On this day in Tudor history, 3rd September 1553, Edward Courtenay was created Earl of Devon by Queen Mary I. It was a stunning reversal of fortune for a man who had spent 15 years imprisoned in the Tower of London after his father, the Marquess of Exeter, was executed for treason. In this podcast, I trace the extraordinary life of Edward Courtenay:

• His royal blood as a great-grandson of King Edward IV
• His childhood imprisonment and forgotten years in the Tower
• His dazzling restoration under Mary I — knighted, cheered by Londoners, even carrying the sword of state at Mary’s coronation
• Hopes that he might marry Mary (or even Elizabeth) instead of Philip of Spain
• His entanglement in Wyatt’s Rebellion and return to prison
• Exile abroad and rumours of conspiracies, assassination plots… and finally poison
• His sudden death in Padua in 1556, aged just thirty

Courtenay’s story is one of royal promise turned to tragedy — a man hailed as “the flower of English nobility,” yet destined to be remembered as a prisoner, pawn, and victim of Tudor politics. Do you think Edward Courtenay could ever have been a successful husband for Mary or Elizabeth? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you enjoyed this dive into Tudor history, please like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a new episode. For even more Tudor treasures — including exclusive talks, printable resources, Zoom chats, and my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle — consider joining my YouTube as a channel member. #TudorHistory #MaryI #WyattsRebellion #EdwardCourtenay #AnneBoleynFiles

On 2nd or 3rd September 1507, Thomas Savage, Archbishop of York, died at Cawood Castle in Yorkshire. Savage wasn’t just a churchman — he was one of Henry VII’s most trusted servants, a skilled diplomat, and a powerful royal official in the turbulent north of England. In this video, I uncover his remarkable story: - His family connections to the influential Stanley clan - His education at Oxford, Bologna, and Padua - His rise from royal chaplain in 1485 to Archbishop of York in 1501 - His role in negotiating Prince Arthur’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon - His escort of Princess Margaret Tudor to Scotland for her historic marriage to James IV - His dangerous rivalry with the Earl of Northumberland - And his final years at Cawood Castle, with his body buried in York Minster and his heart laid to rest in Macclesfield Though not a household name today, Thomas Savage played a vital role in Tudor politics and diplomacy, and his career reminds us how powerful churchmen could be in shaping both the kingdom and the dynasty. Had you heard of Archbishop Thomas Savage before? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this deep dive into Tudor history, please give the podcast a like, subscribe, and ring the bell so you never miss my next episode. Want even more Tudor treasures? Join my channel as a member to access exclusive posts, behind-the-scenes content, printable resources, Zoom discussions, and my monthly digital magazine The Privy Chronicle. #TudorHistory #HenryVII #ArchbishopOfYork #AnneBoleynFiles