Hi, I'm historian Claire Ridgway
I'm the best-selling author of 13 history books and the founder of the TheAnneBoleynFiles.com, Elizabethfiles.com and The Tudor Society.
I help Tudor history lovers worldwide to gain access to experts and resources to discover the real stories behind myths and fiction, so that they grow in knowledge while connecting with like-minded people and indulging their passion for history.
How I can help you...
My latest youtube video
The Princess Who Lived in the Shadows of Kings
Today I’m telling the often forgotten story of Katherine of York, daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, sister to Elizabeth of York and the Princes in the Tower, and ...aunt to Henry VIII.
Katherine’s life began in splendour—once betrothed to a Spanish prince, raised at the glittering Yorkist court—but her future was derailed by scandal, political shifts, and personal loss. Declared illegitimate by her uncle Richard III, she was forced into sanctuary with her mother and siblings… but would go on to serve her queenly sister, stand as chief mourner at a royal funeral, and quietly manage vast estates in Devon.
In this video, I’ll explore:
- Her royal childhood and broken Spanish marriage alliance
- The impact of Richard III’s rise to power
- Her marriage to the Earl of Devon and her son’s tragic fate
- Why she took a vow of chastity — and withdrew from court
- And how she styled herself “the excellent Princess Katherine, daughter, sister and aunt of kings”
Katherine of York never wore a crown, but she was at the very heart of Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties — living through regime change, rebellion, and royal funerals.
Like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments — had you heard of Katherine of York?
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#TudorHistory #KatherineOfYork #ForgottenWomen #RoyalHistory #Plantagenets #Yorkists #HenryVIII #ElizabethOfYork #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay
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The Princess Who Lived in the Shadows of Kings
Today I’m telling the often forgotten story of Katherine of York, ...
Today I’m telling the often forgotten story of Katherine of York, daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, sister to Elizabeth of York and the Princes in the Tower, and ...aunt to Henry VIII.
Katherine’s life began in splendour—once betrothed to a Spanish prince, raised at the glittering Yorkist court—but her future was derailed by scandal, political shifts, and personal loss. Declared illegitimate by her uncle Richard III, she was forced into sanctuary with her mother and siblings… but would go on to serve her queenly sister, stand as chief mourner at a royal funeral, and quietly manage vast estates in Devon.
In this video, I’ll explore:
- Her royal childhood and broken Spanish marriage alliance
- The impact of Richard III’s rise to power
- Her marriage to the Earl of Devon and her son’s tragic fate
- Why she took a vow of chastity — and withdrew from court
- And how she styled herself “the excellent Princess Katherine, daughter, sister and aunt of kings”
Katherine of York never wore a crown, but she was at the very heart of Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties — living through regime change, rebellion, and royal funerals.
Like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments — had you heard of Katherine of York?
Want even more exclusive Tudor content? Click Join to access members-only videos, a curated digital magazine, printable resources, and Zoom Q&As with me.
#TudorHistory #KatherineOfYork #ForgottenWomen #RoyalHistory #Plantagenets #Yorkists #HenryVIII #ElizabethOfYork #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay
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The Knight Who Wept for a Princess
He was knighted at Henry VIII’s third wedding, carried Queen Jane ...
He was knighted at Henry VIII’s third wedding, carried Queen Jane Seymour’s coffin, and greeted Anne of Cleves on her arrival in England.
He fought in France, jousted at Edward VI’s ...coronation, served as MP under Mary and Elizabeth, and—most heartbreakingly—wept as he escorted Elizabeth I to the Tower during Wyatt’s Rebellion.
On this day in Tudor history, 13th August 1566, Sir Humphrey Radcliffe died at his manor in Elstow, having served four Tudor monarchs with quiet loyalty and deep conscience.
I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in this video I’m telling the story of a man you may never have heard of—but whose life intersects with some of the most dramatic and emotional events of the Tudor era.
Join me as I explore Radcliffe’s life.
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#OnThisDay #TudorHistory #HenryVIII #ElizabethI #Radcliffe #WyattsRebellion #TrueHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorTok #HistoryYouTube
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The Sheep Farmer’s Son Who Helped Shape Tudor England
He reformed how we pronounce Greek, helped dissolve the old Church, ...
He reformed how we pronounce Greek, helped dissolve the old Church, negotiated for Elizabeth I… and somehow survived every Tudor monarch from Henry VIII’s reign onward.
On this day in Tudor ...history, 12th August 1577, Sir Thomas Smith—a scholar, diplomat, and political survivor—died quietly at his home in Essex. But his life was anything but quiet.
