Talking Tudors

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]!

Episode 342 - The House of Boleyn with Professor Tracy Borman

Host Natalie Grueninger talks with historian and novelist Professor Tracy Borman about her new novel, 'The House of Boleyn', the rise and fall of the Boleyn family, and Hever Castle as the book’s intimate setting. They explore lesser-known figures like Margaret Butler and Jane Boleyn, plus the servants and daily life that shaped the family. The conversation also covers Borman’s research process, historical details that informed the novel and publication and tour dates (UK release 23 April; US release 4 September). Learn more about Dr Tracy Borman https://www.tracyborman.co.uk/ [https://www.tracyborman.co.uk/] Find out more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Episode 341 - Henry VII & the Founding of the Tudor Dynasty with Dr Sean Cunningham

Host Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Sean Cunningham about Henry VII’s unlikely path from exile to king, the political alliances and myths he used to secure power, and the major challenges of his reign, including rebellions and pretenders. They explore Henry’s strategies for legitimacy, his marriage to Elizabeth of York, the role of Margaret Beaufort, and how Tudor symbolism and governance shaped the dynasty’s future. Find out more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Episode 340 - The Pretender Who Shook the Throne: Jo Harkin on Lambert Simnel

Author Jo Harkin joins Talking Tudors to discuss her novel 'The Pretender', which imagines the life of Lambert Simnel — a farm boy thrust into Yorkist plots, crowned in Dublin, and swept through courts from Oxford to Burgundy and Ireland. Jo explains her five-year research process, the vivid locations and powerful women who inspired her, and her approach to balancing historical fact with imaginative storytelling. She also shares reading and viewing recommendations, a glimpse of her next project set in Spain, and practical insights into writing historical fiction. Find out more about your host: https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!

Episode 339 - The Life of Margaret of Austria: Queen, Princess & Regent with Dr Natalie Donnell

In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger speaks with historian Dr Natalie Donnell about the life and career of Margaret of Austria. Born in Burgundy and raised at several European courts, Margaret was the long-serving regent of the Netherlands. The conversation covers Margaret’s education under powerful women, her role raising and supporting Charles V, her diplomatic success in the 1529 'Ladies' Peace', her patronage of the arts, and her legacy as a capable and influential female ruler until her death in 1530. VISIT DR DONNELL'S WEBSITE https://www.nataliedonnell.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVhQRjFiOUpPbDUtaVBmSnhoNVNNOTVrR0V5d3xBQ3Jtc0ttZmZ1YVFOSDNjeFFTd1lRYWhWNy13N3JwVktldFJVbzhzTlhCc1hmdG91bXVhTWtOMXIzVHZYdlNEY2FTRHBaOHlvR3lVOVh5Uy0wUF9LdHRUaWh4OG1FRDZGX2xQUDBqVU9OcW9zQlNITHh5TEFPTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nataliedonnell.com%2F&v=Uuf0ySAf_lg] SUBSCRIBE TO FEMINIST HISTORIES https://feministhistories.substack.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa204bVBOMGZEaUo3YlYyS1JDR0hGYURRTGVld3xBQ3Jtc0tuajlPTnlPWkZ1RGEwLThUSS1FOGRyeWI4VDkyZWdsVk9JdVJUd2xoRXdJTTFZTmF0aTg3MnlwTnVpem44dmRVaGNxSzhWWE9kUG9rYUw0VDJZQUpoSXdVSll0NW5uXzZfSExMUHJ6UG0zVTFlRG9OQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffeministhistories.substack.com%2F&v=Uuf0ySAf_lg] TAKEAWAY 'The Theatre of the World' by Abraham Ortelius Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com [https://www.nataliegrueninger.com/] Support Talking Tudors on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TalkingTudors]!