Historic Royal Palaces Podcast

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 still talking about him almost 1,000 years on? Learn more about William the Conqueror on our website.

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 of animal cruelty, hunting, injury to people, and colonialism.  Visit the Tower of London this summer to see Imagining Animals.

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 for the crown.   Read more about Victoria's life on our website.

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 this royal palace without a king? And how does Cromwell fit into the palace's history?  Explore the Tudor gardens that Cromwell would have known on our website. 

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 underneath these heavenly images? And what remains of his legacy?  See the Rubens ceiling in high definition on Google Arts & Culture.

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? Almost 250 years on from the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, we've delved into the archive to find out. Learn more about the State Dining Room on our website.

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' that he was made out to be?  Learn more about George III on our website.

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 our palaces, and what they can teach us about our past, and present.  Explore more LGBTQ+ histories from our palaces on our website.  Read Matthew's article about Kathleen Woodhouse.   Read Molly McClain's article on Stuart women.  Find Kit Heyam's books on their website.  In this episode we use a range of different gender pronouns to discuss historical people, including those used in the original sources and those used by historians today.  Content warnings:  Homophobia, including the murder of queer people Transphobia  Non-consensual medical examination  Suicide 

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 Borman: Was Jane Boleyn the most hated woman in Tudor England? 

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 novel 'The House of Boleyn' from our shop.

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 Tracy and Eleri in the amazing Tudor Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace. 

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 Hampton Court Palace.  Read more about Sir Thomas More's life and legacy. 

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 Wolsey and see inside his palace at Hampton Court on our website.

The Last Princesses of Punjab left behind legacies that continue to resonate today, but what 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 Art and Architecture 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 Last Princesses of Punjab and book tickets to our exhibition at Kensington Palace. 

The Duleep Singh sisters went from Victorian Debutantes in high society, to defiant changemakers in the 20th 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 the Duleep Singh 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 lived 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 impact 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 about The Last Princesses of Punjab and book tickets to our exhibition at Kensington Palace.  

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 lost in the story of the 'Glorious Revolution'. Yet they 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 become the matriarch of the Tudor Dynasty.  Mother to Henry VII and a key player in bringing the Tudors to the throne, was 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 nature and impact of royal patronage on Jacobean theatre.  Read more about Shakespeare at Hampton Court Palace on our website.  Dive into the history of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with blogs from The Globe.  Buy Will Tosh's book 'Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare' here.     

Empress Matilda wielded an extraordinary amount of power during the period known as the Anarchy in the 12th century, yet she just missed out on being crowned the first queen regnant in England.   Originally chosen 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 in depth look into how Matilda pushed the limits and possibilities of female power. Who was her counter-part – Queen Matilda, and how did these women conform to, or disrupt medieval expectations of Queenship? 

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 Ad Vincula.   Now for the first time ever, we have detailed information about the ordinary people who lived, worshipped, and died at the Tower, but what more can we learn from these excavations? To find out more, we join Alfred Hawkins, Curator of Historic Buildings.  Read about the recent archaeological digs at the Tower of London in our blog posts:     Life, death and worship in the Tower of London, Part I | Historic Royal Palaces  Life, death and worship in the Tower of London, Part II | Historic Royal Palaces 

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 for 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 16th Century England, and share their experimental approaches to researching Tudor life through food.   Watch the team recreate the traditional Boar's Head as a desert on our YouTube channel!

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 about the reign of James VI & I. Watch our YouTube video about the death of Charles I.

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. 

Guy Fawkes, the man behind the iconic rhyme has just failed to light the fuse of the Gunpowder Plot, one of the most notable plots in British history.   In this second episode of our two-part series, Curators Charles Farris, Brett Dolman and Alden Gregory talk through the failure of the plot and what relevance this has to us today. Why do we still celebrate it? 