I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video, I’m taking you beyond the famous names and into the fascinating life of one of the Tudor era’s most brilliant minds. Smith wasn’t a noble or a court favourite, but he taught the likes of William Cecil, helped shape Protestant reform, and worked behind the scenes to craft Tudor foreign policy.
Watch now for a deep dive into a man who helped build the intellectual and political foundations of Elizabethan England—without ever grabbing the spotlight.
Let me know in the comments—had you heard of Sir Thomas Smith before today? And which of his books would you want to read?
Like, subscribe, and don’t forget to click the Join button if you'd like to be part of my Tudor inner circle—with exclusive content, a digital magazine, and much more!
#TudorHistory #SirThomasSmith #OnThisDay #ClaireRidgway #ElizabethI #TudorCourt #TudorSurvivor #TudorReformation #EnglishHistory #ForgottenFigures #TudorScholar #TudorGovernment #HistoryDeepDive
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From Cromwell’s Ally to Mary’s Pardon
On this day in Tudor history, 11th August 1556, Sir John Kingsmill ...
On this day in Tudor history, 11th August 1556, Sir John Kingsmill died—quietly, naturally, and with his head still on his shoulders. That might not sound remarkable… but in the ...reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I, it absolutely was.
I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video I’m introducing you to a lesser-known but fascinating figure who worked with Thomas Cromwell, helped dissolve monasteries and chantries, and still managed to earn a pardon from Queen Mary I.
Lawyer, sheriff, and skilled political survivor, Kingsmill was:
- A knight of Henry VIII’s reign
- A commissioner for Edward VI’s Protestant reforms
- A beneficiary of monastic spoils
- And the father of seventeen children—yes, seventeen!
He may not have stood centre stage in the Tudor court, but he was always there in the wings—helping shape policy, surviving the storms, and building a legacy that would continue well into Elizabeth I’s reign.
Oh, and his descendants? One was pardoned for manslaughter. Two were later recorded as insane. Intrigued?
Watch now to explore the quiet cunning of Sir John Kingsmill—a man who knew how to stay in favour no matter who sat on the throne.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to never miss a Tudor tale. And if you’d like even more exclusive content—including a monthly Tudor magazine—click the Join button and become part of my inner circle.
#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #SirJohnKingsmill #ThomasCromwell #QueenMaryI #TudorCourt #TudorSurvivor #HenryVIII #EdwardVI #DissolutionOfTheMonasteries #ClaireRidgway #TudorPolitics #Reformation #HiddenHistory #TudorTales
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A new Richard III film!
What if Richard III wasn’t the villain we’ve been told? “A Taste of ...
What if Richard III wasn’t the villain we’ve been told?
“A Taste of Loyalty” is going to be a stunning new short film reimagining his story — with gritty battles, authentic ...costumes, and music straight out of the medieval world.
I sat down with historian Matt Lewis, actor-director Thomas Dennis, and composer Tiffany Lunn to talk bringing Richard to life on screen.
Full interview now on YouTube — The Anne Boleyn Files.
#RichardIII #ATasteOfLoyalty #WarsOfTheRoses #MedievalHistory #HistoricalFilm #HistoryMatters #AnneBoleynFiles #ClaireRidgway #HistoryNerdsShow More
Richard III Like You’ve Never Seen Him – Behind the Scenes of "A Taste of Loyalty"
Was Richard III really the monster Shakespeare painted him to be? Or ...
Was Richard III really the monster Shakespeare painted him to be? Or have centuries of myth and propaganda hidden the man he truly was?
In this exclusive interview, I (Claire Ridgway, ...historian and author) sit down with the creative team behind "A Taste of Loyalty"—a powerful new short film (inspired by Matthew Lewis’s novel "Loyalty"), which explores one of the most pivotal (and misunderstood) moments in Richard III’s life.
Join me as I talk with:
- Matt Lewis, historian and novelist
- Thomas Dennis, director, screenwriter, and the man portraying Richard III
- Tiffany Lunn, composer and musical visionary for the film
Together, we discuss:
- Why this isn’t your typical Richard III story
- How they’re balancing historical accuracy with powerful storytelling
- The challenges and joys of adapting a novel for the screen on a tight budget
- The emotional depth behind the music, the costumes, and the character of Richard
- Their long-term vision for the project—and how you can help make it happen
Whether you’re a Ricardian, a Wars of the Roses enthusiast, a lover of historical fiction, or just curious about how history comes alive through film—this conversation is packed with insight, passion, and behind-the-scenes gems.
Watch now and meet the team rewriting Richard III’s legacy—one frame at a time.
