Tudor Portraiture is a subject which I find endlessly fascinating, from the amazing full lengths of Henry VIII to the tiniest miniatures of his queens. Tudor portraits tell us a story, but there is often more to the story of the portraits themselves than we know about. Today, to discuss several Tudor portraits, some very well known and others less so, I am pleased to welcome back Sylvia Barbara Soberton onto the show. Sylvia’s latest book, 'Secrets of the Tudor Portraits' is packed full of details and little known facts that change how we view many of these incredibly famous faces!

Queen Elizabeth I's later in life romance with the French prince, Francois, Duke of Anjou, is seldom explored at great length, despite the clear affection for which the two felt for each other, so why? Well to discuss this I am pleased to welcome historian David Lee onto the podcast. In 2023 David’s book, 'The Queens Frog Prince, the Courtship of Elizabeth I and the Duke of Anjou' was released, and acts as the basis for our conversation, so get comfortable and prepare to learn all about an aspect of Elizabeth I’s life that rarely gets the attention it deserves.

In early 1554 a rebellion against queen Mary I broke out over fears that her impending marriage to Philip II of Spain would plunge England into becoming nothing more than an extension of Spain. This rebellion has become known as Wyatt’s rebellion, for one of its key architects was Thomas Wyatt the younger. The rebellion would end in failure, but what actually was it and who was involved, how serious was the threat against Queen Mary and why was its biggest casualty Lady Jane Grey, despite her not being remotely involved?