In November 1605, a group of religious radicals attempted to assassinate King James I, the man they deemed responsible for their oppression. Guy Fawkes was meant to light the fuse, bringing the Houses of Parliament down in a catastrophic explosion. He failed.   But what drove him and the other plotters to this drastic action?  In this re-released episode, hear from curators Charles Farris, Alden Gregory, and Brett Dolman, as they discuss the context of religious persecution and political discontent that led to the Gunpowder Plot.   Discover more about Guys Fawkes and the Tower of London.

Who were the many uncrowned heirs to Elizabeth I, and how did their role as unnamed successors shape their lives?   In this second episode of the series, we're back with Chief Curator Tracy Borman, as she follows the Tudor family tree back to Henry VII, to unpick the complicated web of successors to Elizabeth I's throne.     Find out more about the claimants to the Tudor Crown.    Read about the tragic story of Lady Katherine Grey.    Learn more about Edward VI's nursery at Hampton Court Palace. 

What is the story we think we know about the Elizabethan succession? Was it a smooth transition to the Stuarts, or was it a stolen Tudor crown?   In this first episode of our four-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman will talk us through why Elizabeth I never named an heir, and what repercussions that had for the end of the Tudor dynasty.   Find out more about Elizabeth's brush with death in 1562.   Read more about the reign of Elizabeth I.    For a signed copy of Tracy Borman's new book The Stolen Crown, visit our online shop.   

The story of the end of the Tudor dynasty is well known. With the death of Elizabeth I, the accension of James VI & I saw the Stuarts take the English throne. But the truth behind the succession is much darker than a peacful transition, it's a tale full of treachery  and deceit.  In this four-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman will explore the Stolen Tudor Crown. Who were the front runners to win the race to the throne after Elizabeth I's death, and ultimately how did James Stuart win?  What might have been different had the Tudor crown gone to another?  Join us next Thursday for the first episode of The Stolen Tudor Crown series. 

The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace is a melting pot of architectural styles from across history, reflecting the era-spanning life of the palace itself.   But step away from the grandeur of the Chapel's interior, and this amazing space holds hidden evidence of how the Tudors would have experienced it, and how the palace has been renovated into what we see today.   In this re-released episode from series two of A Space I Love, join Head of Historic Buildings Dan Jackson to take a closer look at a piece of history many of our visitors might never notice.  Have you enjoyed this series of A Space I Love? Which historic places are you longing to be transported to? Let us know by leaving us a comment or review.   Take a virtual tour of the Chapel Royal and other amazing Tudor spaces on Google Arts & Culture.

The Byward Tower at the Tower of London holds some of the oldest surviving treasures of the fortress, including a unique medieval masterpiece – the wall painting known as the Byward Angel.  In this episode of A Space I Love, enter past the Tower's formidable defenses, and follow Curator Alfred Hawkins on an exclusive tour of this remarkable space, which is usually closed to visitors.  Explore the Byward Angel at the Tower of London — Google Arts & Culture  Find out more about the Tower of London's Story 

George III's Great Pagoda in Kew Gardens is the tallest building Historic Royal Palaces looks after. With its Chinese-inspired design and fierce dragons, it is an eye-catching example of the Georgian fascination with architecture from around the world.  Welcome back to the new series of A Space I Love, the mini-series that transports you to history where it happened.  Join curator Lee Prosser on a dizzying climb to the top, and uncover the secrets that informed the restoration of this unique historic building.  Learn more about George III. Visit the Pagoda at Kew Gardens. 

Step inside the Drawing Room of the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Inspired by the Queen Mother, full of contemporary art, and surprisingly cozy, this is a room unlike any other across our palaces. Welcome to a new series of A Space I Love, the mini-series that transports you to history where it happened. In this first episode, Castle Host Carol McMullan takes us on an intimate tour of a place where state and family life have merged for generations of the royals, and where the history of Northern Ireland has been shaped by momentous negotiations. Discover more about Hillsborough Castle Gardens on our website.

