In this engaging conversation, Adam Pennington, a Tudor and Plantagenet historian, shares his journey from a corporate media consultant to a full-time historian. He discusses his passion for Tudor history, particularly the story of Margaret Pole and her family’s tumultuous relationship with Henry VIII. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Exeter Conspiracy, the brutal execution of Margaret Pole, and the significance of the Plantagenet bloodline. Adam also highlights his work with Simply Tudor Tours, aiming to bring history to life through immersive experiences. He concludes with insights into his upcoming projects, including a book on royal consorts.

Links

The Tudor Chest:

• Website: thetudorchest.com
• Podcast: The Tudor Chest (available on major platforms)
• Instagram: @thetudorchest

Simply Tudor Tours:

• Website: simplytudortours.com
• Instagram: @simplytudortours

The Book:

• “Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty”
• Publisher: Pen and Sword (2024)

Takeaways

• History is always present in Adam’s life.
• Films can ignite a passion for history.
• Margaret Pole was a significant historical figure.
• The Tudor claim to the throne was tenuous.
• The Exeter Conspiracy involved complex family dynamics.
• Margaret Pole’s execution was a tragic event.
• Reginald Pole survived as a key figure.
• Simply Tudor Tours aims to make history accessible.
• The role of consorts in history is often overlooked.
• Adam’s upcoming projects will explore royal history.

Soundbites

• “The House of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne.” — Adam on how tenuous the Tudor claim really was.
• “Margaret was a niece in the male line of two of England’s kings. She had a lot of royal blood, and that royal blood was passed on to her children.” — Adam introducing Margaret Pole.
• “Anne Boleyn has become the poster girl of the 16th century for many Tudor history fans. For me, it was the film Anne of a Thousand Days that really introduced me to her.” — Adam on his gateway into Tudor history.
• “He compared Henry VIII to ancient dictators like Caligula and Nero. He accused him of being worse than a rotting beast. Understandably, this did not go down well.” — Adam on Reginald Pole’s blistering attack on the king.
• “They can find absolutely nothing against Margaret Pole. She absolutely nails it. But even so, an act of attainder is passed against her.” — Adam on the injustice of Margaret’s conviction.
• “She’s woken on the morning of the 27th of May 1541 and told, ‘You’re to die within the hour.’ It was so rushed that there hadn’t been a scaffold prepared.” — Adam on Margaret Pole’s brutal end.
• “Even thinking about the King’s death made you guilty of high treason. So speaking of the King’s death was categorically treason.” — Adam on the 1534 Treasons Act.
• “We’re historians running a tour company rather than a tour company running tours about history. The history is always the central part.” — Adam on Simply Tudor Tours’ philosophy.
• “Reginald and Mary die on the very same day. Mary dies early in the morning and Reginald follows her to the grave eight hours later.” — Adam on Reginald Pole’s remarkable return and end.
• “A few streets away from where I live there’s a road called Anne Boleyn’s Walk. We have a Seymour Avenue, Aragon Close. It’s always sort of around me.” — Adam on growing up surrounded by Tudor history.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Henry VIII and the Plantagenets
• 01:56 Exploring Tudor Fascination and Education
• 03:09 The Roots of Tudor Fascination
• 05:59 The Impact of Film on Historical Interest
• 08:54 The Mystery of Nonsuch Palace
• 12:01 Transitioning to a Tudor Historian
• 14:53 The Pole Family and Their Threat to the Tudors
• 17:42 Margaret Pole: A Matriarch’s Story
• 20:29 The Events Leading to Execution
• 27:38 The Exeter Conspiracy Unveiled
• 30:34 Margaret Pole’s Execution: A Reflection of Henry VIII’s Mindset
• 34:52 Reginald Pole: The Survivor’s Journey
• 36:51 Understanding Margaret Pole: A Historian’s Revelation
• 39:57 The Complexities of Treason in Tudor England
• 44:42 Simply Tudor Tours: Bringing History to Life
• 50:36 Upcoming Books: Exploring Royal Consorts and Misunderstood Royals
• 55:35 anglotopia-podcast-outro.mp4

Video Version