Step back into the dawn of one of history’s most infamous reigns. In this episode, we explore the early years of Henry VIII—not the tyrant history often remembers, but the young, chivalric prince who inherited a fragile throne and set out to redefine kingship. From his education steeped in humanism to his first tournaments, marriage to Catherine of Aragon, and the promise of a golden age, we uncover the hopes, ideals, and ambitions that shaped the young king. This is Henry before the shadows—full of energy, splendor, and the weight of destiny.

He betrayed a saint, tortured a rebel, and walked away from every regime he served… richer than ever. In this episode, we pull back the velvet curtain on Sir Richard Rich arguably the most treacherous figure of the Tudor court. From perjuring himself to condemn Thomas More, to racking Anne Askew with his own hands, Rich’s legacy is stained with ambition and blood. Was he a master survivor or a man with no soul? Join me as we trace the rise, reign, and ruthless deals of the Crown’s most infamous turncoat. You’ll never see Tudor politics the same way again.

January 24th, 1536 — the moment when a king hit the ground and England held its breath. In this gripping episode of The Lion and the Rose, we unpack the infamous jousting accident that left Henry VIII unconscious for two hours. But this isn’t just about a fall it’s about how that fall changed everything. From shattered lances and royal bravado to miscarriages, court panic, and the birth of tyranny, this is the joust that broke a legend. ⚔️ Why was Henry still jousting at 44? ⚔️ What really happened on the field that day? ⚔️ How did Anne Boleyn’s fate unravel from it? ⚔️ And what did England lose when the crown hit the dirt? It’s action, drama, trauma and the turning point of a king’s reign. 🎧 Listen now and ride back into Tudor chaos. 🔔 Follow @TheHistoryMike on TikTok and Instagram ☕ Support the show atcoff.ee/TheHistoryMike 🔗 All links in one place: https://linktr.ee/thehistorymike Keep your sword sharp... and your history sharper.

He was the golden boy of the Elizabethan court—handsome, headstrong, and dangerously entitled. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, rose fast on charm and royal favor, but fell harder than anyone before him. In this episode, we unravel the dramatic downfall of Queen Elizabeth’s last great favorite: from battlefield glory to courtroom disgrace, from private whispers to public rebellion. Was it ambition, arrogance, or love that led him to the scaffold? You decide.

You thought the scaffold was silent after last time? Think again. In this follow-up to Heads Will Roll, we return to the blood-soaked stage of Tudor justice—where fear was policy and death was performance. This time, we uncover the executions you weren’t taught in school. Forgotten figures. Suppressed trials. Brutal ends that slipped through the cracks of history. From abbots hung on the heights of Glastonbury… to rebels, servants, and traitors whose stories were nearly erased—we bring them back. These were more than punishments. They were messages.And in Tudor England… messages were carved in flesh. 🎧 The Lion and the RoseKeep your sword sharp—and your history sharper.

Treason. Torture. Execution.In this dark journey through Tudor England, we uncover the brutal machinery behind royal justice. From the rack to the axe, from Tower Green to Tyburn Tree—this episode explores how the Crown used pain as power, and fear as law. You’ll hear the stories of Anne Askew, Lady Jane Grey, Thomas Cranmer, and others who met their fate beneath the sword or in the flames. We’ll walk the blood-soaked paths of the Tower of London, Smithfield, and Oxford—and reveal how some voices, silenced in life, refused to be forgotten. This is not just history—it’s a warning.Heads Will Roll… and not always the ones you expect. 🎧 The Lion and the RoseKeep your sword sharp—and your history sharper.

Two princes. One tower. No answers.In 1483, Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York, vanished behind the cold stone walls of the Tower of London—and were never seen again. Was it murder? Political strategy? Or a cover-up that still echoes through history? In this episode of The Lion and The Rose, I dive deep into the disappearance that has haunted England for over 500 years. From Richard III’s rise to power, to the chilling theories surrounding Henry VII and the Duke of Buckingham, we leave no stone unturned. Was it really as simple as history wants it to be? Or is the truth darker—and closer—than we think? 🎙️ Join me as we investigate bones in the staircase, royal paranoia, pretenders to the throne, and the cold case that just won’t die. ⚠️ Side note: if I sound a bit tired in this one—it’s because I’m still recovering from knee surgery. But nothing keeps me from chasing down royal conspiracies for you.

He was Henry VIII’s closest friend, a fearless knight, and the only man daring enough to marry the king’s sister without permission. So how did Charles Brandon survive where so many others lost their heads? In this episode, we dive into his rise from obscurity to Duke of Suffolk, his role in Henry’s court, and the scandals that nearly cost him everything. 🎙️ Loyalty, ambition, and survival—this is the story of England’s ultimate Tudor power player.

