Talking Tudors

Episode 347 - Rethinking the Wives of Henry VIII with Jessica Carey-Bunning

Host Natalie Grueninger talks with historian Jessica Carey-Bunning about her book 'The Wives of Henry VIII', presenting fresh archival research and new perspectives on each queen. They discuss Catherine of Aragon’s finances after annulment, Anne Boleyn’s use of dress and image, Jane Seymour’s complex reputation and faith, Anne of Cleves’ later life, Catherine Howard’s queenship, and the contested danger faced by Catherine Parr. Carey-Bunning urges listeners to question traditional narratives and to return to primary sources to better understand the messy realities of Tudor court life. Visit Jessica's official website https://tudortreasures.net/ [https://tudortreasures.net/] Learn more about 'Simply Tudor Tours' https://simplytudortours.com/ [https://simplytudortours.com/] JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/] Learn more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Episode 346 - Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion with Martha Tatarnic

Natalie Grueninger interviews Martha Tatarnic about her new book on Anne Boleyn, exploring how Anne shaped the English Reformation, championed the English Bible, and influenced church leadership through key appointments. The conversation also examines how Anne's reputation has been distorted over time, why the stories we tell about historical women matter today, and how recovering silenced voices reshapes our understanding of the past and present. Visit Martha Tatarnic's website https://marthatatarnic.ca/ [https://marthatatarnic.ca/] JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/] Learn more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Queen Anne Boleyn's Imprisonment Through the Eyes of William Kingston with Natalie Grueninger & Dr Owen Emmerson

Natalie Grueninger is in conversation with Dr Owen Emmerson about five surviving letters written by William Kingston during Anne Boleyn’s imprisonment in May 1536. They examine Kingston’s eyewitness details—Anne’s moods, her conversations with attendants, mentions of Henry Norris, Mark Smeaton and George Boleyn—and the damaged Cotton manuscripts used alongside later transcriptions. The episode traces Anne’s shifting emotions, her religious faith, the role of her attendants as informants, the hurried preparations for execution, and why Thomas Cromwell may have avoided visiting the prisoners. VISIT DR EMMERSON'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE https://drowenemmerson.com/ [https://drowenemmerson.com/] EXPLORE COTTON MS OTHO C X https://searcharchives.bl.uk/catalog/040-001102888 [https://searcharchives.bl.uk/catalog/040-001102888] JOIN 365 DAYS IN ELIZABETHAN ENGLAND https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/ [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/2026/05/17/365-days-in-elizabethan-england/] Learn more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Episode 344 - Bess of Hardwick: An Elizabethan Magnate with Dr Wyn Derbyshire

Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Dr Wyn Derbyshire about the remarkable life of Bess of Hardwick — her uncertain origins, four marriages, sharp business sense, and rise to becoming the second-richest woman in England. The episode explores her building projects (Hardwick and Chatsworth), estate management, and relationships with Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Learn more about Dr Derbyshire https://spiramus.com/wyn-derbyshire [https://spiramus.com/wyn-derbyshire] Learn more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Episode 343 - Inside the Scriptorium: Medieval Manuscripts and their Makers with Dr Sara Charles

In this episode host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sara Charles about the production of medieval manuscripts, her hands-on experiments with parchment, inks and pigments, and her book 'The Medieval Scriptorium'. They explore the evidence for where manuscripts were made, the people and long supply chains behind their materials, the evolution of scripts and decoration, and the everyday details that bring medieval scribes to life. Learn more about Dr Charles https://www.teachingmanuscripts.com/about [https://www.teachingmanuscripts.com/about] Takeaway 'The Craftman's Handbook' by Cennino d'Andrea Cennin Find out about 'Medieval Castles in Germany' by Kurt Fuchs https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1691602354/medieval-castles-in-germany?ref=listings_manager_grid&lang_mismatch=1 [https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/1691602354/medieval-castles-in-germany?ref=listings_manager_grid&lang_mismatch=1] Learn more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!