Carol Ann Lloyd

Edward said he could not do his job as King the way he would wish without the support of “the woman I love.”

The woman he loved was Wallis Simpson, someone he was told he could not marry because she was divorced.

In those days, the Church of England did not recognize divorce.

Have you watched “Picturing Shakespeare” on PBS?
Shakespeare is showing up a lot these days.
I recently saw “& Juliet” on Broadway and LOVED it!
Can’t wait to see Hamnet.
What do you think Shakespeare looked like?

Are your Christmas celebrations already underway?
December in Tudor England was not a full month of fun and festivity
The first three weeks of the month were full of fasting and hard work
No decorations until Christmas Eve
The Tudors might have been impressed with my early tree!

She became Queen at six days old...then Queen Consort of France as a teenager. Back in Scotland, she married & bore a son, then had to abdicate in favor of that son when her husband was murdered. She was known as the "Scots Queen" until her death in 1587. A fascinating woman!

OTD in 1214, William “the Lion” of Scots died.

He ruled Scotland for nearly 49 years, the longest reign before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.

William was a supporter of Henry II’s sons in their rebellion against their father.

William’s troops were defeated.

Is this the face of Shakespeare?

The two men behind the new PBS special, “Picturing Shakespeare,” join me this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!

OTD in 1546, Henry Howard, earl of Surrey, was arrested.

He used the arms of his ancestor, Edward the Confessor, in his own arms.

Only Henry VIII was allowed to use royal arms.

Henry VIII believed Surrey was going to challenge young Prince Edward after Henry’s death.

Join me online with Smithsonian Associates to explore Shakespeare’s London on December 2. bit.ly/ShakesLondon

Next I’ll be heading to NYC for a trip back in time to meet Bess of Hardwick with Royal Oak! bit.ly/BessHardwick

Make it a historic holiday!

For #RoyalsRebelsRomantics patrons only! Listen as @SarahGristwood chats about recent events for the Royal Family. bit.ly/RRRpatronDec

-In 1588, Elizabeth I held a Thanksgiving to celebrate victory over the Spanish Armada

-In 1606, Parliament made the 5th of November a day of Thanksgiving after preventing the Gunpowder plot

-In 1707, a thanksgiving was held to mark the Union of England and Scotland

Happy Thanksgiving. So grateful to all who navigated 2025 with me. Looking forward to the future we can build together. #HappyThanksgiving

Who were the Queens of Scots before the famous Mary?

Wives of the Kings of Scots helped shape the politics of Scotland, England, and beyond.

Don’t miss episode 233, “Medieval Queen of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly.”

OTD in 1487, Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen of England.

Daughter of Edward IV, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII, Elizabeth often gets lost in the shadow of the men around her.

Elizabeth was a quiet influence. She provided a strong support to the Tudor dynasty.

More about Gruoch and Lady Macbeth
Gruoch is the first Scottish queen whose name is known to history!

In history, Gruoch and Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome

In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s life was full of murder and chaos

Which version do you prefer?

OTD in 1951, Sir Christopher Hatton died

He served as Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor and was one of her favorites

Hatton flattered the Queen in the game of courtly love, writing “The Queen did fish for men’s souls, and had so sweet a bait that no one could escape her network.”

This week, historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly comes to the podcast!

She will discuss her new book: Scotland’s Medieval Queens

These women were royals, saints, and lovers, pivotal in some of the most turbulent times in Scottish history

You don't want to miss it!

On 18 November, 1558 Elizabeth Tudor woke up as Queen of England

She became Queen on 17 November when Mary I died

Elizabeth’s Accession Day was celebrated with jousting, pageants, and feasts throughout her reign

Medieval Monday

Meet Gruoch (or, as you might know her, “Lady Macbeth”)

Yes, she’s a real character, a royal princess

She married Macbeth after he killed her husband, helping him establish a stable kingdom

Learn more about Gruoch Wednesday on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!

OTD in 1856, The Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster’s clock chimed for the first time

Affectionately known as “Big Ben” the clock was given its nickname during the reign of Queen Victoria

What really happened at the end of the Tudor dynasty?
Elizabeth I refused to name an heir–so who would be next?
It wasn’t the easy answer we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy Borman shares the real story of the Tudor to Stuart transition.
Royals, Rebels, and Romantics episode 232!

OTD in 1534, the French ambassador, Philippe de Chabot, arrived in England

He was there to negotiate a possible marriage between a French prince and young Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn

Meet Joan Beaufort, granddaughter of John of Gaunt
She was of English royal blood, related to Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV
She married James I of Scotland in 1424
After her husband’s assassination in 1437, her son became James II
She married James Stewart and died in 1445

James had a warm welcome in England, but there were two conspiracies the first year of his reign

The Gunpowder Plot, planned to blow up the state opening of the king’s first parliament, was one of the most dangerous plots that shook the nation

Tracy Borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics TODAY!

The royal succession of 1603 was more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.

Tracy explores the plotting and deception that brought the Scots King to the English throne.

Available wherever you like to listen.

Happy Tudor Tuesday

Elizabeth I named an heir and her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty
How did James VI become King of England?

@tracy.borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics tomorrow to talk about her new book, Stolen Crown.

Out today in the US!

Medieval Monday!

Elizabeth de Burgh, born about 1289 and died 1327

Queen Consort of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots

Daughter of powerful Lord of Ireland, Richard de Burgh

Robert the Bruce was one of most famous Scots kings

Have you heard about the curse of Shakespeare’s Macbeth?

Rumor has it the play is cursed and saying “Macbeth” in a theatre puts you in danger.

Many refer to the play as “the Scottish play” just to be safe.

Have you listened to Ramie Targoff’s episode yet?
She shares her wonderful book, Shakespeare’s Sisters: Four Women Who Wrote the Renaissance.
Shakespeare and his buddies were NOT the only writers in sixteenth century London.

Here's what might get you accused of being a witch in Tudor Times.

Being older and living by yourself

Talking to yourself

Having pets that follow you around

Holding ceremonies or using herbs

Having a “witch spot” (of any kind!) on your body

Living alone

Would you survive?

Meet a famous witch: Alice Kyteler!
Alice was the first woman condemned for witchcraft in Ireland.
Because of her wealth, locals and her stepson turned against her, and she was accused of a Satanic conspiracy in 1324.
Alice escaped, but her associate Petronilla was burned.