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
When Spain Came to England: Philip of Spain’s Grand Arrival
12,000 soldiers. 300+ servants. Fireworks. Tapestries. Jewels.
On this day in Tudor history, 20th July 1554, Prince Philip of Spain landed in England to marry Queen Mary I — and he ...didn’t exactly travel light!
I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the most politically charged royal arrivals in English history.
Philip wasn’t just Mary’s groom — he was heir to one of the most powerful empires in Europe, and his visit sparked rebellion, changed English law, and led to one of the most controversial marriages in the Tudor period.
Discover:
- Why Parliament restricted Philip’s power before he even set foot on English soil
- How his epic journey was marked by diplomatic theatre and imperial symbolism
- The tension between Spanish ambition and English sovereignty
- And whether this marriage was doomed from the start…
From triumphant pageantry to political paranoia — this is the full story of Philip of Spain’s dramatic entry into Tudor England.
Also watch: Mary I marries Philip of Spain – 25 July 1554 - https://youtu.be/289MSTDoZHA
Full source: Philip’s Journey to England – Spanish Relaciones (PDF)] - https://uvadoc.uva.es/bitstream/handle/10324/58553/TFG_F_2022_043.pdf?sequence=1
Let me know in the comments — Was Philip’s marriage to Mary political brilliance, a mistake, personal tragedy… or all of them?
Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Tudor deep dives every week.
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When Spain Came to England: Philip of Spain’s Grand Arrival
12,000 soldiers. 300+ servants. Fireworks. Tapestries. Jewels. On this ...
12,000 soldiers. 300+ servants. Fireworks. Tapestries. Jewels.
On this day in Tudor history, 20th July 1554, Prince Philip of Spain landed in England to marry Queen Mary I — and he ...didn’t exactly travel light!
I’m Claire Ridgway, historian and author, and in today’s video I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the most politically charged royal arrivals in English history.
Philip wasn’t just Mary’s groom — he was heir to one of the most powerful empires in Europe, and his visit sparked rebellion, changed English law, and led to one of the most controversial marriages in the Tudor period.
Discover:
- Why Parliament restricted Philip’s power before he even set foot on English soil
- How his epic journey was marked by diplomatic theatre and imperial symbolism
- The tension between Spanish ambition and English sovereignty
- And whether this marriage was doomed from the start…
From triumphant pageantry to political paranoia — this is the full story of Philip of Spain’s dramatic entry into Tudor England.
Also watch: Mary I marries Philip of Spain – 25 July 1554 - https://youtu.be/289MSTDoZHA
Full source: Philip’s Journey to England – Spanish Relaciones (PDF)] - https://uvadoc.uva.es/bitstream/handle/10324/58553/TFG_F_2022_043.pdf?sequence=1
Let me know in the comments — Was Philip’s marriage to Mary political brilliance, a mistake, personal tragedy… or all of them?
Like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Tudor deep dives every week.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCioSUqeGrdFq6DEVK3-DXGQ/join
Subscribe to my channel at https://www.youtube.com/@anneboleynfiles?sub_confirmation=1 so you don't miss my latest videos!
Visit linktr.ee/claireridgway to find resources, events, social media links and more.
You can find my books on Amazon at http://viewauthor.at/claireridgwayShow More
Mark Smeaton - the Queen's Musician - Claire Interviews Martha Johnson
What if Mark Smeaton—the lowly court musician caught up in the deadly ...
What if Mark Smeaton—the lowly court musician caught up in the deadly fall of Anne Boleyn—had a voice of his own?
In this special interview, I chat with historical fiction author ...Martha Jean Johnson, whose novel "The Queen’s Musician" retells the tragic final months of Anne Boleyn’s life through the eyes of the man history forgot. We talk about what drew her to Mark Smeaton’s story, how she researched life at Henry VIII’s court, the challenges of writing historical fiction, and what readers can expect from this beautifully crafted, thought-provoking tale.
"The Queen’s Musician" offers a fresh and moving perspective on one of the most dramatic episodes in Tudor history.
Out now!