Don’t forget to comment: What part of "A Taste of Loyalty" or the proposed longer film are you most excited to see?
SUPPORT the film: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-taste-of-loyalty#/
#ATasteOfLoyalty #RichardIII #WarsOfTheRoses #TudorHistory #ClaireRidgway #HistoricalFiction #MattLewis #ThomasDennis #HistoricalFilm #Ricardian #BehindTheScenes #MedievalDrama #rewritinghistory
Find Tiffany at http://www.facebook.com/tiffanylunnmusic and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeatv6f1uJoymigZ8b-UYMA
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Poisoned Cakes, Flea Traps… and Dead Hedgehogs?! Pest Control Tudor-style
Wormwood-strewn floors. Poisoned rat cakes. Bounties on hedgehogs. No, ...
Wormwood-strewn floors. Poisoned rat cakes. Bounties on hedgehogs.
No, it’s not a dark fairy tale—it’s real Tudor pest control.
In a world without bug spray or exterminators, how did the Tudors tackle ...fleas, flies, rats, mice… and even moths?
Let’s just say… they got creative. And ruthless.
I'm Claire Ridgway, historian and author—and in today’s video, we’re diving into the bizarre, herbal, and sometimes horrifying methods the Tudors used to defend their homes (and health!) from pests.
You'll discover:
- Why strewing herbs were scattered on floors
- What the Goodman of Paris suggested for catching fleas
- The deadly ingredients in Tudor rat cakes
- Why hedgehogs were considered milk thieves
- And the law that made people bounty hunters
If you enjoy strange corners of history, click Like, Subscribe, and hit the bell to get more true Tudor tales every week.
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#TudorHistory #WeirdHistory #PestControlHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorLife #HistoricalFacts #FleasAndFlames #DeadHedgehogs #TrueHistory #HistoryNerd #MedievalHygiene #OnThisDay #StrangeButTrue #HorribleHistory
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She Was 13. He Was 30. This Royal Wedding Changed British History Forever
A teenage English princess. A powerful Scottish king nearly two ...
A teenage English princess.
A powerful Scottish king nearly two decades older.
A lavish wedding that would shape the future of the British Isles.
On this day in Tudor history, 8th August 1503, ...Princess Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII, married James IV of Scotland in a glittering ceremony filled with royal pageantry, political strategy—and secrets.
But behind the boar’s head feasts, jewel-encrusted robes, and dancing nobles… was a fragile peace deal between two ancient rivals. And a young girl stepping into a world of power, heartbreak, and destiny.
She became queen consort, regent, exile, and ultimately the great-grandmother of King James VI—the man who would unite the English and Scottish crowns.
In this video, I’ll take you inside:
- The grand wedding at Holyroodhouse
- The strange politics of marrying your enemy
- Margaret’s rollercoaster life as queen, widow, and power player
- And how her bloodline still sits on the throne today
Don’t forget to like and subscribe if you enjoyed the video.
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#TudorHistory #MargaretTudor #RoyalWeddings #JamesIV #TudorQueens #OnThisDay #BritishMonarchy #HistoryYouTube #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #ScotlandHistory #TudorDrama #TrueHistory #PowerfulWomen #QueenMothers
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Lovechild and bigamist – Sir Robert Dudley, son of Elizabeth I’s favourite
He was born a lovechild, died an exiled nobleman—and in between, he ...
He was born a lovechild, died an exiled nobleman—and in between, he explored the West Indies, built ships for Italian dukes, and underwent a bigamous marriage.
On this day in Tudor ...history, 7th August 1574, Sir Robert Dudley was born—the illegitimate son of Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Lady Douglas Sheffield.
I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and today I’m uncovering the dramatic tale of this brilliant yet controversial Tudor figure:
- Explorer.
- Cartographer.
- Naval innovator.
- Bigamist.
He tried to prove he was legitimate in a Star Chamber case, claimed his parents had married in secret, and later left England in scandal—running off with his teenage cousin and marrying her in Italy, despite having a wife (and seven daughters) back home.
From secret weddings and shady inheritances to pioneering naval design and creating the first maritime atlas by an Englishman, Dudley's life was one of ambition, scandal… and survival.
Was he a scoundrel, a genius, or both?
Watch now and decide for yourself.
If you enjoyed this dive into Tudor history, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and click the bell icon.
