This is History: The Tudors

S9 E12 | Rise of the Yorks

This is History: The Tudors

Show Notes

To learn more about the last time an English king was usurped, listen to Season 7, Bonus Episode 12, where Dan tells the story of Henry VI’s grandfather, Henry Bolingbroke. In 1399, he toppled Richard II to become King Henry IV.

By 1460, England has emerged into a polycrisis.

King Henry VI has been relegated to a pawn. His son and wife have been disinherited, with Richard, Duke of York, now heir presumptive. Violence pulses through the countryside.

In this pivotal chapter of the Wars of the Roses, it appears that Yorkist forces have finally overwhelmed the Lancastrians in the battle for the crown.

But then, Richard, Duke of York is killed in an ambush. It throws everything into disarray, and Queen Margaret of Anjou makes one last attempt at violent restoration.

It appears the clock has run out for the Yorkists. That is, until the eleventh hour, when Richard's son, Edward Earl of March, is propelled into the decisive moment.

–

A Sony Music Entertainment production.

Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices.

Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

–

Written and presented by Dan Jones

Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman

Executive Producer - Simon Poole

Production Manager - Jen Mistri

Production coordinator - Eric Ryan

Mixing - Amber Devereux

Head of content - Chris Skinner

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More from This is History: The Tudors

Oct 20, 2026

*THIS IS HISTORY — THE TUDORS*

Oct 13, 2026

Did one of the Princes in the tower survive!?

Oct 6, 2026

It turns out, that saying you’re the king just because you’ve put a crown on your head, means plenty of others can get the same idea. And in 1487, a 10-year-old boy claims that he is England’s true king.

Sep 29, 2026

England gets a counterfeit king… well, almost.

Sep 22, 2026

Henry VII’s reign starts with dirty feet and a dirty little problem.

See all episodes →