Historic Royal Palaces are a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. This fortnightly podcast brings you the history and stories of those palaces.
You'll hear from our experts and the people who bring our palaces to life, as we create space to explo
The Tower of London loomed large over the medieval city, casting a formidable shadow w ith its rings of high walls and towers, wide moat and fearsome gateways . There have been several attempts to siege the Tower and break past its defenses , but only one was successful. In 1381, the rebels of the Peasants' Revolt managed to get all the way into the White Tower itself. How was the Tower defended? What obstacles stood between attackers and their goals? And how did the rebels make it inside? Find out more about the Peasants ' Revolt at the Tower on our blog
William the Conqueror may have invaded England in 1066, but he needed castles to truly conquer England. Castles became the physical embodiment of the Norman Conquest. These were described by many post-Conquest sources as unnatural, alien structures. But they could not be ignored. The English were forced to help build them, then the castles became the source of their subjugation. Of those first-generation Norman castles, none are more famous than the White Tower at the Tower of London. How and why did William build a castle in London? How was it used? And what does it tell us about Norman…
The Bayeux Tapestry features just three women among 600 male figures. But you can't tell its story without the powerful medieval women who shaped the Norman Conquest. In this second episode of our series, Janina Ramirez and Tracy Borman join Charles Farris to explore the Norman Conquest beyond 'two kings and a duke'. How did women wield power and influence in the early medieval period? Who survived and thrived in the new Norman regime? And why have historians excluded these women from the history books? Learn more about Matilda of Flanders on our website.
William the Conqueror is one of the most famous figures in English history. But his coronation in 1066 was a disaster. Even as he was crowned as King of England, his future looked uncertain. So, how did William go from this shaky start to forging the Norman dynasty? In this first episode of a new series on the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, Tower of London curator Charles Farris is joined by Dr Marc Morris and Dr Caroline Wilhelmsson. Together, they bust some well-worn myths about William and the famous events of 1066. How did William the Conqueror really change England, and why are we…
For hundreds of years, the Tower of London was home to animals from all over the world. Animals were given as diplomatic gifts, brought by hunters, or captured in the process of colonisation. What were conditions like for these animals? Who cared for them? And what does their presence at the Tower tell us about Britain's relationship with the wider world? In this episode, Curator Charles Farris is joined by Emma Shepley, a curator researching the Tower's Menagerie, and Dr Mishka Sinha, a historian of global history, to bring you this new and ongoing research. The episode contains discussion…
We might think of Queen Victoria as an elderly woman in black mourning dress, but she was only 18 when she came to the throne. Victoria spent much of her childhood at Kensington Palace . Here, a rigorous programme of education aimed to prepare her for the responsibility of ruling Britain and its Empire. Victoria believed her childhood was 'oppressive', but what was her schooling really like, and who was in charge of teaching her? In this episode, go behind the scenes of the so called 'Kensington System' with Assistant Curator Myles Campbell, and experience the place where Victoria studied…
A regicide might be the last person you'd think would save a king's palace – but in Oliver Cromwell, Hampton Court found an unlikely admirer. During his time as Head of State, Cromwell's family filled Hampton Court with music, art and beauty – and even some scandalous statues – as their family home. In doing so, they saved it from the threat of demolition, and ensured its survival until Charles II returned in 1660. In this episode, join Assistant Curator Minette Butler as she explores Hampton Court through new eyes, looking for glimpses of this intriguing period. What was it like to visit…
Charles I's execution was unprecedented and shocking. He staked everything on his divine right to rule – the same concept that inspired his spectacular Rubens ceiling at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace. Ironically, this glorification of monarchy was one of the King's last sights, before he died on the scaffold. In this episode, curators Minette Butler and Dr Alden Gregory explore this fascinating story of a 'traitor' king, under the Rubens ceiling where he spent his final moments. How did Charles I come to be executed by his own subjects? Did he reflect on his reign as he passed…
The walls of the Tower of London are covered with carvings - graffiti left behind by the prisoners who were locked inside. The Tudor monarchs imprisoned hundreds of people, for treason, sedition, or simply their religious faith. In this episode, Dr Jamie Ingram visits the Beauchamp Tower, which houses some of the most impressive and well known graffiti at the Tower of London. These marks, some of them 500 years old, reveal the poignant stories of the Tower's Tudor Prisoners. See the Dudley graffito in HD on Google Arts and Culture See the Abel graffito close up on Google Arts and Culture.