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Further Reading:
https://archive.org/details/voyageofrobertdu00warnrich
Journal article “A Letter from Robert, Earl of Leicester, to a Lady” by Conyers Read
https://www.jstor.org/stable/3818131?read-now=1&seq=7#page_scan_tab_contents
https://allthingsrobertdudley.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/letter-to-a-lady/
#TudorHistory #TudorTrueCrime #RobertDudley #ElizabethI #Leicester #HistoryScandal #HistoryTok #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay #TudorTok #TudorSecrets #EarlyModernHistory
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A brutal feud and double murder
A Tudor baron… a brutal feud… and a double murder by candlelight. ...
A Tudor baron… a brutal feud… and a double murder by candlelight.
Charles Stourton, 8th Baron Stourton, thought he was above the law—until rage, revenge, and a chilling plan landed him ...on the gallows.
Want the full story of betrayal, abduction, and bloodshed? Watch now on YouTube!
#TudorTrueCrime #TrueCrime #History #Tudor #CharlesStourton #TudorJustice #MurderMystery #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #NobleKiller #HistoricalCrime #OnThisDay #DarkHistoryShow More
The Baron, the Grudge, and the Double Murder: Tudor True Crime
Welcome to another chilling instalment of Tudor True Crime with me, ...
Welcome to another chilling instalment of Tudor True Crime with me, historian and author Claire Ridgway. Today, we uncover the dark story of Charles Stourton, 8th Baron Stourton—a nobleman whose ...pride and rage ended in cold-blooded murder… and a very public hanging.
What started as a bitter land feud
Escalated into a siege at a church
Ended with two bound men, a candlelit killing, and a secret burial in the cellar
But someone talked—and justice was swift.
Join me as I delve into this gripping tale of power, vengeance, and the brutal fall of a Tudor peer.
Watch to the end to find out why even a baron couldn’t escape the hangman’s rope.
Like, comment, and subscribe for more true crime stories from the Tudor world.
#TudorTrueCrime #TrueCrime #TudorHistory #CharlesStourton #HistoryMystery #ClaireRidgway #MurderInHistory #AnneBoleynFiles #HistoricalTrueCrime #TudorJustice #BaronAndTheNoose #DarkHistory #OnThisDay #CrimeAndPunishment #HistoryYouTube
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He helped make Henry Tudor king
He knew Henry VII from boyhood, helped plan the invasion that toppled ...
He knew Henry VII from boyhood, helped plan the invasion that toppled Richard III, and then served as one of the most powerful men in England. His name? Sir Reginald ...Bray.Show More
Online Events
I regularly host online Tudor history conferences to connect Tudor history lovers with Tudor historians all from the comfort of their own homes. They comprise talks, live events, live Q&A sessions and resources, and are educational and fun.
Check out the Events tab to find out about my latest event.
The Tudor Society
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The Anne Boleyn Files
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As featured in...
I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. I was a contributor for the BBC docudrama The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family, and have been featured in BBC History Extra, USA Today, History of Royals Magazine, the Express, and Refinery 29, as well as on podcasts including Suzannah Lipscomb's Not Just the Tudors, Gareth Russell's Single Malt History, Natalie Grueninger's Talking Tudors, Hever Castle's Inside Hever, James Boulton's Queens of England, and many more.
Praise for Claire's work
"Claire's blog - recently made available in book form - is more rigorous than that of many professional historians." Susan Bordo, author of The Creation of Anne Boleyn: A New Look at England's Most Notorious Queen
"A sumptuously illustrated and impeccably researched history about the domestic life of a family that shaped British history. This is a fascinating window into both the Boleyns' lives at Hever and upper-class life on the eve of the Reformation." - Gareth Russell, Author of Young and Damned and Fair, on The Boleyns of Hever Castle.
"I've been a history buff all my life, both as a reader and as a writer. I thought I knew about Anne and her Boleyn family, Henry VIII and his court, but this book [The Anne Boleyn Collection] fills in so many blanks for me that I will read it more than once...This is a book for the legion of Tudor fiction readers, who want to know the stories behind the myths, the truth behind the legend...Absolutely fascinating read. " - Jeane Westin, Author of His Last Letter
"Claire has produced another must read for Anne Bolyen fans." Leanda de Lisle, author of Tudor: The Family Story, writing about "The Anne Boleyn Collection II.
More about me
I founded the Anne Boleyn Files in 2009, the Tudor Society in 2014 and I have a popular YouTube channel.
I help Tudor history lovers all over the world learn more about history, connect with experts and like-minded people, and uncover the facts behind the fiction, all from the comfort of their own homes.
I'm a former teacher and a recognised expert in Tudor history, and, as the founder of The Tudor Society, I've built a community of history lovers and experts where members can share their passion for history and receive accurate resources and information.
Claire Ridgway's Books
