logo
episode-header-image
Yesterday
57m 27s

Henry VII: What Ifs & Misconceptions

RedTop Media / Rebecca Larson
About this episode

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.

--

https://nathenamin.substack.com/

--

Hosts: Rebecca Larson & Amy McElroy

Guest: Nathen Amin

Up next
Apr 23
Edward I: Tyrant or Mastermind?
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 ... Show More
1h 4m
Apr 21
Myths & Misconceptions: Elizabeth Boleyn
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.--Sophie's book:Blackwells Amazo ... Show More
1h 7m
Apr 19
Women Behaving Badly: Tudor Style
Welcome back to Off the Record!Today, Amy and I dive into women “behaving badly”…or at least, that’s how history chose to remember them. And yes—we’re fully aware that women were judged by a very different standard than men.From alleged husband-murdering, to sharp-tongued insults ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
May 2025
Royal sisters: the tragic lives of Queen Victoria's granddaughters
Victoria, Ella, Irene and Alix of Hesse were four young European princesses and granddaughters of Queen Victoria, whose marriages would change the face of early 20th-century Europe. Speaking to Elinor Evans, Frances Welch introduces the four sisters. She explores their relationsh ... Show More
36m 47s
Jul 2024
Queen Victoria: The Woman Behind An Era
<p>Queen Victoria was the last English monarch of the House of Hanover and gave her name to an era in British history. Although small in stature, she was a towering figure as she witnessed major turning points in British history. Yet she is often caricatured as a spiky and stubbo ... Show More
50m 18s
Oct 2024
Who is Buried in the Royal Vault?
On September 19th, 2022 over 4 billion people watched as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was lowered into the royal vault at St. George’s chapel, Windsor Castle. The monarch who had reigned for 70 years thus became part of history. And she was in astonishing historic company. Sh ... Show More
28m 22s
Feb 2025
Catherine de’ Medici: the real Serpent Queen of France
Greg Jenner is joined in 16th-Century France by Dr Estelle Paranque and comedian Shaparak Khorsandi to learn all about controversial queen Catherine de’ Medici.Catherine’s life was dramatic from the moment she was born: orphaned when she was just a few weeks old, she was brought ... Show More
57m 40s
Jun 2025
Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I—a monarch of unmatched intellect, resilience, and style, who led England through a golden age. Rising to power in a time of turmoil, she became a symbol of strength and stability, guiding her nation through political intrigue, cultural blossoming, and global exp ... Show More
56m 46s
Apr 2025
The Tudors, Part 2 of 2
The later Tudor years were a time of turmoil, political intrigue, and national transformation. Initially defined by crises of succession, and shifts in the religious landscape, the period went on to see the reign of some of the most famous royal women in history. And, under the 4 ... Show More
1 h
Feb 2024
OFH Throwback- Episode #1- Was Queen Elizabeth Actually a Man?
In this throwback episode Sebastian takes you all the way back to the very first episode of OFH ever released. Queen Elizabeth I is easily one of England’s most celebrated monarchs. The so-called “virgin queen” has been credited with leading England through a golden age. However, ... Show More
33m 26s
Jul 2024
Princess Charlotte of Wales - The Queen of Who Never Was
If you google “Princess Charlotte of Wales” you will be greeted by pictures of William and Catherine’s adorable daughter, born in 2015. But there was another Princess Charlotte of Wales, born over 200 years earlier who had a much different life. She endured the neglect of parents ... Show More
32m 30s