The Queen's Dilemma: Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII, and the Battle for Legitimacy with Alison Weir

In this captivating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the renowned historian and author Alison Weir, celebrated for her extensive work on the Tudor period. Together, they navigate the tumultuous waters of Henry VIII's reign, debunking myths and uncovering truths about his infamous marital struggles. The Myth of Henry’s Brain Damage: Alison passionately disputes the widely held belief that Henry VIII suffered from brain damage following a horse riding accident in 1536. She argues that this narrative, stemming from a dubious foreign source, inaccurately portrays a sudden change in the king's character, when in fact, his violent tendencies had been developing for years.Catherine of Aragon's Marriage: Delve into the complexities of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon as Alison elucidates the arguments surrounding their annulment. She highlights the significant role of canon law and the political pressures faced by Pope Clement VII, shedding light on the genuine motivations behind Henry's desire to divorce.Anne Boleyn and the Tudor Court: The episode examines the dynamics between Catherine and Anne Boleyn, challenging the romanticised narratives that often pit the two women against each other. Alison offers a nuanced perspective on Anne's character and the political machinations at play during this turbulent period.Guest Information:Discover more about Alison Weir’s work by checking out her books on Tudor England. Follow her on Twitter: @alisonweirbooks.Buy Alison’s latest book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781472278173Join the conversation and share your historical frustrations on Twitter @HistoryRage. Use the hashtag #HistoryRage.Support History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, the chance to submit questions to guests, prize draws, and the exclusive History Rage mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage. To catch up on all the rage from bygone times, visit our website www.historyrage.comIf you want to get in touch with History Rage, email us at historyragepod@gmail.com Follow History Rage on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Think you know history? Think again.History Rage is the weekly podcast where professional historians come armed with evidence, fury, and a burning desire to set the record straight. Hosted by Paul Bavill, each episode invites a leading historian to reveal the one historical myth, misconception, or lazy narrative they wish we’d all stop believing — and why it matters.From “Vikings wore horned helmets” to “Britain stood alone in 1940” and “medieval people never bathed,” this is history with attitude, myth-busting with academic rigor, and truth-telling that pulls no punches.Whether you’re a lifelong history buff, a student, or just someone who’s had enough of bad takes on TikTok, History Rage gives you the real story — with all the rage it deserves.📅 New episodes every Monday. 🎧 Follow now and join the resistance against historical nonsense.Follow on all social media @historyrage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.