#AnneBoleyn #HistoricalFiction #MarkSmeaton #TudorHistory #TheQueensMusician #MarthaJeanJohnson #TudorCourt #ClaireRidgway #TudorBookClub
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Tudor True Crime – The Shocking Murder of Thomas Arden
Poisoned Milk, a Pressing Iron… and Murder in the Parlour? Welcome to ...
Poisoned Milk, a Pressing Iron… and Murder in the Parlour?
Welcome to the very first episode of Tudor True Crime – where real historical crimes are darker than fiction.
In 1551, respected ...businessman Thomas Arden of Faversham was brutally murdered. But the killer wasn’t a stranger…
It was his own wife, Alice Arden, along with her lover and a gang of hired assassins.
In this episode, I’ll uncover:
- How a snow-covered trail led back to the murder scene
- Why Alice’s first attempt to poison her husband failed
- The gory details of how Thomas was actually killed
- The sensational trial and the brutal executions that followed
- And how this true crime became legendary on the Tudor stage
This isn't just a story of jealousy—it’s a chilling look at the passions and power plays beneath the surface of everyday Tudor life.
If you enjoy a good historical scandal, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more shocking stories in Tudor True Crime.
#TudorTrueCrime #ThomasArden #AliceArden #MurderInHistory #FavershamMurder #TudorScandal #TrueCrimeHistory #ElizabethanDrama #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #OnThisDay #ShakespeareEra #HistoricalTrueCrime #DarkHistory
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Tudor True Crime - Coming Soon!
🩸 Treason. Poison. Betrayal. Execution. Real crimes. Real victims. ...
🩸 Treason. Poison. Betrayal. Execution.
Real crimes. Real victims. Real history.
My new series Tudor True Crime is launching soon — uncovering the darkest corners of Tudor England.
From brutal killings to shocking ...abuse cases, I’ll be exploring the stories that shook the sixteenth century.
⚖️ History isn’t always noble... sometimes it’s bloody.
📺 Coming soon on The Anne Boleyn Files YouTube channel.
#TudorTrueCrime #TrueCrime #HistoricCrimes #TudorCrime #TudorMurders #DarkHistoryShow More
Royal Revenge? Why Lady Glamis Was Really Burnt at the Stake
On this day in Tudor history — 17th July 1537 — Janet Douglas, Lady ...
On this day in Tudor history — 17th July 1537 — Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, was dragged to Castle Hill in Edinburgh and burned at the stake. The charge? Treason. ...The truth? Far more sinister.
She was a noblewoman. A widow. A Douglas. And that last detail may have sealed her fate.
Accused of plotting to poison King James V of Scotland, Lady Glamis was caught in the deadly crossfire of royal revenge. Her brother had once been the king’s hated stepfather. And Janet? She became the perfect target.
But was she really a traitor? Or a scapegoat for a monarch out for blood?
In today's "on this day" video, I uncover the tragic and unjust story of Lady Glamis — a tale of political paranoia, family loyalty, and one of the most brutal executions in 16th-century Scotland.
If this powerful story moved you, please give the video a like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. Have you heard of Janet Douglas before?
#JanetDouglas #LadyGlamis #TudorHistory #ScottishHistory #TrueCrimeHistory #WitchTrial #RoyalScandal #ClaireRidgway #OnThisDay #TudorTok #HistoryNerds #HistoricalJustice #AnneBoleynFiles
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The Maligned Mother of Lady Jane Grey – Victim or Villain?
Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk, is often reduced to a footnote in ...
Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk, is often reduced to a footnote in history — simply the mother of the tragic Lady Jane Grey. But who was she really?
In this episode, ...I dive into the life of Frances Brandon, born on 16th July 1517 — niece of Henry VIII, daughter of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, and a woman maligned by centuries of misrepresentation.
Was she truly the cold, cruel mother some have claimed? Or has one quote from a teenage Lady Jane Grey unfairly shaped her legacy?
I'll explore:
- Frances’s elite Tudor lineage
- Her controversial portrayal as a harsh mother
- Her entanglement in the 1553 succession crisis
- The truth behind the myths, with insight from historian Susan Higginbotham
And the softer side of Frances, seen in her later love match and quiet life after tragedy
Join me in uncovering the real story of a woman who deserves more than the shadow of her daughter’s brief reign.
