The Lion & The Rose

The Great Escapes

The Tower of London—a fortress, a palace, and one of history’s most feared prisons. Few who entered ever left, but in 1597,Father John Gerard pulled off one of the mostdaring escapes in history.A Jesuit priest imprisoned for his faith, Gerard enduredbrutal torture at the hands of Elizabeth I’s interrogators. But even as his hands were mangled and his body broken, Gerard plotted his way to freedom. With the help of an underground network, awell-placed bribe, and arope stretched across the Tower’s moat, Gerard risked everything in adeath-defying escape that left the authorities baffled.How did he outwit the Tower’s guards? What drove Elizabethan England’sobsession with crushing Catholic priests? And how did Gerard make sure his allies inside the Towerdidn’t pay the price for his escape?This is more than just a story of survival—it’s a masterclass in courage, strategy, and resilience.🔔Follow @TheHistoryMike on Instagram, TikTok, and The Lion & The Rose onYouTube and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content and updates on the next episode in theGreat Escapes Series!🎧 Subscribe toThe Lion & The Rose for more thrilling stories from English history.

Ambition and Betrayal: The Downfall of Buckingham

🏰 "The Downfall of Buckingham" 🔪Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, had everything: royal blood, immense wealth, and a grand vision for his legacy. But in the dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, ambition was a double-edged sword.
In this episode, we uncover Stafford’s rise from privilege to peril, his bold defiance of Tudor law, and the whispers that sealed his fate. Why did Henry VIII turn on his cousin? Was Stafford guilty of treason—or a victim of paranoia?
🎙️ Dive into the intrigue, ambition, and betrayal that led to one of the most dramatic executions of the Tudor era. This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration into the life and legacy of Edward Stafford—and the deadly game of power in Tudor England.
⚔️ Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper.

Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The Short History of British Foods

🎙️ Episode Title: Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The History of British Foods 🥧🍻
Dive into the delicious history of British cuisine with The Lion and the Rose! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating stories behind the foods that shaped Britain, from the Tudor courts to your favorite local bakery. 👑✨
Here’s what’s on the menu:🍖 The truth about Henry VIII’s dining habits (hint: no flying drumsticks!).🍞 How bread laws and the “baker’s dozen” kept bakers in line.🍗 Bone marrow custard pies and other extravagant Tudor dishes.🔥 A visit to the Hampton Court Palace kitchens, the oldest working Tudor kitchens today.🥐 A shoutout to Braised Pies, a local gem serving up modern takes on British classics.🍺 Pub food evolution: from Tudor alehouses to fish and chips at your local.
Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or both, this episode has something for you!
🎧 Listen now and discover how British food evolved through the centuries, and don’t forget to follow us for more historical insights. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper!

The Downfall Of Anne Boleyn

Anne Boleyn: A name synonymous with ambition, intrigue, and tragedy. In this episode of The Lion and the Rose, we uncover the dramatic rise and fall of England's most infamous queen consort. From her love affair with Henry VIII to the scandalous accusations that led to her execution, we explore the political intrigue, personal struggles, and enduring legacy of a woman who changed history.
Join us as we delve into her story, her impact, and the lessons her life continues to teach us.
🎙️ Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @Thehistorymike and on Facebook @TheLion&TheRose for behind-the-scenes content and updates.

Music In The Chaos

🎶 Music in the Chaos: Power, Scandal, and Song in Henry VIII’s Court 🎶Tudor England: a realm of power plays, scandal, and the constant march of ambition. But beneath the chaos of court intrigue and political betrayal, there was another story—a story of music.
In this episode of The Lion & The Rose, we journey into the heart of Henry VIII’s court to explore the lives of the composers and musicians who defined the Tudor soundscape. Thomas Tallis, the master of divine polyphony. Mark Smeaton, a gifted courtier whose music—and rumored indiscretions—landed him on the scaffold. William Cornysh, a poet-composer at the center of it all. And yes, even Henry himself, whose royal compositions reveal another side to England’s most infamous king.
This is history with a heartbeat. A tale of soaring melodies, deadly ambition, and a court where even music wasn’t safe from scandal. 🎵
🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Lion & The Rose on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper! 🦁🌹

The King’s Great Matter: From Katherine’s Crown to Cromwell’s Scheme

Dive into The Lion & The Rose as we unravel The King’s Great Matter. Explore the explosive drama of Henry VIII's quest to sever ties with Katherine of Aragon, fueled by his obsession with a male heir. From Anne Boleyn's rise to power, Cardinal Wolsey's downfall, and Thomas Cromwell's cunning schemes to the rebellion of the Pilgrimage of Grace, this episode is a journey through love, betrayal, and the ultimate break from Rome.

Love, War, And Wolsey

"Love, War, and Wolsey"
✨ In this episode of The Lion and the Rose, dive into the early years of Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon, where romance and ambition ruled England. Henry’s jousting feats and war victories were all for her honor—but behind the scenes, Cardinal Wolsey wielded incredible power, managing the kingdom as Henry’s trusted advisor.
From chivalric displays to battles that shaped the nation, witness how Katherine inspired a young king, while Wolsey’s cunning made him the true master of England’s fate.
🔔 Ready to discover the drama and devotion of England’s most iconic couple and the kingmaker who held their world together? Listen now! 🔔

Forging a King: The Early Life of Henry VIII

Before the infamous reign of Henry VIII, before the break with Rome and the whirlwind of marriages, there was a young prince groomed for greatness. In this episode of The Lion and the Rose, we delve into the early years of Henry’s life—a period marked by chivalric ideals, humanist learning, and the influence of masterful minds like Thomas More, John Skelton, and Erasmus. Discover how a second-born son transformed into the heir to the Tudor legacy, his childhood shaped by towering ambitions, intellectual rigor, and a court obsessed with the display of power. Join us as we unravel the making of a legend and uncover the forces that set Henry VIII on his path to becoming one of England’s most remarkable—and controversial—monarchs.
Listen in and explore the origins of a king whose story would alter the course of history. And remember, keep your sword sharp, and your history sharper!