The Medieval Jewish community at the Tower of London
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Release Date: 05/29/2025
Arbella Stuart - Elizabeth I's Forgotten Heir
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Today Arbella Stuart is Elizabeth I's forgotten heir, yet during her lifetime she was raised in the belief that she might one day be Queen. Her life can be viewed as tragically romantic, but is there much more to her story then that? What agency did Arbella wield, or was she completely controlled by the forces around her? In this episode, Chief Historian Tracy Borman is joined by historian Sarah Gristwood to explore the forgotten story of Arbella Stuart. Learn more about
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Guy Fawkes - Legacy of the Gunpowder Plot
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Guy Fawkes, the man behind the iconic rhyme has just failed to light the fuse of the Gunpowder Plot, one of the most notable plots in British history. In this second episode of our two-part series, Curators Charles Farris, Brett Dolman and Alden Gregory talk through the failure of the plot and what relevance this has to us today. Why do we still celebrate it?
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Why Did The Gunpowder Plot Happen?
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
In November 1605, a group of religious radicals attempted to assassinate King James I, the man they deemed responsible for their oppression. Guy Fawkes was meant to light the fuse, bringing the Houses of Parliament down in a catastrophic explosion. He failed. But what drove him and the other plotters to this drastic action? In this re-released episode, hear from curators Charles Farris, Alden Gregory, and Brett Dolman, as they discuss the context of religious persecution and political discontent that led to the Gunpowder Plot. Discover more about
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Elizabeth I’s Uncrowned Heirs
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Who were the many uncrowned heirs to Elizabeth I, and how did their role as unnamed successors shape their lives? In this second episode of the series, we’re back with Chief Curator Tracy Borman, as she follows the Tudor family tree back to Henry VII, to unpick the complicated web of successors to Elizabeth I’s throne. Find out more about Read about the Learn more about at Hampton Court Palace.
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The Stolen Tudor Crown with Tracy Borman
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
What is the story we think we know about the Elizabethan succession? Was it a smooth transition to the Stuarts, or was it a stolen Tudor crown? In this first episode of our four-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman will talk us through why Elizabeth I never named an heir, and what repercussions that had for the end of the Tudor dynasty. Find out more about in 1562. Read more about . For a signed copy of Tracy Borman’s new book The Stolen Crown, visit our .
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Introducing The Stolen Tudor Crown – NEW SERIES
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
The story of the end of the Tudor dynasty is well known. With the death of Elizabeth I, the accension of James VI & I saw the Stuarts take the English throne. But the truth behind the succession is much darker than a peacful transition, it's a tale full of treachery and deceit. In this four-part series, Chief Historian Tracy Borman will explore the Stolen Tudor Crown. Who were the front runners to win the race to the throne after Elizabeth I’s death, and ultimately how did James Stuart win? What might have been different had the Tudor crown gone to another? Join...
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Behind The Scenes of The Tudor Chapel Royal
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace is a melting pot of architectural styles from across history, reflecting the era-spanning life of the palace itself. But step away from the grandeur of the Chapel’s interior, and this amazing space holds hidden evidence of how the Tudors would have experienced it, and how the palace has been renovated into what we see today. In this re-released episode from series two of A Space I Love, join Head of Historic Buildings Dan Jackson to take a closer look at a piece of history many of our visitors might never notice. Have...
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Medieval Secrets of the Byward Tower
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
The Byward Tower at the Tower of London holds some of the oldest surviving treasures of the fortress, including a unique medieval masterpiece – the wall painting known as the Byward Angel. In this episode of A Space I Love, enter past the Tower’s formidable defenses, and follow Curator Alfred Hawkins on an exclusive tour of this remarkable space, which is usually closed to visitors. Find out more about the
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George III's Great Pagoda in Kew Gardens
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
George III’s Great Pagoda in Kew Gardens is the tallest building Historic Royal Palaces looks after. With its Chinese-inspired design and fierce dragons, it is an eye-catching example of the Georgian fascination with architecture from around the world. Welcome back to the new series of A Space I Love, the mini-series that transports you to history where it happened. Join curator Lee Prosser on a dizzying climb to the top, and uncover the secrets that informed the restoration of this unique historic building. Learn more about at Kew Gardens.
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The Royal Drawing Room at Hillsborough Castle
Historic Royal Palaces Podcast
Step inside the Drawing Room of the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Inspired by the Queen Mother, full of contemporary art, and surprisingly cozy, this is a room unlike any other across our palaces. Welcome to a new series of A Space I Love, the mini-series that transports you to history where it happened. In this first episode, Castle Host Carol McMullan takes us on an intimate tour of a place where state and family life have merged for generations of the royals, and where the history of Northern Ireland has been shaped by momentous negotiations. Discover more...
info_outlineThe history of the Jewish community in Medieval England is complex and fascinating, but it hasn’t received as much attention as it deserves when it comes to our understanding of the Tower of London.
In this bonus episode as part of our mini-series, curator Charles Farris is joined by Dr Rory MacLellan and Professor Miri Rubin to discuss how the Jewish community interacted with the Crown and the Tower of London during the Middle Ages.
This episode is a re-release of the episode on the same topic from 2023, to add context to our reopening of the Medieval Palace.
Read more about the Jewish community and the Tower of London. Jewish Medieval History at the Tower | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces
Rory's research can be found on our website. The Jewish History of the Medieval Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces
Visit the medieval palace. Medieval Palace | Tower of London | Historic Royal Palaces
Content warnings:
This episode discusses prejudice against Jewish people, including:
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Blaming Jewish people for the death of Christ
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Blood libel
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Accusations of greed and financial crimes
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Imprisonment
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Mob violence
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Execution
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Forced conversion
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Expulsion