Episode #1

Richard's burning of Dumfries, the Lewis Roll explored and more – highlights of the 2026 Ricardian

In this edition of The Ricardian Podcast Alec Marsh and guests explore topics ranging from Richard III's invasion of Scotland in 1482 and the burning of Dumfries, to the history and meaning of the Lewis Roll which was created in the 1460s to celebrate the kingship of Edward IV. In an episode of the podcast dedicated to exploring the 2026 volume of the Richard III Society's scholarly journal, The Ricardian, we are joined by its Editor Dr Joanna Laynesmith and two of the contributors to the latest edition – independent historical researcher Sandra Pendlington and Dr Eleanor Webb, a post-doctoral fellow at Cornell University. As well as exploring the evidence of Richard's raid into Dumfries and invasion of Scotland, and the art and meaning of the 17-feet-long Lewis Roll, we also hear about the history of the Stanley family of Elford in Staffordshire – a junior branch of the family who would play a decisive influence at the battle of Bosworth in 1485 – which features a fascinating and possibly bloody connection to the Perkin Warbeck conspiracy of the 1490s. The Ricardian Podcast is brought to you by the Richard III Society. Visit ⁠ [richardiii.net]richardiii.net [http://richardiii.net]⁠ [richardiii.net] find out more about the society or benefits of membership. The society's scholarly journal, The Ricardian, has been published for more than 50 years, and is distributed to members of the society. You can view the Lewis Roll online here [https://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/chronicle-world].

The Mysterious Life of Perkin Warbeck

In this episode of The Ricardian Podcast we shine the spotlight on the mysterious life of the man who called himself Richard of England but who came to be known in history as Perkin Warbeck. Born in around 1474, this individual claimed to be the son of Edward IV and made at least three bids to dethrone Henry VII in the 1490s. In the centuries since opinion has largely accepted the story laid down by Henry VII that this claimant to the crown was a boatman's son from Tournai. However, in the light of recent documentary findings this assertion is being challenged like never before. With guests historian and presenter Matt Lewis and historical researcher Wendy Moorhen we chart the highly contested life and career the man who would have been king, Richard of England. The Ricardian Podcast is presented by Alec Marsh and brought to you by the Richard III Society. Visit ⁠richardiii.net⁠ [https://richardiii.net] to find out more.

The real Richard III explored

In this edition of The Ricardian Podcast we explore the life and reign of the man who remains England's most contested and controversial king, Richard III. Who was he, what did he want to achieve and how did he become king? In this episode we are joined by historian, Ricardian biographer and History Hit presenter Matt Lewis, the acclaimed novelist Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily and The King's Mother, and by a stalwart of the Richard III Society's research committee and book blogger, Kenneth Hillier. Together they piece together the key chapters in the life of Richard Plantagenet – from his birth at Fotheringhay Castle on 2 October 1452 all the way to his accession to the throne in June 1483, leading up to death at the battle of Bosworth on 22 August 1485, aged just 32. Did Richard ever expect to become king? Did he want to become king? What sort of man was he? The guests join presenter Alec Marsh to explore the life of one of history's most misunderstood monarchs, Richard III of England. * The Ricardian Podcast is brought to you by the Richard III Society. Find out more about the Society at richardiii.net [https://richardiii.net/]

What is the Greatest Ricardian 'read' of all time?

In this episode of The Ricardian Podcast, presenter Alec Marsh invites guests Dr Joanna Laynesmith, Dr David Grummitt and Kenneth Hillier to name their candidates for the greatest Ricardian book of all time. Which are the histories and biographies that have moved the dial most in our understanding of Richard III? Which are the books that have been most influential in shaping our thoughts about the last Plantagenet king of England and in helped define his reassessment? In this episode Joanna, David and Kenneth discuss the merits of six books they have identified and confront the unenviable task of whittling the six down to just one: the greatest Ricardian read of all time... The Ricardian Podcast is brought to you by the Richard III Society (www.richardiii.net [https://richardiii.net/])

Maximilian I, Richard III and the Princes in the Tower

In the latest edition of The Ricardian Podcast we are joined by historian, presenter and author Matthew Lewis and Wendy Moorhen, the former research officer of the Richard III Society, to discuss the extraordinary life of Maximilian I, the Austrian archduke and Holy Roman Emperor from 1508 to 1519. One of the most powerful men in Europe, Maximilian sought to build up and expand the power of the House of Habsburg, but he also had direct links to the House of York through marriage and Richard III himself. During his long career Maximilian also supported the efforts of at least two Yorkist claimants or pretenders to the throne of England – individuals identifying as the sons of Edward IV, the Princes in the Tower - following Henry Tudor's seizure the throne after the battle of Bosworth in 1485. How was Maximilian helping them and why was he helping them at all? The Ricardian Podcast is presented by Alec Marsh and brought to you by the Richard III Society. You can find out more about the society at richardiii.net [http://richardiii.net].