Henry VI inherited the throne as an infant and would become one of England's most controversial kings. In this episode, Matt Lewis joins me to explore the first half of Henry's reign, from the triumphs inherited from Henry V to the mounting crises that would eventually tear the kingdom apart.

Together, we discuss Henry's upbringing, his deeply pious personality, the influence of powerful nobles, the loss of England's French territories, the rise of factional politics at court, and the growing unrest that culminated in Jack Cade's Rebellion in 1450.

Was Henry VI simply a victim of circumstances beyond his control, or did his own shortcomings help create the conditions for disaster? Join us as we trace the early reign of the king who would preside over the end of England's French empire and the beginning of one of the most turbulent periods in English history.

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Host:
Rebecca Larson

Guest:
Matt Lewis

Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull returns for part two of our conversation on women's networks during the Wars of the Roses. This time, we turn our attention to two of the most influential women of the fifteenth century: Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort.

How did these women navigate one of the most turbulent periods in English history? What role did family connections, female alliances, and political survival play in shaping the future of the English crown?

We explore Elizabeth Woodville's relationship with her mother, Jaquetta of Luxembourg, and how that bond may have helped prepare her to survive repeated political upheavals. We also examine Margaret Beaufort's often-misunderstood ambitions, separating later Tudor mythology from what the contemporary evidence actually tells us.

Along the way, we discuss the mysterious events of 1483, including a possible plot to rescue the Princes in the Tower, the challenges of interpreting Richard III's actions, and the communication networks that may have connected Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort long before their famous alliance.

Most importantly, we look at how these two women ultimately worked together to secure the marriage of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York—an alliance that helped bring the Wars of the Roses to an end and laid the foundations for the Tudor dynasty.

Join us as we separate fact from fiction, challenge long-held assumptions, and uncover the remarkable political agency of women whose influence has too often been overlooked by history.

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Lacey's Substack: https://thehistoriansdesk.substack.com/

Support the podcast on Patreon and get commercial-free episodes, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty--Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull

Ever wished you could step into a time machine and witness history with your own eyes? In this special episode, Amy and Rebecca leave the archives behind and dive into the historical moments they would most love to experience firsthand.

From royal celebrations and mysterious disappearances to secret weddings, political intrigue, and pivotal turning points, we reveal our dream destinations in the past - and why these events continue to fascinate us. Along the way, the conversation takes a few unexpected (and hilarious) detours, proving that even historians can't resist having a little fun.

So, if you've ever wondered what it would be like to stand in the crowd at a Tudor celebration, uncover one of history's greatest mysteries, or simply observe a world long gone, this episode is for you.

And we want to hear from you: If you could travel back in time, where - and when - would you go?

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Support the podcast on Patreon and receive COMMERCIAL-FREE episode, EARLY ACCESS, and EXCLUSIVE CONTENT: https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty

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Join other history enthusiasts for the upcoming EVENT on imagery of Mary Boleyn with Sylvia Barbara Soberton. Learn more here: https://maryboleyn.eventbrite.com

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Co-Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy