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Margaret Beaufort

Survivor, Rebel, Kingmaker

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Margaret Beaufort

By: Lauren Johnson
Narrated by: Lauren Johnson
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Summary

 Bloomsbury presents Margaret Beaufort, written and read by Lauren Johnson.

Survivor. Rebel. Conspirator. Matriarch of a dynasty.

Born into a century of conflict as the daughter of the Duke of Somerset and a descendant of Edward III, Margaret Beaufort was married at twelve, a mother and widow at thirteen, and a player in one of the most violent chapters of English history.

Across three marriages and decades of civil war, Margaret endured loss, intrigue and exile – yet lived to see her only son crowned Henry VII, the first Tudor king. Against a backdrop of shifting power and danger, she helped broker the union that ended the Wars of the Roses, shaped the early Tudor court, and played a formative role in the life of her grandson, Henry VIII.

In this powerful and perceptive biography, historian Lauren Johnson brings Margaret vividly to life as a woman of rare resilience and ambition. With empathy and sharp insight, Johnson reframes our understanding of medieval power and restores Margaret to her rightful place: not simply a mother behind the throne, but a skilled political operator whose determination changed the course of English history.©2025 Lauren Johnson (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Europe Great Britain Historical War Tudor England Royalty

Critic reviews

A powerful new biography of a formidable medieval woman, brimming with fascinating details that bring colour and life to Lady Margaret’s world (Christina Faraday)
Lauren Johnson brings the story of one of the most powerful women in British history to life, taking readers on an epic journey through an existence dominated by the random turns of Fortune's Wheel. She situates Margaret not only within her own life and times, but also within the context of the people with whom she interacted. Highly detailed, readers will be captivated by this fresh look at a woman who truly deserves to be remembered as the founder of the Tudor dynasty (Beth Norton)
All stars
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With a vast cast of complex characters, this is book presents the Wars of the Roses from the unique perspective of one remarkable woman. Her navigation of the continually changing political landscape reveals a character which is far richer than the one dimensional portrayals elsewhere. Her motive was survival and she operated in the shadows but in the end she shaped the future of a kingdom.

The real Game of Thrones

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This biography is a fascinating, gripping and deeply inspiring read. The author brings her extraordinary life vividly to every chapter, revealing a woman of determination, faith and formidable political skill. I was so engrossed that I found myself heading to Westminster Abbey to visit her memorial. Proof of how powerful the book brings her story to life. A great read that lingers long after the final chapter.

Fascinating, gripping and inspiring

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Beautifully researched and thoughtfully brought together, this is shaped into a genuinely compelling arc of storytelling.
It never feels like facts for their own sake.
What really stands out is the insight it offers into one of the most overlooked yet powerful women in our history.
The scholarship serves the story, rather than smothering it.
It is engaging, illuminating, and consistently interesting.
A reminder of how good history feels when it is properly told.

Wonderful insight into an overlooked figure

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In depth & well researched historical account - completely challenging dramatic perceptions of Margaret Beaufort. Would recommend to anyone seeking to understand Tudor story & in particular the challenges for women( those who potentially had influence) in navigating these times .

Fantastic

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I wanted to listen to this after hearing Lauren Johnson on Betwixt the Sheets and I was not disappointed, so much interesting history here!

So interesting and engaging

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