This is History: The Tudors

S9 E4 | Tainted Love

This is History: The Tudors

Show Notes

Owen Tudor is running out of time. With Queen Mother Catherine de Valois dead, their once‑secret marriage — and the Tudor bloodline it produced — is suddenly exposed. The English court is alarmed, the line of royal succession is in question, and powerful enemies are closing in.

But political panic is only the beginning. When Eleanor Cobham is accused of witchcraft and plotting against King Henry VI, England is convulsed by one of the most explosive scandals of the 15th century. Accusations of sorcery, prophecies of regicide, and ruthless factional battles collide at the heart of the medieval court.

Power, prophecy, and the birth of the Tudor dynasty meet head‑on in this gripping chapter of medieval English history — as paranoia, ambition and fear push a fragile kingdom toward chaos.

–

Want to delve deeper? Become a This Is History Royal Favourite subscriber on Patreon, where you can listen to this week’s bonus episode — ad-free— with Dan and Producer Al. In this episode, they discuss all things medieval astronomy and witchcraft, and why Catherine de Valois’ death is such a big dynastic deal. Plus, you get ad free listening, exclusive behind the scenes videos, and lively chat rooms over at patreon.com/thisishistory

And don’t forget, you can now WATCH every This Is History episode on YouTube. Subscribe at youtube.com/@thisishistory

–

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 →