The Private Tudor Gardens of Hampton Court were lost when they were replaced by later additions. Yet small glimpses remain to us of these Privy Gardens, revealing an intriguing snapshot into the private lives of the Tudor monarchs and the people who worked for them.   Alexandra Stevenson is Curator of Archaeology and Historic Buildings. She shares with us her latest research exploring Elizabeth I's garden sanctuary - where herbs were grown, sweet-smelling waters were distilled, and where the Tudor queen may have bathed and relaxed away from the eyes of the court.   Travel back to the Lost Tudor Gardens at Hampton Court and see the Wijngaerde Panorama of the Gardens from 1558.  

Hans Holbein's Tudor masterpiece known as the Ambassadors was painted in 1533, the year when Henry VIII changed the course of history. Religious turmoil sweeps through Europe and Anne Boleyn is Queen of England.     Two Ambassadors choose to capture this pivotal moment of religious and political upheaval, but who were they and what did they want this painting to convey?   In today's episode we join Tracy Borman, Chief Historian, as she explores the painting known as The Ambassadors, by Hans Holbein.   You can view The Ambassadors in high resolution here.  Thank you to the National Gallery for letting us record in front of the painting. 

The Gardens of Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are the perfect place to walk and enjoy the sounds and feelings of being in nature.  So for today's episode, we're collaborating with sound artist and musician Alice Boyd, who is going to lead us into these tranquil gardens to meet Claire Woods who is Head Gardener at Hillsborough Castle.   We want you to be immersed by this episode, so take a moment to focus in on the lovely sounds and enjoy an escape to the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle.   Find out more about the Gardens of Hillsborough Castle. 

LGBTQ+ people have always existed in the history of our palaces, yet the stories of this community have often been obscured or misunderstood.   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 week's episode, Curator Matthew Storey is joined by Assistant Research Curator Holly Marsden, and Dr Kit Heyam, to discuss some queer stories connected to our palaces, and how best to understand them in their historic context.    A transcript of this episode is available on the Historic Royal Palaces website.    Explore more LGBTQ+ histories from our palaces on our website.  Read Matthew's article about Kathleen Woodhouse.   Read Molly McClain's article on Stuart women.  Find Kit Heyam's books on their website.   In this episode we use a range of different gender pronouns to discuss historical people, including those used in the original sources and those used by historians today.  Content warnings:   Homophobia, including the murder of queer people  Transphobia   Non-consensual medical examination   Suicide    

There are two Queens Consort particularly connected to the history of the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London; Eleanor of Provence and Eleanor of Castile.   Although less famous than other queens, these women are emblematic of how medieval queenship could perform and embody power in the 13th century. To find out more, Curator Charles Farris is joined by Professor Louise Wilkinson.    Today marks the third and final episode in a mini-series to celebrate the reopening of the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London.    Read more about the life of Eleanor of Provence.

The history of the Jewish community in Medieval England is complex and fascinating, but it hasn't received as much attention as it deserves when it comes to our understanding of the Tower of London.  In this bonus episode as part of our mini-series, curator Charles Farris is joined by Dr Rory MacLellan and Professor Miri Rubin to discuss how the Jewish community interacted with the Crown and the Tower of London during the Middle Ages.   This episode is a re-release of the episode on the same topic from 2023, to add context to our reopening of the Medieval Palace.  Read more about the Jewish community and the Tower of London. Jewish Medieval History at the Tower | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces  Rory's research can be found on our website. The Jewish History of the Medieval Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces  Visit the medieval palace. Medieval Palace | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces     Content warnings:   This episode discusses prejudice against Jewish people, including:  Blaming Jewish people for the death of Christ   Blood libel  Accusations of greed and financial crimes  Imprisonment   Mob violence   Execution   Forced conversion   Expulsion  

The Medieval Palace at the Tower of London formed a significant part of the Tower's large-scale expansion in the 13th Century, turning the castle into a strong defensive fortress.    In this episode, Curator Charles Farris explores the Medieval Palace that survives today, to find out what place the Tower held in medieval society. How was it used by the kings and queens who lived here, and what can it reveal about the communities who worked within its walls?   Explore the Tower of London's Medieval Palace.

In this new three-part series Curator Charles Farris will be exploring what the Tower of London was like in the medieval times.   We'll step into the Medieval Palace, walking in the footsteps of the kings, queens, and communities who built these walls.   In the 13th century, the Tower was expanded into the fortress we recognise today, but what can we learn from it, and how was it used by the people who lived and worked in its shadow?   Join us next Thursday for our first episode on the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London. 

When the Mary Rose was raised in the 1980s, she brought to light a treasure trove of objects that can reveal so much about life in Tudor England and beyond.     In this second episode of our two-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is shown the preciously conserved history of the Mary Rose by Dr Alex Hildred, Head of Research at the musuem.    Find out more about visiting and supporting the Mary Rose Museum, and discover the largest collection of Tudor objects in the world. 

The story of the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's favourite ship, is one that is closely connected to the reign of the iconic Tudor monarch, but it is the history of her demise that remains a mystery to this day.  When she sank in 1545, she lost almost her entire crew, but this tragedy would preserve for posterity a remarkable time capsule of Tudor England and beyond.   In this first episode of our mini-series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman takes us on a trip to the Mary Rose Museum to meet Head of Research Dr Alex Hildred. Together they will explore the life of the Mary Rose. Visit the Mary Rose Museum and discover the largest collection of Tudor objects in the world.  Visit the Tudor World Exhibition at Hampton Court, and see the oldest rooms of the Tudor palace, once lived in by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. 

Dress codes can tell us so much about historic court fashion and the rules and regulations of royal clothing. But they can also relate to the way we think about, and express who we are today, as much as in the past. To celebrate the opening of our new exhibition at Kensington Palace, Caterina Berni speaks to Curator Matthew Story and bespoke period tailor Zack Pinsent of Pinsent Tailoring; to explore the Dress Codes we follow every single day. Decode the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection in our Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace. See the Royal Wardrobe and items from the exhibition up close in our online collaboration with Google Arts & Culture. See the garments discussed in this episode: 18th century court suit with silver thread 1920s Court Dress Vivienne Westwood's Investiture dress Mourning Dress with white and mauve flowers. Japanese Diplomatic Court Suit Gold Wedding Dress Duke of Windsor's Tartan suit Fancy Dress gown worn gown worn to Queen Victoria's costume ball

Matilda of Flanders is the formidable consort of William the Conqueror, yet she is relatively unknown in the story of the 1066 conquest of England.    Chief Historian Tracy Borman makes her pitch for the pivotal role Matilda played as a champion for female sovereignty, and for her contribution to arguably the most successful dynasty in medieval Europe, the Normans.     Read more about Matilda of Flanders, William the Conqueror at the building of the Tower of London. 

We're all familiar with the iconic queens who have lived at the palaces, but what about the women who haven't made it into the history books? What are their stories, and what are some of the obstacles to studying women's history?  In this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman celebrates International Women's Day by asking four of our curators and researchers to tell us about their favourite lesser-known women from our palaces. Perhaps we can even learn something from them today... To take part in our survey and be in for a chance to win a £100 voucher, visit:  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HRPPodcastSurvey/     Please be aware this episode contains themes of sexism, racism, and violence against women that some listeners may find distressing.   

Understanding the love life of James VI & I can give us a better picture of the man himself in his entirety, and not simply through the lens of his kingship, or the politics of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.   So in this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is once again in the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace, joined by Gareth Russell to discuss the subject of his latest book 'Queen James; the life and loves of Britain's first King'.     To take part in our survey and be in for a chance to win a £100 voucher, visit:  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HRPPodcastSurvey/       Please be aware this episode contains themes of homophobia, grooming, and child abuse, that some listeners may find distressing.