Read Susan Higginbotham’s full article:
https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/the-maligned-frances-grey-guest-post-by-susan-higginbotham/
If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like, subscribe to the channel, and ring that bell for more fascinating dives into Tudor lives — both famous and forgotten.
#FrancesGrey #LadyJaneGrey #TudorHistory #WomenInHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #TudorCourt #ForgottenWomen #HistoryMatters #OnThisDay #TudorWomen #MaryTudor #CharlesBrandon #JaneGrey #HistoricalMisconceptions #RethinkingHistory #TheTudors
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The Tudor Courtier Who Tried to Make Himself Invisible
What do you get when you mix Tudor poetry, court politics, and an ...
What do you get when you mix Tudor poetry, court politics, and an invisibility cloak?
Meet William Neville — born on this day in Tudor history, 15th July 1497. A respected ...courtier and poet... who later found himself accused of something out of a fantasy novel: trying to make himself invisible!
In this episode of On This Day in Tudor History, I uncover the strange tale of Neville — from his allegorical poetry and service in Cardinal Wolsey’s household to accusations of treason, sorcery, and near financial ruin.
A poet, a courtier, and maybe… an alchemist?
Had you heard of William Neville before? What do you make of his “invisibility attempt”? Do share your views in the comments.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more curious and compelling stories from Tudor history.
#TudorHistory #OnThisDay #TudorCourt #ClaireRidgway #HistoryMystery #TudorPoetry #HenryVIII #16thCentury #TudorTrueCrime #HistoricalFigures #HiddenHistory
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The Queen Who Quietly Changed Scotland Forever
In today’s On This Day video, we’re heading slightly beyond the Tudor ...
In today’s On This Day video, we’re heading slightly beyond the Tudor world — north to Scotland — to uncover the story of a young queen who deserves far more ...recognition than she gets.
On this day in 1486, Queen Margaret of Denmark, consort of James III of Scotland, died at just 30 years old. But her brief life left a permanent mark on British history.
Because of Margaret, Orkney and Shetland became — and remained — part of Scotland. A forgotten dowry, a pledged territory, and a queen who quietly changed the map of the British Isles.
But there’s so much more to her than diplomacy.
Join me as I delve into the fascinating story of Margaret of Denmark — her Danish roots, her turbulent royal marriage, her influence on Scottish politics, and the tragic mystery of her early death.
Had you heard of Margaret before? What do you think of her impact? Let me know in the comments below!
And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more history videos every week!
#OnThisDay #MargaretOfDenmark #ScottishHistory #QueenMargaret #Orkney #Shetland #TudorEra #MedievalQueens #JamesIII #JamesIV #WomenInHistory #ClaireRidgway #AnneBoleynFiles #HiddenHistory #HistoryYouTube #HistoryTok #MedievalScotland
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Monarchs, Lego & History: How One Man Is Retelling 1200 Years of British History in Bricks
What happens when centuries of British history meet thousands of Lego ...
What happens when centuries of British history meet thousands of Lego bricks?
In this special interview, I’m joined by author Andrew Redfern, the creator of "Minifigure Monarchs: A History of Great ...Brits in Little Bricks" — an exciting new book that tells the story of British monarchs through brilliant Lego creations.
We chat about Andy’s love of history, how this creative project came about, what it’s like recreating iconic historic scenes in Lego, and of course, his favourite monarchs and builds! From the Anglo-Saxons to the Windsors, this is history like you’ve never seen it before — colourful, creative, and completely brick-tastic.
Find out more about the book and support Andy’s Kickstarter project:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/minifiguremonarchs/minifigure-monarchs
https://www.instagram.com/lego_minifigure_monarchs/
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews and fascinating Tudor content!
#LEGOHistory #MinifigureMonarchs #LEGOArt #BritishMonarchy #KickstarterProject
#ClaireRidgway #HistoryBookLaunch #LEGOCollectors #HistoricalLEGO
#TudorHistory #HistoryNerdsUnite #CreativeHistory #LEGODesign
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The Quiet Church Which Holds a Secret That Changed England
During a peaceful walk through the Gloucestershire countryside, I ...
During a peaceful walk through the Gloucestershire countryside, I stumbled upon a village church with a powerful story — one that changed the course of English history.
Little Sodbury is one ...of only a handful of Thankful Villages in England, where all soldiers returned from both World Wars. But this place is also where William Tyndale, the brilliant scholar and Bible translator, heard his call to make Scripture accessible to everyone.
In this video, I’ll take you to St Adeline’s Church, rebuilt using the stones of the original chapel where Tyndale once preached. It was here, as chaplain to the Walsh family at Little Sodbury Manor, that he began developing his radical ideas — ideas that would influence Anne Boleyn, shake the foundations of the church, and ultimately lead to his execution.
Learn how Tyndale’s The Obedience of a Christian Man found its way into the hands of Henry VIII
Discover the Reformation roots hidden in this tiny village
And hear how one man’s mission to bring the Bible to the people led to betrayal, martyrdom… and a legacy that shaped the English-speaking world.
Want to know how Anne Boleyn played a part in this story? Watch my video at https://youtu.be/icpG3g08QKI
Subscribe for more hidden Reformation sites, Tudor travel stories, and forgotten voices of the past.
#WilliamTyndale #TudorHistory #AnneBoleyn #ChurchHistory #Reformation #HiddenEngland #ThankfulVillage
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Madness, Melancholy, and Moonbeams: Mental Illness in Tudor Times
In today’s video, I’m diving into a thought-provoking—and often ...
In today’s video, I’m diving into a thought-provoking—and often heartbreaking—topic: mental illness in Tudor England.
From moon-induced madness and “uterine vapours” to melancholy queens and frenzied courtiers, the Tudor understanding of ...mental health was a complex mix of medicine, superstition, religion, and fear.
Did you know Jane Boleyn’s breakdown led Henry VIII to change the law so she could be executed?
Or that people paid to watch the inmates of Bedlam Hospital for entertainment?
And what about Richard Pace, Henry VIII’s secretary, who was said to tear his clothes and rant?
I’ll explore how Tudor people defined and treated mental illness, the roles of institutions like Bedlam, beliefs about the four humours, “wandering wombs,” and how the Dissolution of the Monasteries impacted care for the mentally ill.
We’ll meet real historical figures—from Queen Mary I to court fools considered holy—and look at how the legal system, family, and Church responded to mental illness.
Inspired by my research with Clare Cherry and Amelia Sceats’ brilliant thesis, this is a deep dive into a rarely discussed but important aspect of Tudor life.
Like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments—how do you think society's view of mental illness has changed?
#TudorHistory #MentalHealthHistory #JaneBoleyn #AnneBoleyn #Bedlam #HistoryVideo #ClaireRidgway #TudorMadness #HistoricalTruths #HenryVIII
Sceats, Amelia G. (2016) Rationality and reality: perspectives of mental illness in Tudor England, 1485- 1603. Masters thesis, University of Huddersfield - https://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/31474/
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The Priest in the Priest Hole – The Execution of John Cornelius (1594)
On 3rd or 4th July 1594, Catholic priest John Cornelius was executed ...
On 3rd or 4th July 1594, Catholic priest John Cornelius was executed at Dorchester, along with three loyal men: Thomas Bosgrave, John Carey, and Patrick Salmon. Their crime? Helping a ...priest in Protestant Elizabethan England.
In today’s video, I share the story of John Cornelius—from his Irish-Cornish roots and education at Oxford, to his exile, priesthood, arrest at Chideock Castle, and eventual execution. A tale of courage, faith, and one man’s final decision to become a Jesuit before facing death.
A sobering glimpse into the dangers faced by Catholics in Tudor England.
Subscribe for more true stories from Tudor history: betrayals, bravery, reform, rebellion—and everything in between.
#TudorHistory #CatholicMartyrs #ElizabethI #JohnCornelius #TudorExecutions #ChideockCastle
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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.
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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
