Show Notes
Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sean Cunningham about Henry VII’s unlikely path from exile to king, the political alliances and myths he used to secure power, and the major challenges of his reign, including rebellions and pretenders. They explore Henry’s strategies for legitimacy, his marriage to Elizabeth of York, the role of Margaret Beaufort, and how Tudor symbolism and governance shaped the dynasty’s future. Find out more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!
More from Talking Tudors
Historian and novelist Sarah Dunant joins Natalie Grueninger to explore the life and legacy of Isabella d'Este. Among other things, they discuss her upbringing in Ferrara, marriage into Mantua, patronage of the arts, signature fashion statements, and the extraordinary archive of over 33,000 letters that reveal her voice and political skill. They also discuss Dunant's latest novel 'The Marquesa'. LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH DUNANT https://www.sarahdunant.com TAKEAWAYS https://www.isabelladestearchive.org/ Explore the work of Andrea Mantegna, court artist to the Gonzaga family in Mantua. LEARN MORE ABOUT TODAY'S SPONSOR - SIMPLY TUDOR TOURS https://simplytudortours.com/ Visit Natalie Grueninger's official website: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!
In this episode Natalie Grueninger interviews Susan Millard, rare books curator at the University of Melbourne, about the library’s recent acquisition of a 1494 edition of the Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches). They explore the book’s author Heinrich Kramer, its printing by Anton Koberger, its role in witch trials and misogyny, the physical provenance and condition of the volume, and how it will be used for teaching and research. JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about the library's collection: https://library.unimelb.edu.au/asc
Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Harry Spillane about the life, exile, and execution of William Tyndale, focusing on his groundbreaking translation of the New Testament and the challenges he faced from church and state. The episode covers Tyndale's translation methods, the printing and smuggling of English Bibles, his clashes with figures like Thomas More and Henry VIII, and his lasting influence on English language and later Bible editions. JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about Dr Spillane https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/people/dr-harry-spillane TAKEAWAYS https://tyndale.org/ https://datb.cerl.org/estc/ Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!
Dr Megan J. Hall joins Talking Tudors to explore women's literacy and education in medieval England, tracing how reading and writing shifted from church-centred training to household and aristocratic learning between 1100–1300 and beyond. They discuss educational settings and curricula for girls and boys, the role of saints and literary models, and how modern research reshapes our assumptions about women's intellectual contributions. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR, SIMPLY TUDOR TOURS! https://simplytudortours.com/ SUPPORT TALKING TUDORS ON PATREON! https://talkingtudors.podbean.com/ JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ VISIT DR MEGAN J. HALL'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://www.meganjhall.com/ COULD MEDIEVAL WOMEN READ? https://sites.nd.edu/manuscript-studies/2021/04/14/could-medieval-women-read/ Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com
Host Natalie Grueninger and guest Dr Owen Emmerson examine a tiny Tudor portrait miniature held at the Royal Ontario Museum, exploring its possible attribution to Lucas Horenbout and the tantalizing theory that it may be the earliest depiction of Anne Boleyn. They discuss dating, costume and jewel details, related inventories and court accounts from 1527–28, comparisons with a twin miniature at and why ongoing technical research may help confirm or refute the sitter’s identity. JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ Learn more about Dr Owen Emmerson: https://drowenemmerson.com/ Learn more about your Natalie Grueninger: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!