Hello Fellow History Lover!
This week:
Spares who became Heirs
Secrets of the Churchill War Rooms with curator Kate Clements
Ask a historian your questions about Arthur Tudor
Travel with historian Gareth Russell on ‘The Anne Boleyn Tour’ 2025
Last week:
10 facts about Richard the Lionheart - 1 for each of his 10 years on the throne
‘The Anne Boleyn Tour’ - TWO dates available for 2025!
Arthur Tudor on Tea Time History Chat Live
Click Here to read last week’s newsletter.
This podcast episode is available today for paid Substack subscribers and will go on general release on Tuesday. You will be able to find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and various other podcast platforms.
For the extended edit of this interview with a bonus section of additional questions, please go to my Patreon - Patreon.com/BritishHistory
Do you have any burning questions about Arthur Tudor?
Patreon membership also affords you the chance to ask future guests your own questions. For example, right now I am collecting in questions from my Patrons about Arthur Tudor, to put to Gareth Streeter who has written a biography of "‘Henry VIII’s Lost Brother’.
We also have a book club, discounted event tickets and VIP booking status for British History Tours’ tours!
Spares who became Heirs
Empress Matilda
Younger sister, and only legitimate sibling of William Aethling
…the White Ship disaster of 1120 claimed the lives of 300 people including many young nobles and 3 of the king’s children. Henry I had already set sail for England from Barfleur, Normandy, earlier in the evening of 25th November. He had left his eldest legitimate child and heir, 17 year old William the Aethling, and William’s half-sister and '-brother’ to follow. A proud Thomas Fitzstephen had offered for his ship, la Blanche-Nef, or ‘The White Ship’, to be at the disposal of the royal family and boasted its speed and new fittings. Henry, having already made arrangements passed the offer to his son. The young people were feeling in a party mood onboard and the wine flowed but revelry turned into ruination when those on board, including the drunk crew, decided it would be a great idea to set sail now, late and dark as it was, and try to beat Henry II’s ship back to England. The ship didn’t even make it out of the harbour, sinking after hitting a known submerged rock. Despite William initially being rescued, the small boat he was in rowed back toward the victims flailing in the water on his orders. He had heard the screams of his sister, Matilda Countess of Perche. The small boat was overwhelmed by desperate souls and capsized. The only person to survive the ordeal and live to tell the tale was a butcher who had boarded the ship to try and recover debts from those aboard and was caught on the ship as it set sail early.
With the death of William Aethling, his younger sister, Empress Matilda was now the only legitimate child of Henry I. Henry named Matilda his heir and compelled the nobles of the lands to swear to uphold Matilda’s claim. One of these was her cousin, Stephen. However, when Henry died 15 years later, in 1135, Stephen had himself crowned before the pregnant Matilda, over in Anjou, could do anything. A prolonged period of warring ensued as Matilda tried to claim her right to the throne of England over her anointed cousin.
Look out in June for my interview with historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly where we discuss the White Ship disaster, the impact on the succession, Stephen’s usurpation, Matilda’s retribution and the period called ‘The Anarchy.’
Richard the Lionheart
Younger brother to Henry the Young King
…and the subject of last week’s newsletter which included 10 facts about Richard the Lionheart, 1 for each year he was king of England - click here to read.
Henry the Young King, twice crowned and twice rebelled against his father, predeceased his father when he died of dysentry, aged 28, at Limousin. His death propelled his brother, Richard into the position of heir apparent.
Henry VIII
Younger brother to Arthur (Tudor), Prince of Wales
…who not only took his brother’s line in the succession but when he became king, one of his first decisions was also to marry his late brother’s wife. This decision would have repercussions two decades later when Henry adopted the belief that marrying his brother’s widow had been an affront to God, evidenced in the fact that the couple had no surviving sons and therefore no clear heir to the throne (no he didn’t think Mary counted.)
Arthur’s death, perhaps more than that of any other figure in Tudor history, gives rise to whatifstory. His biographer, Benjamin Streeter argues that Arthur needs to be remembered for what he was, a person, the embodiment of the hopes and desires of the fledgling Tudor dynasty. I will be interviewing Gareth soon and you can submit your own question for Gareth as a Patreon member - click here.