Queen Anne was the first Queen of Great Britain , but wasn't supposed to rule. She could be pious and shy, but was also scandelous and scheming. Today, she is perhaps best known from the award winning film, 'The Favourite '. Anne's impact is clear at Hampton Court Palace, where the ceiling of the Queen's Drawing Room is covered with a glorious homage to her reign. In this episode, join historian Gareth Russell for a private look at this amazing space, and explore Anne's turbulent story. See 'The Apotheosis of Queen Anne' ceiling painting on Google Arts and Culture
Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father, writer, inventor – remains one of the most famous visitors to Hillsborough Castle in its history. His visit to his political foe, Wills Hill, 1st Earl of Hillsborough, in 1771 offers an unexpected link to the history of US independence. The two men were so completely opposed that earlier the same year, Franklin had tried to have Lord Hillsborough impeached. In response, there is evidence suggesting that Hillsborough wanted to have Franklin arrested. Remarkably, the two men found much to agree on at the castle – but would the cordial atmosphere last?…
In the Declaration of Independence, signed on 4th July 1776, King George III is cast as a 'tyrant'. How fair is this representation? In this episode, Kew Palace curator Polly Putnam is joined by Dr Rachel Herrmann, Senior Lecturer in Modern American History at Cardiff University, and Dr Robin Eagles, Editor at the History of Parliament Trust. Together, they explore George III's legacy in the United States of America, and whether this matches what we know about his reign. How much power did George have over the American colonies? Who is often left out of the story? And was he the 'tyrant'…
LGBTQ+ people have always existed in the history of our palaces, but stories of this community are often obscured or misunderstood. We've delved into the archive to bring you this special episode for Pride Month , re-connecting with stories from the LGBTQ+ community . When we explore queer histories, we gain a much fuller picture of societies in the past, from when our palaces were first built, right on through to their more recent history . In this episode, Curator Matthew Storey is joined by Curator Holly Marsden, and Dr Kit Heyam . Together, they discuss some queer stories connected to…
In 1533, the Boleyns seemed to have it all. Anne Boleyn was Queen, and her family were reaping the rewards of Henry VIII's favour. But it was not to last. Within three years, each member of the faction was fighting for survival as their power evaporated. In this second episode of a two-part series on the Rise and Fall of the Boleyns, Tracy Borman is joined by Gareth Russell at Hampton Court Palace. They explore how the House of Boleyn was dismantled with such devastating consequences. Who, if anyone, dared to try and save them? And who was left as the faction crumbled? Read more from Tracy…
The Boleyn family captivated Henry VIII – but who were they before their meteoric rise to fame? Who were the little-known women operating from Hever Castle? And was Anne's father the schemer he's made out to be? In this first episode of a new series on the Rise and Fall of the Boleyns, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey from Hever Castle. They explore how Anne Boleyn's relatives worked their way from Norfolk merchants into the corridors of power, and why they still fascinate us 500 years on. Read more about Anne Boleyn on our website. Buy Tracy's new…
Thomas Cromwell might have pulled off the most meteoric social climb of the 16th century. From the rough shores of Putney to the illustrious court of Henry VIII, his journey to power reveals so much about the opportunities and dangers of the Tudor period. In this final episode of our series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman explores the real story of a man often seen as a villain. Joined by Chief Curator Eleri Lynn, she discusses the Reformation, Anne Boleyn, and Cromwell's all-important relationship with Henry VIII. Turn on video on Spotify, or watch this episode on YouTube to see…
Thomas More lived by the mantra, 'I am the King's good servant, but God's first'. He would also die by it. His defiance at Henry VIII's break with Rome would be his salvation, and his destruction. In this episode of our series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman is joined by historian Dr Joanne Paul to examine the truth behind Thomas More's legacy. Was he a saintly man of conscience in a court filled with grasping politicians, or a self-righteous heretic hunter? And what does his story tell us about Henry VIII? Watch this episode on YouTube to see Tracy and Joanne in the Great Hall of…
Thomas Wolsey was born the son of a butcher from Ipswich, yet he rose to become one of the most powerful men in Tudor England as Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor. He was even known as 'The Other King', and built a palace that rivalled Henry VIII's. This spectacular rise was only matched by the drama of his fall. In this first episode of our new series on Henry VIII's ministers, Tracy Borman is joined by historian Elizabeth Norton to explore Wolsey's time in Henry's court. How powerful was he? Why did he fall from Henry VIII's favour? And what legacy did he leave behind? Read more about Thomas…
T he Last P rincesses of Punjab left behind legacies that continue to resonate today, but w hat impact did these women have and how should we remember them ? In this final episode in our series, we join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam, as they chat to researcher and collector Peter Bance, and Dr Nadhra Shahbaz , Associate Professor of the A rt and A rchitecture of Punjab . What were the sisters' legacies and how can we find meaning in them today? Read more about the extraordinary life of Catherine Duleep Singh , LGBTQ+ Icon and 'gurantor' for Jewish refugees. Find out more about…
The Duleep Singh sisters went from Victorian Debutantes in high society, to defiant changemakers in the 20 th century, but how did this change happen? Join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam, alongside Dr Sumita Mukherjee and Dr Siobhan Lambert-Hurley, to explore how the sister's heritage and individual indefinites led them to explore defiance in their lives. Find out more about The Last Princesses of Punjab and book tickets to our exhibition at Kensington Palace.
