield in Hertfordshire. She was buried at “the friars”.   Cecil was, of course, the daughter of King Edward IV and his queen consort, Elizabeth Woodville, and the sister of Elizabeth of York and the Princes in the Tower, but there's far more to her than that.   Did you know that she married without permission and had to be sheltered by Lady Margaret Beaufort?   Find out all about Cecil of York's life in today's talk from historian Claire Ridgway. You can see this podcast as a video at the following link: https://youtu.be/jShU_-xcJpA   Also on this day in Tudor history, 24th August 1572, on the Feast of St Bartholomew, an awful massacre took place in Paris, and it was followed by further atrocities in other towns and cities. Those who suffered were Huguenot men, women and children, French Protestants. But what happened and why? Find out in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/1DmTMXr0TcQ