Rex Factor

One of the more obscure English queens, despite being married to one of the most famous kings in Richard III, Anne Neville certainly had a dramatic life: daughter of Warwick the Kingmaker, married into the Lancastrian and Yorkist royal families, facing triumph and disaster throughout her life. We see whether we can shine more of a light on Anne and whether she has that certain something, we call... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We move onto the Yorkist consorts with Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Consort to Edward IV. Originally a Lancastrian, she was an unlikely and controversial consort, who had to endure great hardship and loss through the Wars of the Roses, facing off against Margaret of Anjou, Warwick the Kingmaker and Richard III. Find out whether she can survive the Wars of the Roses and whether she is worthy of the Rex Factor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Graham gets started on the research for the Yorkist queens, we have a one-off episode going through lots of listener correspondence and sharing some previews of our bonus content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We speak to the historian and broadcaster Tom Holland about his podcast The Rest Is History and their Twitter World Cup of Monarchs poll, discussing who were the greatest kings and queens of England and comparing our respective results. In particular, we spoke to Tom about Athelstan and Æthelflæd Lady of the Mercians (both of whom Tom has written about) and why they are so important in English history. We also find out where Tom stands on the great question of Edgar the Peaceable, plus manage to sneak in a bit of Dunstan! You can follow Tom on Twitter where he is @holland_tom or his podcast @theresthistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we (though mainly Graham due to Ali's connection issues!) speak to Olivia Miller, an actor and playwright who has written and stars in a show called "Bloody Mary: Live!" where she plays a modern, 'queenager' version of Queen Mary I of England. We talk to Olivia about the show, her characterisation of Mary and what has inspired that, plus she has a go at rating Mary by our factors. You can follow Olivia for the latest news on 'Bloody Mary: Live!' on her website and on social media: Website: https://www.olivia-miller.net Instagram: @thatoliviamiller TikTok: @thatoliviamiller Twitter: @thatlivmiller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our first ever Right to Reply episode, we take a look back at our recent mini-series on the Lancastrian queen consorts reminding ourselves/Ali about Joan of Navarre, Catherine of Valois and Margaret of Anjou, then reading through listener's messages and questions about them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we teamed up with Scottish Ballet to talk about their forthcoming production 'The Scandal at Mayerling' about Crown Prince Rudolf, the heir to the Austrian throne who took his own life and his lover, Mary Vetsera, at a hunting lodge. We speak to Evan Loudon, principal dancer who plays Rudolf, about the ballet (a re-imagining of Sir Kenneth Macmillan's 'Mayerling') and historian Lucy Coatman, who is an expert on Mary, Rudolf, and the events of Mayerling. Head to Scottish Ballet's website for more information about the ballet itself, including behind the scenes photos and for booking tickets via the link below, or you can follow them on Twitter where they are @scottishballet or on Instagram (also @scottishballet). You can also follow Lucy on Twitter (@lucy_coatman) or visit her website (https://www.lucycoatman.com) https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/event/the-scandal-at-mayerling The Scandal at Mayerling opens in Glasgow on 13 April 2022 before moving on to Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, where the tour finishes on 28 May 2022. Content warning: please note the discussion and the ballet includes themes of mental illness, sexual violence, addiction and suicide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After doing a full-length Biography episode, this time it's all a review for Margaret of Anjou, queen consort to Henry VI. Plenty for us to get our teeth into - Margaret leading the Lancastrians in the wars of the Roses, rumours of affairs and transgressive behaviour, having to do the job of kinging. And, of course, the most important question - will she get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Shakespeare's 'She-Wolf of France', Margaret of Anjou is one of England's most notorious queens, with one of the most dramatic stories. A young queen who was supposed to bring peace with France, the mental illness of her husband, Henry VI, saw Margaret effectively rule in opposition to the growing power and ambition of the Duke of York, resulting in the Wars of the Roses. In her bid to protect her husband and son, Margaret would raise armies, strike alliances and face exile, but who would come out on top? As for the Rex Factor, we'll review her in a separate episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Local Legends! This is a new bonus podcast series focusing not on kings and queens but on people or places that are more local to listeners. Maybe a statue or building (or, indeed, a local legend) you've wanted to know more about or would fancy hearing us talk about. In this first episode, we have Graham's choice of Judge Nicholas Conyngham Tindal. Local Legends will be a reward for Special Episode tier patrons to list to and Star Chamber members to nominate and vote on but for this first episode, we're making it available to everyone. We'll be back with the consorts and Margaret of Anjou in a couple of weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk to Dr Ellie Woodacre about one of our recently reviewed consorts, Joan of Navarre. Joan is one of England's less well-known queens but Ellie is publishing the first biography of her, so we went into more detail about Joan, how she fitted in to the complex web of European diplomacy, her status in Brittany, why she married Henry IV and even what her actual name was! You can follow Ellie on Twitter where she is @monarchyconf and @royalstudies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catherine of Valois was the Queen Consort of Henry V, whose early life was shaped by her father's madness and the Hundred Years War, but the latter part was very much her own story, with scandalous romances and life on her own terms. Did she tick the boxes for the Rex Factor, or was she happy to play her own game? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joan of Navarre is one of Medieval England's less famous queens but she had quite the life: a Spanish princess who became Duchess of Brittany and then Queen of England. Curiously, her husband Henry IV already had son and heirs from a previous marriage, so Joan would go on to be an honorary rather than actual Queen Mother - initially a position of honour but one that would later reveal great vulnerability Would Joan emerge on top? And will she get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of our December Messages & Previews podcasts, we go through some more listener messages and share some more clips of our bonus content, while we continue to prepare for the next round of consort podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we prepare for the next round of Consort episodes, we spend some time going through listener messages as well as sharing various clips from our bonus content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We were delighted to be joined by the historian Charles Spencer for this interview podcast to talk about his book, The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream. Charles talked to us about why Henry I was such an impressive king, what happened in the White Ship disaster (which claimed the life of his son and heir), and why this was such an important moment in English history. For more information on Charles and his books, check out his website https://charles-spencer.com You can follow Charles on Twitter @cspencer1508 and on Instagram @charles.earl.spencer and get news on his books via @cspencerbooks_ (Twitter) and @charlesspencerbooks (Instagram) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Isabella of Valois was a French princess, but only a young girl when she married Richard II, a marriage designed to bring about peace between England and France. More helpful would have been peace between Richard and his nobles, and Isabella's life would be constantly spent in the midst of crises and internal divisions, both in England and in France. Dramatic times, but could Isabella play a big enough role to get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anne of Bohemia is not one of the more famous queens in English history but she was the daughter of a powerful Holy Roman Emperor, was an inspiration to Chaucer and had a very close relationship with her husband, Richard II. With a reputation for kindliness, can Anne of Bohemia emerge from the shadows of history to claim the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Philippa of Hainault was the consort of Edward III during something of a golden age for England with incredible military victories against Scotland and France. Philippa was a key part of Edward's project to restore loyalty to the crown and a very popular queen renowned for her merciful intercessions, but did she have that certain something to get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Having covered her Biography episode separately, we now review Isabella of France, queen consort of Edward II. There was plenty of juicy stuff, but just how highly will she score and will she get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the most dramatic stories in English royal history, Isabella of France gets the double episode treatment. In this biography episode, we chart her life and consortship looking at her marriage to Edward II and the various antagonists in her life until eventually she faces off against her own husband. Next time we'll review her factor by factor and decide whether she has the Rex Factor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we prepare for the next round of consort episodes, we go through lots of excellent listener correspondence and share some previews of our most recent bonus content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's podcast we talk all things Simon de Montfort with Dr Sophie Thérèse Ambler. Simon de Montfort led a remarkable and dramatic life, most notably with the Second Barons War in the reign of Henry III, where Simon was effectively ruling England and making major advances in the cause of parliamentary democracy. He's often featured as a side character in Rex Factor, so today we go in depth in finding out who Simon was, what motivated him, why he rebelled against Henry and much more. If you want to find out more, be sure to buy Sophie's excellent book, The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First Revolutionary. You can also find her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RG1253 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Margaret of France was the second wife of Edward I and tends to be overshadowed by the first, Eleanor of Castile, in popular memory. It was certainly a tough act to follow for the young French princess, marrying an old and grumpy Edward, but she proved rather adept than one might have expected. However, with England at odds with France and Scotland and Edward's reign approaching its end, would Margaret be able to do enough to make a difference and win the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eleanor of Castile was the beloved first consort of Edward I, most famous for the Eleanor Crosses he constructed in her memory. We uncover the real Eleanor behind the crosses, from the splendour of Castile and the Crusades to a surprisingly enterprising role in England. She may have won Edward's heart, but will that be enough for the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eleanor of Provence became Queen of England at a young age, marrying King Henry III, but she became a highly influential consort thanks to her Savoyard uncles and her own influence. However, she and Henry would have to face the challenge of Simon de Montfort and the Second Barons War, with Eleanor playing a crucial role both in the build-up and the execution of the war. Will she triumph against the