Charles I
Younger brother to Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales
Named after his grandfathers Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley and Frederick II of Denmark, Henry Frederick was the future. As the eldest son of James VI of Scotland/I of England, he was next in line to the throne and it seemed God had blessed both countries with an intelligent, considered, physically robust and aesthetically pleasing prince!
When Henry Frederick died after contracting Typhoid in early December 1612, the country was in shock. His younger brother, the fragile Charles, was chief mourner at his funeral at Westminster Abbey where Henry was interred in the same vault as his grandmother Mary, Queen of Scots, who had been reinterred there just two months prior.
George V
Younger brother to Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence
The sons of Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Edward VII, spent their formative years travelling with the Navy, although their training had initially been delayed by 2 months as Albert Victor recovered from Typhoid fever. During their time away their fellow officers tried to “make a man of the World of him” but companied that it was a world into which “he refused to be initiated.
When a homosexual brothel on Cleveland Street, believed to have been patronised by high profile public figures, was discovered in 1889 rumours spread that Albert Victor had been a patron. The New York Times commented that the Prince was a "dullard" and "stupid perverse boy", and asserted that he would "never be allowed to ascend the British throne.” Qualification the role of course does not work like that and Albert was indeed next in line to the throne after his father. That was until Albert developed pneumonia following an influenza infection, from which he died, aged 28, on 14th January 1892. The nation went into mourning, shops shut their shutters, and his family went into deep mourning. His mother, Alexandra Princess of Wales kept the room in which he died as a shrine to her boy and never recovered from the loss.
Albert’s younger brother took his place in the line of succession, eventually becoming king George V and, with echoes of Henry VIII but with far fewer negative consequences, married his brother’s fianceé, Mary of Teck.
Listen to Tea Time History Chat Live
Or, you can watch this episode on the British History Youtube channel
The Anne Boleyn Tour 2025
with Historian, Gareth Russell
Tour Dates
29th April - 3rd May 2025
16th - 20th May 2025
Embark on a journey back in time with "The Anne Boleyn Tour" offered by British History Tours, where history and luxury blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience. Based at Anne Boleyn's childhood home, Hever Castle, this tour promises five days of history, exploration, and luxury. As you traverse through the corridors of time, you will delve deep into the life and tragic end of Anne Boleyn, the enigmatic second wife of Henry VIII and the mother of Elizabeth I. This intimate expedition is designed for a small group of history enthusiasts, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
Gareth Russell, best-selling author and esteemed historian, will accompany the group throughout, and guide you through the annals of Tudor history as our resident historian and co-host. The journey is further enriched by engaging talks from renowned historians. Their expertise will illuminate the complexities and nuances of events that shaped Anne Boleyn's destiny.
Philippa Brewell, your dedicated and experienced Tour Manager, is deeply passionate about providing unrivalled historical experiences. She is there to ensure that your travel experience is seamless, enriching, and utterly unforgettable. With her extensive knowledge and expertise, Philippa serves as your go-to guide, organiser, and friend throughout the tour. Philippa handles all the logistics, from coordinating transport to scheduling sightseeing tours, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the experience without worrying about the details.
Your exploration extends beyond Hever Castle to the iconic landmarks of Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, where expert guides will lead you through tales of intrigue and ambition. The tour offers exclusive experiences, such as dressing as Tudor Royalty (optional extra) and embarking on a "Hidden Hever" tour of the castle after hours, culminating in a sumptuous three-course banquet in the castle's Great Hall. The Astor Wing's opulent amenities, including the music room, billiard room, and outdoor swimming pool, ensure your stay is nothing short of regal. Throughout your journey, travel in comfort and style aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, making every moment of "The Anne Boleyn Tour" a testament to the allure of history and the comfort of modern luxury.
The Anne Boleyn Tour is not just a tour; it's a journey through history, an immersion in Tudor life, and an experience that will be cherished forever.
Currently on Sale to members of the British History Patreon until Tuesday 16th April when it goes on general sale.
If you would like to be added to the waiting list and receive an email direct to your inbox on Tuesday 16th April please click below.
There won’t be a Tea Time History Chat Live this week as I will be at Sudeley Castle with the History After Dark girls spending the day with Samatha Rees of Tudor Royalty Experience. Watch out on my Instagram for photos of the day!
Have a great week!
Philippa