Tudors Dynasty & Beyond

This week, I’m joined by historian Dr. Steven Veerapen for a deep dive into one of history’s most fascinating—and controversial—figures: Mary, Queen of Scots.
Was Mary a reckless romantic… or a ruler navigating an impossible political landscape?
Together, we unravel the layers of her story—her queenship, her marriages, the scandal of Darnley’s murder, and the shadow of Bothwell. We also tackle the question that refuses to go away: was Mary truly guilty, or has history been too quick to condemn her?
We explore her rivalry with Elizabeth I—was it real, or something shaped by later narratives? And how much did religion, gender, and perception influence the way Mary was judged, both in her own time and ever since?
From political missteps to matters of the heart, from imprisonment to execution, this conversation looks at how Mary’s legacy was shaped—not just by what she did, but by how her story has been told.
And, of course, we end with the biggest question of all…
After everything—who was Mary, Queen of Scots, really?
--
Steven's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Steven-Veerapen/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASteven%2BVeerapen
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Dr. Steven Veerapen

What makes a marriage work - especially in a world where love was often optional and politics were everything?
In this episode of Off the Record, Amy and I dive into the messy, fascinating world of marriage in Tudor England - where alliances could build dynasties… or completely destroy them. We’re looking beyond Henry VIII’s famously disastrous relationships (don’t worry, he gets enough attention) and instead shining a light on other unions that reveal what “good” and “bad” really meant in the 16th century.
From genuinely supportive partnerships like Henry VII and Elizabeth of York - where stability and mutual respect helped heal a kingdom - to deeply troubled matches like Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Stafford, where power struggles and personal cruelty played out behind closed doors… we’re breaking it all down.
What did a “good marriage” actually look like in Tudor society? Was it about love, loyalty, survival—or simply staying out of trouble? And how do we even begin to judge these relationships by modern standards?
Expect strong opinions, a few laughs, and plenty of moments where you’ll be glad you’re not navigating courtship in the 1500s.
Because in Tudor England… marriage wasn’t just personal. It was political.
--
Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy

My brother from another mother, Matt Lewis, is back—and we’re continuing the story of the children of Henry II of England (and Eleanor of Aquitaine). But since King John was…well…such an idiot, we decided to start with his sisters to make things far more enjoyable 😂
And honestly? These women were incredible—sharp, capable, and miles ahead of their brothers. I think you’ll feel the same once you hear their stories.
In the second half, we finally turn to King John to see if—maybe—there’s a redeeming quality or two hiding in there. Spoiler alert: there isn’t. If anything, you might end up disliking him even more by the end… just like I did. What an absolutely terrible man!
--
Check out Matt's books: https://mattlewisauthor.com/
Gone Medieval: https://access.historyhit.com/gone-medieval
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Matt Lewis

Edward Seymour is often remembered as the powerful Lord Protector who ruled during the minority of Edward VI—but what about the women behind him?
In this episode, we’re turning the spotlight onto the wives of Edward Seymour—and trust me, their stories are anything but quiet.
From his first marriage to Catherine Fillol, surrounded by whispers of scandal and betrayal, to his formidable second wife, Anne Stanhope, whose ambition and sharp presence at court earned her both power and enemies—these women played far more significant roles than history often gives them credit for.
Was Catherine truly cast aside for infidelity… or was there something more strategic at play? And did Anne Stanhope help shape Seymour’s rise—and perhaps even his fall?
This is a story of reputation, rumor, and ruthless court politics—where marriage was never just about love, and scandal could reshape dynasties.
Let’s step beyond the Protector—and into the lives of the women who stood beside him.
--
Find Rebecca Batley's Books:
On Pen & Sword website: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Rebecca-Batley/a/4665
On Blackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/search/author/Rebecca%20Batley
On Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rebecca-Batley/author/B0BLZPHJLL?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1774888814&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=fbe496f2-7200-4af3-a437-a221410a0fe2
--
Support the podcast over on Patreon and get commercial-free episode, early access, and exclusive content! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
--
Host: Rebecca Larson
Guest: Rebecca Batley

In this episode, we spin off from our recent discussion on who was truly safe under Henry VII - and turn the spotlight on Thomas More. What if he had made a different choice? Instead of staying, what if he had fled into exile? Where would he have gone - and would he have taken his family with him? And perhaps most importantly… how would history remember him if he hadn’t died on the scaffold? We explore the possibilities, the risks, and the life Thomas More might have lived.
--
Show your support over on Patreon and get early access, exclusive content, and more! https://patreon.com/tudorsdynasty
--
Hosts:
Rebecca Larson
Amy McElroy