barons? And more importantly, will she do enough to win the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apologies for the absence, but we are finally back! Normal service with the consorts will resume shortly but we've got some news: the podcast is moving to Acast (you don't have to do anything, though there will be ads) and the patron program is moving to Patreon - go to www.patreon.com/rexfactor to sign up! Also, we read out lots of your messages and play some clips from bonus content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this interview special we talk to Dr Gabby Storey about the Angevin queens - the Empress Matilda, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Berengaria of Navarre and Isabella of Angouleme. We reflect on their relationships with their husbands, their sons and each other as well as what they tell us about queenship. Gabby is on Twitter as herself as @GabbyStorey and you can follow her queenship account @TeamQueensHist for daily features and links to all things queens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Isabella of Angoulême had the misfortune to be married to King John and is not one of England's more famous queens, and yet she had a remarkable life, with controversial marriages, shifting alliances, rebellions and plenty of scandal. Plenty of personality, but not always in a good way - will she be able to win us over for the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Berengaria of Navarre is not one of the more famous consorts, overshadowed by her predecessor, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and indeed her husband, Richard the Lionheart. However, Berengaria has her own story that is worth telling: accompanying Richard on the Third Crusade; fighting the English crown for her dower rights and then ruling a French city. A story worth telling, but will it be enough to earn Berengaria the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite having done two main podcast episodes on Eleanor, we still had lots more stuff to talk about for the Privy Chamber that was either just skirted over or not even mentioned at all previously. There's so much to talk about that we didn't have time for all our usual features, so that will all come in the next Privy Chamber episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a separate full-length biography episode, we now review Eleanor of Aquitaine. And there's lots to talk about in every factor: the Crusades; the Great Revolt; threats to both of her sons as Queen Mother. A long and dramatic life that has plenty to talk about, both good and bad, but when it's all done, where will she stand? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of the most famous names in English history and her life is so long and eventful that we're splitting her episode in two. In this episode, we cover her biography, charting her extraordinary life from her upbringing in Aquitaine to her various queenships, encompassing Crusades, rebellions, imprisonments and high stakes diplomacy. Next time we'll review her factor by factor and decide whether she has the Rex Factor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second and final episode celebrating our tenth anniversary we read through all of your lovely messages with good wishes, how you found the podcast, exotic places you've listened and favourite memories from the podcast. We also go through all the results of our English Monarchs Twitter Poll to crown England's Greatest Monarch for 2020. We've also been using our time productively so further episodes will be following in the coming weeks with a special episode on Sulla, a Privy Chamber episode for Privy Councillors and (in the not too distant future) Eleanor of Aquitaine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rex Factor is ten years old! To celebrate, we are releasing two podcasts. In this first part, we reminisce about ten years of Rex Factor, looking at each season and some of the major things we've worked on. We also reveal the details of a Twitter tournament we will be running in the following month where we pit all the English monarchs against each other and see whether this will have the same outcome as our original play-offs. PLUS we would like to hear from you - please let us know your favourite memories, episodes, quotes, etc. from Rex Factor as well as any questions you might have about the podcast. Not discussed in the podcast, but the special episode on Sulla is coming soon and then we will be moving on to Eleanor of Aquitaine - apologies for the delay! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's nearly 10 years since we reviewed Æthelred the Unready and gave him a score of 0 for Battleyness - not surprising for the king who suffered decades of Viking raids and was kicked off the throne (nearly twice) but have we been too harsh? We speak to Brandon Bender who has written a book about Æthelred's military campaign which suggests he was a far more proactive and capable leader than his reputation suggests. Will we be convinced or will Æthelred remain at the bottom of the pile for Battleyness? Brandon's book is called 'England's Unlikely Commander: The Military Career of Æthelred the Unready' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're starting a new, intermittent film review podcast for Privy Councillors where we watch and review films relating to kings and queens. In each episode, we'll go through the film plot (largely for Ali's benefit), then review it for historical accuracy and entertainment. Our first film is The King, starring Timothée Chalamet as King Henry V in a sort-of-adaptation of William Shakespeare. As this is the first one and we've not been able to do our normal podcasting recently, we're making this episode available to all Rex Factor listeners. If you've seen the film then send in your reviews and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last of the Normans and the last of the Matilda's, Matilda of Boulogne was Queen Consort to King Stephen through the Anarchy. Stephen's reign was not particularly successful but it would have been far worse had he not had the support of his wife, who played a strong and vital leadership role in his cause. Overshadowed by her namesake and rival, the Empress Matilda, could this be the time for Matilda of Boulogne to shine? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adeliza was the second consort of Henry I of England with the primary task being to produce a new heir for Henry after the death of his only (legitimate) son in the White Ship Disaster. After two very powerful Norman consorts, Adeliza had a lot to live up to as the years without an heir mount up, Henry would look to his daughter, Matilda, instead and Adeliza would be dragged into the drama of the Anarchy. Cometh the hour, cometh the woman? Or would Adeliza be lost amidst the chaos? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matilda of Scotland (confusingly originally called Edith) was the daughter of the King of Scots and inheritor of the Anglo-Saxon royal line, which made her an alluring prospect of consort for the Norman king Henry I. Matilda was a highly confident and capable queen who proved very popular with her subjects as well as providing ample opportunity for Rex Facts. But will this be enough to get the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A global lockdown is not enough to stop Rex Factor! For the first time, we do a full episode via Skype, meaning Ali is in charge of his own recording equipment! After a slightly chaotic first ten minutes, we have an extended Correspondents Corner with lots of messages from listeners and then previews of some of our bonus content with a clip from our most recent Privy Chamber episode (on Matilda of Flanders) and our most recent special episode (Chateau Gaillard). Normal service will resume next time when we review Matilda of Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We leave the Saxons behind and enter the Norman era. Matilda of Flanders was the first of the Norman consorts, bringing some prestigious French royal genes to the illegitimate William the Conqueror. Matilda was a trusted partner of William in Normandy and enjoyed great status as Queen of England after 1066. Revered for her piety, Matilda also had an independent streak and would clash with William when their eldest son, Robert, rebelled. Who will come out on top? And will Matilda start the new era off with the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ealdgyth of Mercia is not a famous name, but her episode is full of Rex Factors. As consort to Harold Godwinson, she was the last Anglo-Saxon consort and her story has plenty to fascinate: Lady Godiva, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn and a Welsh/Mercian alliance, and of course the dramatic events of 1066. So will the Saxons go out on a high or is Ealdgyth another queen who will remain lost to history? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Edith of Wessex we come to the dramatic events of 1066 and the fall of the Anglo-Saxons. Edith was the daughter of the powerful earldoman, Godwin, sister to Harold Godwinson and queen consort to Edward the Confessor. Things got off to a shaky start with Edward, but Edith was able to establish herself as a powerful figure at court and tried to position herself for the succession. But when 1066 throws everything into chaos, will Edith be able to ride out the storm? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When is a consort not a consort? When she's Ælfgifu of Northampton! Ælfgifu was married to Cnut while he was king but it was his other wife, Emma of Normandy, who was considered the consort. We decide to take a look at events from Ælfgifu's perspective, revealing a remarkable woman who was for a long time Emma's chief rival, with her dramatic life taking her from a powerful midlands dynasty all across Cnut's North Sea Empire and back again in a battle for dominance. But does she count as a consort and does she deserve the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emma takes us from the dark days of Vikings invasions under Æthelred the Unready to the threshold of 1066. Her remarkable and dramatic life saw her twice be Queen Consort, Queen Stepmother and Queen Mother! Emma was often forced to fight to retain her power as England veered between Saxon and Danish rule, but would she do enough to come out on top and gain the Rex Factor? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back with the Saxons this week, reviewing Ealdgyth, consort to Edmund Ironside. Ealdgyth was from a prominent midlands family who fell out with King Æthelred the Unready in the difficult period of Viking invasions. We find out how these family links drove her into both danger and power amidst Saxon division and Viking invaders and decide what role she might have played in the. chaotic years of 1013-16. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a brief diversion from the Saxons to investigate the Viking consort of Sweyn Forkbeard, Sigrid the Haughty. Or is it? There is much debate about the true identity of Sweyn's wife (or wives) and whether Sigrid even existed at all as much of what we know of her comes from the Icelandic sagas. To help us unpack all of this and learn more about the sagas, we are joined by John and Andy from the Saga Thing podcast. Was Sigrid really Sweyn's wife? Did she really exist? And, most important of all, does she have the Rex Factor? Saga Thing is a podcast reviewing all the sagas of the Icelanders which you can find here https://sagathingpodcast.wordpress.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've back from a summer break! In this catch-up episode we explain why we've been busy (real life), read out some of your correspondence AND have an announcement about Rex Factor: The Animated Show. Without wanting to spoil the episode, we're asking you to help choose which queen (regnant) we should do next. The poll is open now and you just have one week (until Friday 13 September) to make your pick! Vote using the link below: https://forms.gle/M7rLsPAokKW6hs3S9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's fair to say that we don't know quite as much about Æthelred the Unready's first consort, Ælfgifu of York, as we do about his mother (Ælfthryth) nor indeed his second consort (Emma of Normandy). We pick through what we can find about her and consider why there isn't more to go on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices