What if Henry Tudor never made it out of England? What if Bosworth had gone differently? And how much of what we think we know about Henry VII is actually wrong?

In this Off the Record episode, we're joined by historian Nathen Amin to dig into the myths, misconceptions, and fascinating “what ifs” surrounding England’s first Tudor king. From his years in exile with Jasper Tudor to the pivotal moment at Battle of Bosworth Field, we explore just how fragile Henry’s path to the throne really was.

Would he have tried again if Bosworth had been lost? What if he had never fled into exile at all? Was his marriage to Elizabeth of York inevitable - or simply the best available option? And after her death, who might Henry have chosen next?

We also tackle the question people love to ask (but rarely explore properly): was Henry VII a mama’s boy under the influence of Margaret Beaufort…or something far more calculated?

This is Henry VII stripped of the textbook narrative - uncertain, strategic, and far more human than you might expect.

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https://nathenamin.substack.com/

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Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Guest: Nathen Amin

Was Edward I of England a brilliant reformer—or a ruthless tyrant?

In this episode, we dig into the life and reign of one of England’s most formidable kings. From legal reforms and the shaping of Parliament to his brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland, Edward’s legacy is anything but simple. We explore the man behind the crown—his ambition, his grief after the death of Eleanor of Castile, and the decisions that still spark debate today.

Was he building a stronger England…or ruling through fear?

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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis

In this episode, I’m joined by Sophie Bacchus-Waterman to challenge everything you think you know about Elizabeth Boleyn.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Elizabeth Boleyn has been unfairly judged, this conversation will make you rethink everything.

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Sophie's book:

Blackwells

Amazon (US)

Sophie's Social Media:

Instagram

Bluesky

Sophie's Substack

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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:

SPECIAL EVENT on May 9th with Dr. Steven Veerapon on the medical history of Henry VIII. All the information can be found here: https://henrythetyrant.eventbrite.com

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Credits:

Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Sophie Bacchus-Waterman