🔥 NEW EPISODE – "The Spies Are Coming: Francis Walsingham & The Tudor Shadow War" 🔥 He wasn’t just a spymaster—he was England’s deadliest weapon. Francis Walsingham built a network of spies that exposed traitors, thwarted assassins, and stopped invasions before they began. From uncovering the Babington Plot that sealed Mary, Queen of Scots' fate, to misleading the Spanish Armada, Walsingham’s intelligence web kept Elizabeth I’s enemies one step behind—until the day he was gone. But who really was the man behind the shadows? How did he intercept secret letters, crack coded messages, and manipulate foreign courts? And why did the man who saved England die broke and forgotten? In this episode of The Lion & The Rose, we dive into the life and legacy of Tudor England’s spymaster-in-chief—and the deadly game of shadows he played. 🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your history fix! 🔗 Support the podcast on Patreon & unlock exclusive content: [The Lion & The Rose]📖 Join the discussion on Sunstack & get bonus history insights: [The Lion & The Rose]

🎭 Was he England’s lost prince or the greatest con artist of the Tudor era? In this episode of The Lion & The Rose, we unravel the unbelievable story of Perkin Warbeck—a Flemish merchant’s son who convinced kings, nobles, and even entire armies that he was Richard of York, the missing Prince in the Tower. Backed by Margaret of York, the Duchess of Burgundy, and supported by France, Scotland, and the Holy Roman Empire, Warbeck was treated like a true king. He led invasions, raised armies, and was even proclaimed King Richard IV. But then… it all came crashing down. Join me as we break down:⚔️ Warbeck’s mysterious origins—was he really a fraud?⚔️ How he nearly took down Henry VII’s Tudor dynasty⚔️ The failed invasions that led to his ultimate downfall⚔️ The role of Margaret of York in shaping his royal lie⚔️ And the final twist—did Warbeck actually believe his own deception? Was he a master conman, a Yorkist puppet, or did he truly believe he was Richard of York?

<p>The Tower of London—<strong>a fortress, a palace, and one of history’s most feared prisons</strong>. Few who entered ever left, but in 1597,<strong>Father John Gerard</strong> pulled off one of the most<strong>daring escapes</strong> in history.</p><p>A Jesuit priest imprisoned for his faith, Gerard endured<strong>brutal torture</strong> at the hands of Elizabeth I’s interrogators. But even as his hands were mangled and his body broken, Gerard plotted his way to freedom. With the help of an underground network, a<strong>well-placed bribe</strong>, and a<strong>rope stretched across the Tower’s moat</strong>, Gerard risked everything in a<strong>death-defying escape</strong> that left the authorities baffled.</p><p>How did he outwit the Tower’s guards? What drove Elizabethan England’s<strong>obsession with crushing Catholic priests</strong>? And how did Gerard make sure his allies inside the Tower<strong>didn’t pay the price</strong> for his escape?</p><p>This is more than just a story of survival—<strong>it’s a masterclass in courage, strategy, and resilience.</strong></p><p>🔔<strong>Follow @TheHistoryMike</strong> on Instagram, TikTok, and The Lion &amp; The Rose onYouTube and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content and updates on the next episode in the<strong>Great Escapes Series</strong>!</p><p>🎧 Subscribe to<em>The Lion &amp; The Rose</em> for more thrilling stories from English history.</p><p></p>

<p>🏰 <strong>&quot;The Downfall of Buckingham&quot;</strong> 🔪<br>Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, had everything: royal blood, immense wealth, and a grand vision for his legacy. But in the dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, ambition was a double-edged sword.</p> <p>In this episode, we uncover Stafford’s rise from privilege to peril, his bold defiance of Tudor law, and the whispers that sealed his fate. Why did Henry VIII turn on his cousin? Was Stafford guilty of treason—or a victim of paranoia?</p> <p>🎙️ Dive into the intrigue, ambition, and betrayal that led to one of the most dramatic executions of the Tudor era. This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration into the life and legacy of Edward Stafford—and the deadly game of power in Tudor England.</p> <p>⚔️ <strong>Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper.</strong></p> <p> </p>

<p>🎙️ <em>Episode Title: Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The History of British Foods</em> 🥧🍻</p> <p>Dive into the delicious history of British cuisine with <em>The Lion and the Rose</em>! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating stories behind the foods that shaped Britain, from the Tudor courts to your favorite local bakery. 👑✨</p> <p>Here’s what’s on the menu:<br />🍖 The truth about Henry VIII’s dining habits (hint: no flying drumsticks!).<br />🍞 How bread laws and the “baker’s dozen” kept bakers in line.<br />🍗 Bone marrow custard pies and other extravagant Tudor dishes.<br />🔥 A visit to the <strong>Hampton Court Palace kitchens</strong>, the oldest working Tudor kitchens today.<br />🥐 A shoutout to <strong>Braised Pies</strong>, a local gem serving up modern takes on British classics.<br />🍺 Pub food evolution: from Tudor alehouses to fish and chips at your local.</p> <p>Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or both, this episode has something for you!</p> <p>🎧 Listen now and discover how British food evolved through the centuries, and don’t forget to follow us for more historical insights. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper!</p> <p> </p>

