The Lion & The Rose
Welcome to a deep dive into the rich and complex history of England and the UK. My goal is to teach, inform, and spark curiosity in listeners from all walks of life, whether you’re a seasoned historian or someone just starting to explore the past. Through detailed storytelling, insightful analysis, and captivating narratives, each episode will transport you to pivotal moments in history—from the rise and fall of powerful monarchs to the political intrigues and battles that shaped a nation. If you have a passion for history or simply want to learn Listen to these amazing stories!
Episodes

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The Short History of British Foods
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
🎙️ 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!

Monday Jan 06, 2025
The Downfall Of Anne Boleyn
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
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.

Monday Dec 16, 2024
Music In The Chaos
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
🎶 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! 🦁🌹

Saturday Nov 23, 2024
The King’s Great Matter: From Katherine’s Crown to Cromwell’s Scheme
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
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.

Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Love, War, And Wolsey
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
"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! 🔔

Monday Nov 04, 2024
Forging a King: The Early Life of Henry VIII
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
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!

Monday Oct 14, 2024
Warwick The KingMaker
Monday Oct 14, 2024
Monday Oct 14, 2024
The Lion & The Rose Podcast Present:
Warwick The King Maker
In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the dramatic life of Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, better known as "The Kingmaker." From his meteoric rise as one of the most influential men in 15th-century England to his ultimate betrayal and downfall, Warwick’s story is one of power, ambition, and political intrigue.
Discover how this master manipulator helped shape the Wars of the Roses, toppling kings and making new ones, as we explore his key role in putting Edward IV on the throne and his shocking alliance with his former enemy, Margaret of Anjou. We’ll unravel his bitter feud with the Woodville family, the high-stakes political chess game that led to his demise, and the personal rivalries that ignited one of England’s bloodiest civil wars.
With fascinating details about Warwick’s alliances, betrayals, and the dramatic Battle of Barnet, this episode brings history to life in a way you’ve never heard before. Whether you’re a fan of medieval politics or just love a good story of power, rebellion, and tragedy, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the life of the man who made and unmade kings.
Join us as we uncover the dramatic story of Warwick the Kingmaker—the man who ruled the throne from behind the curtain, until the curtain fell on him.