Podcast · History

British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics

by Carol Ann Lloyd · English · History

Weekly podcast, British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics, available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Meet famous and infamous characters, walk with playwrights and peasants, and wander through castles and cathedrals. New episodes every Wednesday. Have a

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 50 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 35 min

Et Tu, Brute? What Choices Will You Make? (ep 259)

Part of the Royals, Rebels, and Romantics Leadership Series, this episode explores the ways leaders make choices. Carol Ann looks at how pressures of crisis and potential crisis can lead to choices that lead to more chaos instead of solutions. Brutus, Antony, and Caesar can teach leaders about stepping back to move forward. Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/ca...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S6 · E258 · 16 Sep 2026 · 50 min
Ann Foster and the Royal Rebel of the Regency (ep 258)
Caroline of Brunswick might be the most fascinating woman we never talk about! Her life was full of accusations of scandals, trials for adultery, accusations of illegitimate children--and she was barred from her own coronation. Author, historian, and podcaster Ann Foster brings us into the world of the Regency to explore the life of a powerful and overlooked woman, Caroline of Brunswick. Ann Foster https://annfosterwriter.com/ https://www.instagram.com/vulgarhistorypod/ Podcast: h...
S6 · E257 · 2 Sep 2026 · 56 min
Sharon Bennett Connolly and the Lives of Early Medieval Princesses (ep 257)
Being a royal princess in early Medieval England was not just about the clothes and jewels. These young women were intelligent ambassadors for the kingdoms they came from and essential players in their new homes. Sharon Bennett Connolly takes us into the world of court politics and intrigue! Sharon Bennett Connolly https://historytheinterestingbits.com/ Princesses of the Early Middle Ages Scotland’s Medieval Queens Heroines of the Tudor World Women of the Anarchy And many, many more! https:...
S6 · E256 · 19 Aug 2026 · 43 min
Heather Teysko: Creating a Tudor Community & Tudorcon (ep 256)
Welcome Heather Teysko, the woman who turned an interest and passion for the Tudors into a fabulous 3-day event: Tudorcon! Heather Teysko https://www.englandcast.com/contact/ https://tudorcon.englandcast.com/ https://tudorfair.com/ https://www.englandcast.com/courses/ Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/carolann The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Qu...
5 Aug 2026 · 50 min
Tracy Borman and the Stories Inside the House of Boleyn (ep 255)
We think we know the story of Anne Boleyn and her family. But what went on behind closed doors? In her new novel, Tracy Borman explores the personal side of the Boleyns: their rivals, their supporters, and the years that changed England forever. Tracy Borman, OBE https://www.tracyborman.co.uk/ Details on 2026 Theatre Tour: http://tracybormanlive.co.uk/ https://x.com/TracyBorman https://www.instagram.com/tracy.borman/ The House of Boleyn Stolen Crown And many more! Carol Ann Lloyd ...
E254 · 29 Jul 2026 · 24 min
Power Clings to the Crown; Leadership Means Letting it Go (ep 254)
Shakespeare's Richard II clung to his crown as if it could transform him. Henry V took off his royal robes to focus on his people. Shakespeare shows the difference between clinging to power and taking responsibility. Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/carolann The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Become a Royal, Rebel, or a Romantic! Support the show...
S6 · E253 · 15 Jul 2026 · 46 min
Formidable Women in Medieval Europe with Susan Abernethy (ep 253)
The history of Medieval Europe is shaped by the women--wives, mothers, daughter, sisters who wielded power, made alliances, governed areas and nations. Susan Abernethy joins us to discuss the women who shaped the Medieval world. Susan Abernethy The Freelance History Writer https://thefreelancehistorywriter.com/ Charles II’s Portuguese Queen: The Legacy of Catherine of Braganza The Formidable Women of Medieval Europe: Power and Patronage at the Burgundian Court Both available from https:...
S6 · E252 · 1 Jul 2026 · 46 min
George vs George: The Georges and the American Revolution (ep 252)
This year, the US is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Despite his limited powers, George III is the focus of grievances the Americans expressed as they demanded independence. George Washington lead the Continental Army and then the nation. The story of two Georges is the story of America. Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/ca...
S6 · E251 · 25 Jun 2026 · 42 min
When Does a Lie Become a Weapon? Leadership and Othello (ep 251)
Shakespeare's plays Othello and Much Ado About Nothing start with the same storyline: someone tells a lie about a relationship that threatens an entire community. But when does the lie become a weapon? When someone chooses to believe it. True leaders must push back against lies, even when it's risky and unpopular. Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/carolann ...
S6 · E250 · 17 Jun 2026 · 47 min
The Little World: Tudor & Stuart England with Nandini Das (ep 250)
Tudor and Stuart England is sometimes considered "a scepter'd isle," as Shakespeare put it--proudly alone. But in fact, the history is much more complicated. Nandini Das explores how small and interconnected the world was in the 16th and 17th centuries, and how that contributed to the nature and character of England at the time. Nandini Das University of Oxford https://www.english.ox.ac.uk/people/nandini-das https://www.english.ox.ac.uk/people/nandini-das @rentravailer on Twitter This Littl...
S6 · E249 · 3 Jun 2026 · 58 min
Mary Tudor, Erasmus, and Tudor Continental Impact with Amy McElroy (ep 249)
Amy McElroy Substack: The Tudor Notebook with Rebecca Batley https://amymcelroy.substack.com/p/welcome @amymcelroy on Substack @amymcelroy_author on Instagram Books: Desiderius Erasmus (2026), Mary Tudor Queen of France (2025) And many more! Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/carolann The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Support the show History reve...
S6 · E248 · 27 May 2026 · 27 min
Power, Praise, and Pressure: How King Lear Gets it Wrong (ep 248)
In this episode of the Royals, Rebels, and Romantics Leadership Series, Carol Ann examines Shakespeare's King Lear as a cautionary tale. Instead of behaving as a leader, Lear behaves as a bully, grasping for power and control. He treats leadership as a transaction, attempting to exchange power for praise. Not surprisingly, everything falls apart. Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https:...
20 May 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
The Story of Anne Boleyn's Hands with Helene Harrison (ep 247)
From the time she burst onto the stage of the royal court in 1522, people have been debating what Anne Boleyn looked like. Recent discoveries about portraits created in the reign of her daughter shed some light on the political importance of Anne's hands. Historian Helene Harrison joins us to share her insight and early identification of the way politics and portraiture come together in the appearance of Anne Boleyn. Show Notes: Helene Harrison https://tudorblogger.com/ @tudorblogger The Many...
S6 · E246 · 6 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
The Judicial Murder of Anne Boleyn with Heather Darsie (ep 246)
Anne Boleyn changed the history of England, but her impact was felt far beyond her native country. Author and historian Heather Darsie brings a Continental perspective to Anne's life, and her death. Show Notes: Heather Darsie Heather holds degrees in law and German, which gives her special insight into the Continental perspective on the factors leading to the death of Anne Boleyn. https://maidensandmanuscripts.com/ @hrdarsiehistory "If Any Person Will Meddle of My Cause": The Ju...
22 Apr 2026 · 53 min
Hamnet Times Four: Experiencing the Book, Movie, Play, and Audio Book (ep 245)
Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet has captured the attention of the world, focusing on Shakespeare's family. The importance of Agnes (Anne) Hathaway Shakespeare and the death of son Hamnet changed the family. Carol Ann looks at how four adaptations give us new understanding of the family and the works of Shakespeare. Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell affiliate link: Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: 3 Leadership Secrets from Shakespeare @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.co...
S6 · E244 · 8 Apr 2026 · 50 min
Double, Double, Toil, and Trouble: Scottish Witches with Mary Craig (244)
Macbeth begins ominously: "Enter three witches." What did Scottish people believe about witches? Historian and author Mary Craig joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics to explain. Show Notes: Mary Craig https://marywcraig.com/ Mary and Doug's podcast: https://bordersbletherings.uk/#podcast Twitter: https://x.com/11mwc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marywcraig Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/11mwc/ Scottish Witches (Pen and Sword) available for preorder! ...
S6 · E243 · 1 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Leadership Lessons from History and Shakespeare: Henry V and the Power of Listening (ep 243)
A new series on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics! Leadership Lessons from History and Shakespeare. This week we take a deep dive into Shakespeare's Henry V and why listening is a leader's superpower. Carol Ann Lloyd TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVWJml2otH0 @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd https://bookshop.org/shop/carolann The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Support the show History reveals what's possible.
S6 · E242 · 25 Mar 2026 · 57 min
Scandals Surrounding the Seymour Women with Rebecca Batley (242)
Jane Seymour was not the only famous Seymour woman of the sixteenth century. Rebecca Batley explores the lives of Edward Seymour's two wives, Catherine Filliol and Anne Stanhope. Show Notes: Rebecca Batley https://substack.com/@rebecca192630 https://amymcelroy.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips @damagedbybooks @rebecca192644 https://bsky.app/profile/bec1926.bait.social Anne Walker: The Life and Death of Gentleman Jack's Wife Anne Neville: Queen and Wife o...
S6 · E241 · 11 Mar 2026 · 53 min
Elizabeth Goff and the Bloody, Brilliant Tudors (ep 241)
Elizabeth Goff, aka The Historical Gal, brings the Tudors to life, with 100 tales of gowns, gossip, and gory ends! Show Notes Elizabeth Goff @TheHistoryGal @thehistoricalgal @the_historical_gal on Instagram Bloody, Brilliant Tudors Carol Ann Lloyd @shakeuphistory https://carolannlloyd.com/ https://patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen History reveals what's possible. Support the show History reveals what's possible.
S6 · E240 · 25 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Michael Livingston & The Bloody Crowns: The Two Hundred Years War (ep 240)
It was a conflict that raged on for years, shifting alliances, remaking warfare, and changing the political and economic landscape of Europe forever. Michael Livingston deep into the history of what we call "The Hundred Years War," revealing conflicts and battles that raged for two centuries that laid the foundation of the modern world. https://www.michaellivingston.com/ Show Notes: Michael Livingston https://www.michaellivingston.com/ https://www.michaellivingston.com/the-blog...
11 Feb 2026 · 51 min
Catherine de Medici & Bess of Hardwick: Wives & Mothers of Power (ep 239)
Throughout history, women have used their own ways to establish credibility and exercise influence. In the sixteenth century, two women took this to high art: Catherine de Medici and Bess of Hardwick. In different countries and using different techniques, these two women demonstrate how the public performance of marriage and motherhood could change history. Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Su...
S6 · E238 · 28 Jan 2026 · 40 min
Heart of a Lioness with Catherine Hanley (ep 238)
Joanna Plantagenet, daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, was a princess and a pioneer. Author and historian Catherine Hanley takes us through her exciting life and shares insights from her book, Lioness Heart. Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Catherine Hanley @catherinehanley_author Lionessheart: The Life and Times of Joanna Plantagenet Nemesis: Medieval England's Greatest Enemy 121...
S6 · E237 · 14 Jan 2026 · 32 min
Kicking Off 2026 with Carol Ann (ep 237)
Happy 2026! I believe studying history is more important now than ever! Join me for a discussion about the power of history, one of my favorite historical moments (1399), and how history is showing us what's possible. Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Book mentioned in podcast: The Eagle and the Hart, by Helen Castor Support the show History reveals what's possible.
S6 · E236 · 31 Dec 2025 · 47 min
Tudor England Through Women's Stories with Rosemary Griggs (ep 236)
Rosemary Griggs is an author, researcher, and presenter who shares the often unknown stories of Tudor women. Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Rosemary Griggs rosemarygriggs.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/ladykatherinesfarthingale https://www.instagram.com/griggs6176/ https://bsky.app/profile/ragriggsauthor.bsky.social Substack Notes from Devon's Tudor Time Traveler coming in ...
S6 · E235 · 17 Dec 2025 · 51 min
Celebrating Women & Their Voices with Sarah Gristwood (ep 235)
In what can be considered a companion piece to her wonderful Secret Voices: A Year of Women's Diaries, Sarah Gristwood's Celebrating Women is a joyful exploration of firsts, feasts, friends, family, and more! Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Sarah Gristwood www.sarahgristwood.com sarahgristwood.substack.com Facebook: sarah.gristwood.1 Instagram: sarah.gristwood Celebrating Women Secret Voices:...
S6 · E234 · 3 Dec 2025 · 59 min
How Do We "See" William Shakespeare (ep 234)
We can see Shakespeare's plays on stage, but can we "see" Shakespeare? A new uncovered portrait dating from the late sixteenth century might give us a way way to see Shakespeare? Steve Wadlow, the owner of the portrait, and filmmaker Madoc Roberts join us to share the journey of discovery as we try to picture Shakespeare. Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Steve Wadlow Madoc Roberts www.isthiswi...
S6 · E233 · 19 Nov 2025 · 54 min
Medieval Queens of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly (ep 233)
Scotland's Medieval Queens were at the heart of power struggles, threatened with murder and imprisonment, and at the center of the royal family. Sharon Bennett Connolly helps us appreciate their important contributions to history. Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Sharon Bennett Connolly historytheinterestingbits.com A Slice of Medieval podcast @thehistorybits @sharonbennettconno...
S6 · E232 · 5 Nov 2025 · 46 min
The Truth Behind the Stolen Crown with Tracy Borman (ep 232)
The death of Elizabeth I marked the end of the Tudor dynasty. But how did James VI of Scotland become the next English monarch? Historian Tracy Borman shares the hidden story. Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Tracy Borman, OBE tracyborman.co.uk Twitter: @tracyborman Insta: @tracy.borman FB: @TracyBorman The Stolen Crown (now available in US and UK!) Holbein: The Ambassadors Anne...
S6 · E231 · 22 Oct 2025 · 46 min
The Women Who Wrote the Renaissance with Ramie Targoff (ep 231)
While navigating the expectations of women's work in the sixteenth century, some women created works that have lasted hundreds of years. Ramie Targoff shares how women's words help us understand the Renaissance. Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Ramie Targoff ramietargoff.com Shakespeare's Sisters: How Women Wrote the Renaissance The Life of Vittoria Colonna: Renaissance Woman Po...
S6 · E230 · 8 Oct 2025 · 58 min
Crown Divided: Richard II and Henry IV with Helen Castor (ep 230)
Two cousins, both descended from Edward III. Both would become King of England. Helen Castor explores the epic battle between Richard II and Henry IV--the causes and the implications. Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloyd www.carolannlloyd.com @shakeuphistory patreon.com/carolannlloyd The Tudors by Numbers Courting the Virgin Queen Helen Castor helencastor.substack.com @hrcastor The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV Elizabeth I: A Study in Insecurity (Penguin Monarchs)...

About British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics

British History: Royals, Rebels, and Romantics is a English history podcast from Carol Ann Lloyd. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Carol Ann Lloyd
Language: English
Category: History
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 50 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1516524780

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