<p> </p> <p>Anne Boleyn: A name synonymous with ambition, intrigue, and tragedy. In this episode of <em>The Lion and the Rose,</em> we uncover the dramatic rise and fall of England's most infamous queen consort. From her love affair with Henry VIII to the scandalous accusations that led to her execution, we explore the political intrigue, personal struggles, and enduring legacy of a woman who changed history.</p> <p>Join us as we delve into her story, her impact, and the lessons her life continues to teach us.</p> <p>🎙️ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @Thehistorymike and on Facebook @TheLion&amp;TheRose for behind-the-scenes content and updates.</p> <p> </p>

<p>🎶 <strong>Music in the Chaos: Power, Scandal, and Song in Henry VIII’s Court</strong> 🎶<br />Tudor England: a realm of power plays, scandal, and the constant march of ambition. But beneath the chaos of court intrigue and political betrayal, there was another story—a story of music.</p> <p>In this episode of <em>The Lion &amp; The Rose</em>, we journey into the heart of Henry VIII’s court to explore the lives of the composers and musicians who defined the Tudor soundscape. Thomas Tallis, the master of divine polyphony. Mark Smeaton, a gifted courtier whose music—and rumored indiscretions—landed him on the scaffold. William Cornysh, a poet-composer at the center of it all. And yes, even Henry himself, whose royal compositions reveal another side to England’s most infamous king.</p> <p>This is history with a heartbeat. A tale of soaring melodies, deadly ambition, and a court where even music wasn’t safe from scandal. 🎵</p> <p>🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe to <em>The Lion &amp; The Rose</em> on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper! 🦁🌹</p> <p> </p>

<p>Dive into <em>The Lion &amp; The Rose</em> as we unravel <em>The King’s Great Matter.</em> Explore the explosive drama of Henry VIII's quest to sever ties with Katherine of Aragon, fueled by his obsession with a male heir. From Anne Boleyn's rise to power, Cardinal Wolsey's downfall, and Thomas Cromwell's cunning schemes to the rebellion of the Pilgrimage of Grace, this episode is a journey through love, betrayal, and the ultimate break from Rome. </p>

<p> <strong> "Love, War, and Wolsey"</strong></p> <p>✨ In this episode of <em>The Lion and the Rose,</em> dive into the early years of Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon, where romance and ambition ruled England. Henry’s jousting feats and war victories were all for her honor—but behind the scenes, Cardinal Wolsey wielded incredible power, managing the kingdom as Henry’s trusted advisor.</p> <p>From chivalric displays to battles that shaped the nation, witness how Katherine inspired a young king, while Wolsey’s cunning made him the true master of England’s fate.</p> <p>🔔 Ready to discover the drama and devotion of England’s most iconic couple and the kingmaker who held their world together? Listen now! 🔔</p> <p> </p>

<p> Before the infamous reign of Henry VIII, before the break with Rome and the whirlwind of marriages, there was a young prince groomed for greatness. In this episode of <em>The Lion and the Rose</em>, we delve into the early years of Henry’s life—a period marked by chivalric ideals, humanist learning, and the influence of masterful minds like Thomas More, John Skelton, and Erasmus. Discover how a second-born son transformed into the heir to the Tudor legacy, his childhood shaped by towering ambitions, intellectual rigor, and a court obsessed with the display of power. Join us as we unravel the making of a legend and uncover the forces that set Henry VIII on his path to becoming one of England’s most remarkable—and controversial—monarchs. Listen in and explore the origins of a king whose story would alter the course of history. And remember, keep your sword sharp, and your history sharper!</p>

<p>The Lion &amp; The Rose Podcast Present:</p> <p>Warwick The King Maker </p> <p>In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the dramatic life of Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, better known as "The Kingmaker." From his meteoric rise as one of the most influential men in 15th-century England to his ultimate betrayal and downfall, Warwick’s story is one of power, ambition, and political intrigue.</p> <p>Discover how this master manipulator helped shape the Wars of the Roses, toppling kings and making new ones, as we explore his key role in putting Edward IV on the throne and his shocking alliance with his former enemy, Margaret of Anjou. We’ll unravel his bitter feud with the Woodville family, the high-stakes political chess game that led to his demise, and the personal rivalries that ignited one of England’s bloodiest civil wars.</p> <p>With fascinating details about Warwick’s alliances, betrayals, and the dramatic Battle of Barnet, this episode brings history to life in a way you’ve never heard before. Whether you’re a fan of medieval politics or just love a good story of power, rebellion, and tragedy, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the life of the man who made and unmade kings.</p> <p>Join us as we uncover the dramatic story of <em>Warwick the Kingmaker</em>—the man who ruled the throne from behind the curtain, until the curtain fell on him.</p> <p> </p>