The lives of t he Duleep S ingh sisters were deeply impacted by Queen Victoria's Empire in India, and their father's displacement as the last Maharaja of the Punjab , yet they live d a life of privilege as aristocrats in Victorian Britain . Join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam , alongside Dr Priya Atwal , to explore the early lives of Princesses Sophia, Catherine and Bamba. How did Empire impac t their childhoods, and who were the women who shaped them, from Queen Victoria to their Grandmother Maharani Jind Kaur. Read about Queen Victoria role in the British Empire . Find out more…
Hampton Court is a palace of two halves and countless stories. But which side is best? The Tudor half displays all the court intrigue of the dynasty it's named for, and yet the Baroque side is no less dramatic, holding the stories of the Restoration, Glorious Revolution, and Georgians within its decorative walls. Join Tracy Borman and Gareth Russell on a private tour of this palace of two halves, as they each make their case for which side is best. The Tudor, or the Baroque? Find out more about the story of Hampton Court Palace .
Mary of Modena and Mary II are two Queens whose lives have been l ost in the story of the 'Glorious Revolution' . Yet the y were fundamental to the machinations of the turbulent late 1600s, where heightened religious tension made for dangerous politics at the Stuart court. So for today's episode, we're bringing them back into the centre of the story. Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by Assistant Research Curator Holly Marsden and Dr Breeze Barrington to reveal the women behind the 'Glorious Revolution.'
Margaret Beaufort was a leading figure in the tumultuous Wars of the Roses and would go on to be come the matriarch of the Tudor Dynasty. Mother to Henry VII and a key player in bringing the Tudors to the throne , wa s Margaret a manipulative schemer as she has sometimes been portrayed, or instead a resilient survivor of trauma and decades of civil conflict ? To better understand Margaret in the context of her time, Curator Charles Farris is joined by historians Dr Joanna Laynesmith and Lauren Johnson, as they explore the power and perception of this 15th century matriarch.
On the 1st of Janurary, 1604, Hampton Court Palace hosted a performance by William Shakespeare's acting troupe, The King's Men. They were booked to perform for the new King of England, James VI of Scotland, and one of the plays that they chose was 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. What did it mean to be part of 'The King's Men'? How did Shakespeare's relationship with James VI and I shape his life and his plays? In this episode, Curator Brett Dolman welcomes Dr Will Tosh to the Great Hall at Hampton Court, one of few surviving places where we can tread in Shakespeare's footsteps, to discuss the…
Empress Matilda wielded an extraordinary amount of power during the period known as the Anarchy in the 12 th century, yet she just missed out on being crowned the first queen regnant in England . Originally c hosen as heir for her abilities as a ruler, Matilda was determined to fight her cause when her throne was usurped by her cousin Stephen . But how was she viewed by contemporaries, and what is the legacy she left behind? Join Curator Charles Farris, alongside Professors Louise Wilkinson and Elisabeth Van Houts, for an i n depth look into how Matilda pushed the limits and possibilities of…
Archaeology can offer us new discoveries into the Tower of London's medieval past, as well as insights into the lives of the community that lived and worked there . In 2019, and in the summer of 2025, we undertook one of the most important excavations at the Tower for a generation, just outside the Chapel of St Peter A d V incula . Now for the first time ever, we have detailed information about the ordinary people who lived, worshipped, and died at the Tower , b ut what more can we learn from these excavations? To find out more, w e join Alfred Hawkins, Curator of Historic Buildings. Read…
What was on the table for a Tudor Christmas dinner ? From the lavish feasts of Henry VIII to the sugar delicacies gifted to Elizabeth I, Christmas at court was a spectacle to behold and to taste ! But f or ordinary people, the preservation of meats, cheese, fruit and vegetables was essential to even last the winter . In this episode, Hampton Court Palace's Historic Kitchens Team discuss the culture and festivities of the Christmas period in 16 th Century England, and share their experimental approaches to researching Tudor life through food. Watch the team recreate the traditional Boar's…
The lie that started the Stuart Dynasty in England, also shaped the end of the Tudor era. But how can we better understand how this fiction was created, and ultimately who it benefitted? In this final episode of our Stolen Tudor Crown series with Chef Historian Tracy Borman, we delve into the end of Elizabeth I's reign, and the manuscripts written by William Camden that document it. What is truth and what is fiction, and how would the consequences of it all turn into a bitter civil war within decades? For a signed copy of Tracy Borman's new book The Stolen Crown , visit our online shop. Read…
Today Arbella Stuart is Elizabeth I's forgotten heir, yet during her lifetime she was raised in the belief that she might one day be Queen. Her life can be viewed as tragically romantic, but is there much more to her story then that? What agency did Arbella wield, or was she completely controlled by the forces around her? In this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by historian Sarah Gristwood to explore the forgotten story of Arbella Stuart. Learn more about the life of Arbella Stuart.
About Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Historic Royal Palaces are a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. This fortnightly podcast brings you the history and stories of those palaces.
You'll hear from our experts and the people who bring our palaces to life, as we create space to explo
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast is a English history podcast from Historic Royal Palaces. 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.
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