The first lottery in England was held in January 1569, during the reign of Elizabeth I. The government needed money to build ships and harbors to support England’s growing power. Rather than raising taxes, Elizabeth decided to try a lottery instead. The top prize was £5,000.

This month, I was honored to be featured in Sharron Bennett Connolly’s Wordly Women! I had a chance to share some behind the scenes of what inspired me to write The Tudors by Numbers. Check out Wordly Women! bit.ly/CALWordlyWomen

Twelfth Night may be over, but you can still find ways of celebrating. Our friend Rosemary Griggs celebrates Tudor women and their history through the year. If you haven’t already listened to or watched Rosemary’s podcast, treat yourself!

Happy Tudor Tuesday OTD in 1540, Henry VIII married his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves She had not recognized the King when she first met him because he was dressed as a messenger Her wedding ring was inscribed “God send me and keep me well,” which was her motto

Happy 12th Night! This was the Feast of the Epiphany, which marked the end of the Christmas season. All decorations must be taken down to avoid back luck. Twelfth Night would be marked with feasting and wassailing, so watch for carol singers!

In Medieval times, gifts were given on New Year’s day. Presenting gifts to the monarch was a huge ceremony. Gift rolls, like this one of Elizabeth I, recorded who gave the Queen gifts and what she gave in return. Elizabeth “regifted” what she received the same day!

Historian, author, and storyteller extraordinaire, Rosemary Griggs, joins us this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics! She joins us to talk about Tudor holidays and her books, especially tales of women in Tudor times.

Historian, author, and storyteller extraordinaire, Rosemary Griggs, joins us this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics! She joins us to talk about Tudor holidays and her books, especially tales of women in Tudor times.

During the Christmas season, Henry VIII went to visit Cardinal Wolsey—disguised as a thief! He and his friends demanded to be brought into the house and fed. Of course, Wolsey recognized him and was happy to welcome the disguised king.

Happy Medieval Monday! December 29th was set aside to celebrate Saint Thomas Becket. Becket served King Henry II as Lord Chancellor and then was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. The king and Becket fell out, and the king reportedly asked for someone to rid him of the “turbulent priest.”

Happy Christmas to those who prefer this greeting, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, who always said “Happy Christmas” in her Christmas message. Merry Christmas in the US and Canada! And Bishop John Fisher, who wrote Thomas Cromwell and wished him a “Merry Christmas” in 1534

Wishing everyone a very #MerryChristmas and much happiness in whatever you celebrate this time of year. May we all be little candles of goodness in the year ahead. (And it's Merchant of Venice 5.1 for those wondering 😉)

Have you treated yourself to the wonderful Sarah Gristwood this holiday season? If not, do so! You will really enjoy her discussion of the wonderful book, Celebrating Women. Hear Sarah on episode 235 on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics “Celebrating Women & Their Writing.”

OTD in 1558, just about a month after becoming Queen of England, Elizabeth I moved to Whitehall Palace. Whitehall would end up being one of her favorite residences. She spent the first Christmas season of her reign at Whitehall.

Royals, Rebels, and Romantics patrons contest: which historic 12 Days of Christmas tradition will be part of your celebration this year? Winner will receive The Art of Looking Up, by the amazing @audreydodgen.com! Become a patron bit.ly/RRRpatron

In Medieval times, everyone looked forward to their Christmas feast. The day began with a special mass before dawn, marking the end of Advent and the beginning of celebrations. Christmas was the beginning of feasting season; even tenant farmers were treated to a festive meal.

Attention#royalsrebelsromantics patrons! Special episode featuring @thehistorybits.bsky.social, Ramie Targoff, & @tracyborman.bsky.social is NOW available! Thank you for your support! Want to listen but not a member yet? JOIN TODAY! patreon.com/carolannlloyd

OTD in 1621, James I of England became enraged and tore a page out of the Parliamentary records. He was angry about Parliament, especially the House of Commons, affirming their right to free speech and to debate in matters of state.

Sarah Gristwood looks back to share stories of women enjoying food, family, friends, and festivities. She joins us to discuss her new book, Celebrating Women: Women Writing on Women: Family, Friends, Feminism, and Fun Now LIVE wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube.

OTD in 1485, Katherine of Aragon was born. Daughter of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, Katherine was destined for a royal life. Katherine would eventually marry Henry VIII, his first, longest-serving, and probably most influential wife.

What happened in December during the Middle Ages? Right up until December 25th, people avoided rich foods and some ate small meals. People also worked hard to be prepared to settle debts and pay rent. It was a month for Advent, which had nothing to do with chocolate calendars!

Edward said he could not do his job as King the way he would wish without the support of “the woman I love.” The woman he loved was Wallis Simpson, someone he was told he could not marry because she was divorced. In those days, the Church of England did not recognize divorce.

Have you watched “Picturing Shakespeare” on PBS? Shakespeare is showing up a lot these days. I recently saw “& Juliet” on Broadway and LOVED it! Can’t wait to see Hamnet. What do you think Shakespeare looked like?

Are your Christmas celebrations already underway? December in Tudor England was not a full month of fun and festivity The first three weeks of the month were full of fasting and hard work No decorations until Christmas Eve The Tudors might have been impressed with my early tree!

