Talking Tudors

In this episode Natalie Grueninger interviews manuscript specialist Sienna Wells about illuminated medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. They discuss how manuscripts were made, who produced and owned them (including women), how the printing press changed book culture, and what physical traces of use reveal about past readers' lives and emotions.

The conversation highlights personal stories like birthing girdles and the intimacy of Books of Hours, offering listeners insights into the human connections preserved in these remarkable objects.

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Takeaway

'Meetings with Remarkable Manuscripts' by Christopher de Hamel

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Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson as they explore Hever Castle's new exhibition, 'Capturing a Queen', examining portraiture, miniatures, manuscripts, and objects that shaped Anne Boleyn’s public and private image. The episode discusses scientific analyses, iconography, myths versus evidence, and the ways Anne and later generations constructed her likeness.

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Rethinking Anne Boleyn

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Host Natalie Grueninger interviews Rosemary Goring about Mary Queen of Scots, tracing her life from Scotland to years of captivity in England and the historic places that shaped her story.

The episode covers Mary’s relationships, imprisonment at sites like Tutbury Castle, the 2023 discovery of coded letters revealing plots and health concerns, and how culture and espionage influenced her downfall.

Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Simply Tudor Tours

https://simplytudortours.com/

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 https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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In this episode of Talking Tudors, host Natalie Grueninger welcomes Dr James Taff to discuss his book 'Accounting for Anne' and how Anne of Cleves' household accounts reveal the daily workings of her short queenship.

They examine the blended German and English household, Anne's wardrobe and rewards, myths about her appearance, the aftermath of the annulment, and the research challenges that bring this overlooked queen into sharper, more sympathetic focus.

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Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson's new online event:  'Rethinking Anne Boleyn'

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethinking-anne-boleyn-tickets-1981325385564?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find out more about your host at

 https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

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In this episode, Natalie Grueninger speaks with historian Lauren Johnson about Margaret Beaufort — a child bride turned survivor whose political skill, marriages, and networks helped secure Henry VII’s rise. They trace her early life, complex role during the Wars of the Roses, and her close but often-misunderstood relationship with her son and Elizabeth of York.

The conversation also busts long-standing myths, explores Margaret’s religious patronage and use of early printing, and highlights her cultural legacy. Lauren discusses her new biography, Margaret Beaufort’s Survivor Rebel Kingmaker, and why Margaret’s story matters today.

Visit Lauren Johnson's official website

http://www.lauren-johnson.com/

Join Natalie Grueninger and Dr Owen Emmerson's new online event:  'Rethinking Anne Boleyn'

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rethinking-anne-boleyn-tickets-1981325385564?aff=oddtdtcreator

Find out more about your host at

 https://www.nataliegrueninger.com

Support Talking Tudors on Patreon!