Helen Carr joins me again today to discuss the rest of her most recent book, Sceptred Isle. Today we discuss the reigns of Kings Edward III and Richard II, from Edward’s early reign in which he was bullied by his mothers domineering lover to becoming viewed as the greatest Plantagenet king, through to his feckless grandson, Richard II, who all but destroyed trust in the monarch to such a degree that he was forced from the throne, acting as a pre-cursor to the momentous drama that would engulf England in the next century, a period known to us all as the wars of the roses

Historalia are changing the game when it comes to putting on large history themed musicals, hosting them in the grounds of historic buildings closely tied to the subjects of their plays. There latest and very first British musical is just around the corner and its all about everyones favourite Tudor MVP, Anne Boleyn! Anne Boleyn the Musical will take place in a specially designed theatre in the grounds of the stunning Hever Castle, Anne’s iconic childhood home. To discuss the musical with me, I am thrilled to welcome its director, Roxana Silbert and writer Rebecca night onto the show!

From portraits to plays, films to fables, Anne Boleyn is a Tudor poster girl, easily the most studied, the most followed and the most divisive of the six wives of King Henry VIII. Her creation as an icon of history has built over time, both from those who knew her personally and ever since. To discuss how Anne’s image has been created, I am very pleased to welcome back Helene Harrison onto the podcast. Helene’s latest book, the many faces of Anne Boleyn acts as the basis for our conversation, so sit back and listen in as we discuss the many facets of this endlessly fascinating queen, Anne Boleyn.