She became Queen at six days old...then Queen Consort of France as a teenager. Back in Scotland, she married & bore a son, then had to abdicate in favor of that son when her husband was murdered. She was known as the "Scots Queen" until her death in 1587. A fascinating woman!

OTD in 1214, William “the Lion” of Scots died. He ruled Scotland for nearly 49 years, the longest reign before the Union of the Crowns in 1603. William was a supporter of Henry II’s sons in their rebellion against their father. William’s troops were defeated.

Is this the face of Shakespeare? The two men behind the new PBS special, “Picturing Shakespeare,” join me this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!

OTD in 1546, Henry Howard, earl of Surrey, was arrested. He used the arms of his ancestor, Edward the Confessor, in his own arms. Only Henry VIII was allowed to use royal arms. Henry VIII believed Surrey was going to challenge young Prince Edward after Henry’s death.

Join me online with Smithsonian Associates to explore Shakespeare’s London on December 2. bit.ly/ShakesLondon Next I’ll be heading to NYC for a trip back in time to meet Bess of Hardwick with Royal Oak! bit.ly/BessHardwick Make it a historic holiday!

For #RoyalsRebelsRomantics patrons only! Listen as @SarahGristwood chats about recent events for the Royal Family. bit.ly/RRRpatronDec

-In 1588, Elizabeth I held a Thanksgiving to celebrate victory over the Spanish Armada -In 1606, Parliament made the 5th of November a day of Thanksgiving after preventing the Gunpowder plot -In 1707, a thanksgiving was held to mark the Union of England and Scotland

Happy Thanksgiving. So grateful to all who navigated 2025 with me. Looking forward to the future we can build together. #HappyThanksgiving

Who were the Queens of Scots before the famous Mary? Wives of the Kings of Scots helped shape the politics of Scotland, England, and beyond. Don’t miss episode 233, “Medieval Queen of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly.”

OTD in 1487, Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen of England. Daughter of Edward IV, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII, Elizabeth often gets lost in the shadow of the men around her. Elizabeth was a quiet influence. She provided a strong support to the Tudor dynasty.

More about Gruoch and Lady Macbeth Gruoch is the first Scottish queen whose name is known to history! In history, Gruoch and Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s life was full of murder and chaos Which version do you prefer?

OTD in 1951, Sir Christopher Hatton died He served as Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor and was one of her favorites Hatton flattered the Queen in the game of courtly love, writing “The Queen did fish for men’s souls, and had so sweet a bait that no one could escape her network.”

This week, historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly comes to the podcast! She will discuss her new book: Scotland’s Medieval Queens These women were royals, saints, and lovers, pivotal in some of the most turbulent times in Scottish history You don't want to miss it!

On 18 November, 1558 Elizabeth Tudor woke up as Queen of England She became Queen on 17 November when Mary I died Elizabeth’s Accession Day was celebrated with jousting, pageants, and feasts throughout her reign

Medieval Monday Meet Gruoch (or, as you might know her, “Lady Macbeth”) Yes, she’s a real character, a royal princess She married Macbeth after he killed her husband, helping him establish a stable kingdom Learn more about Gruoch Wednesday on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!

OTD in 1856, The Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster’s clock chimed for the first time Affectionately known as “Big Ben” the clock was given its nickname during the reign of Queen Victoria

What really happened at the end of the Tudor dynasty? Elizabeth I refused to name an heir–so who would be next? It wasn’t the easy answer we’ve been led to believe. Tracy Borman shares the real story of the Tudor to Stuart transition. Royals, Rebels, and Romantics episode 232!

OTD in 1534, the French ambassador, Philippe de Chabot, arrived in England He was there to negotiate a possible marriage between a French prince and young Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn

Meet Joan Beaufort, granddaughter of John of Gaunt She was of English royal blood, related to Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV She married James I of Scotland in 1424 After her husband’s assassination in 1437, her son became James II She married James Stewart and died in 1445

James had a warm welcome in England, but there were two conspiracies the first year of his reign The Gunpowder Plot, planned to blow up the state opening of the king’s first parliament, was one of the most dangerous plots that shook the nation

Tracy Borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics TODAY! The royal succession of 1603 was more complicated than we’ve been led to believe. Tracy explores the plotting and deception that brought the Scots King to the English throne. Available wherever you like to listen.

Happy Tudor Tuesday Elizabeth I named an heir and her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty How did James VI become King of England? @tracy.borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics tomorrow to talk about her new book, Stolen Crown. Out today in the US!

Medieval Monday! Elizabeth de Burgh, born about 1289 and died 1327 Queen Consort of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots Daughter of powerful Lord of Ireland, Richard de Burgh Robert the Bruce was one of most famous Scots kings

Have you heard about the curse of Shakespeare’s Macbeth? Rumor has it the play is cursed and saying “Macbeth” in a theatre puts you in danger. Many refer to the play as “the Scottish play” just to be safe.

Have you listened to Ramie Targoff’s episode yet? She shares her wonderful book, Shakespeare’s Sisters: Four Women Who Wrote the Renaissance. Shakespeare and his buddies were NOT the only writers in sixteenth century London.

Here's what might get you accused of being a witch in Tudor Times. Being older and living by yourself Talking to yourself Having pets that follow you around Holding ceremonies or using herbs Having a “witch spot” (of any kind!) on your body Living alone Would you survive?