Henry VIII Podcasts from the British Library
Listen to and download audio associated with the 'Henry VIII: Man and Monarch' exhibition.
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The Lady in the Tower: The fall of Anne Boleyn - MP3 file, 34 mins 15 secs, 13.72 MB
Alison Weir is one of Britain's best-loved and most-read historians. Her works include The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Henry VIII: King and Court and Mary, Queen of Scots. Her next book will be a detailed account of the dramatic and controversial imprisonment and execution of Anne Boleyn. In this intriguing talk, she makes a compelling case that Anne went to her death an innocent, wronged woman.
Recorded on 28 July 2009
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Henry VIII: The Inner Life of a Most Public King - MP3 file, 47 mins 27 secs, 19.01 MB
Philippa Gregory has a remarkable ability to bring to life the world and relationships of the Tudors. Her many works, including The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance and (forthcoming) The White Queen build vivid storytelling around detailed historical research. As well as sharing her research on Henry and her thoughts on his psychology, Philippa discusses Henry’s relationships with – and, at times, fear of – women throughout his life.
Recorded on 8 July 2009
Play in your default media player Henry VIII's Great Bible - MP3 file, 10 mins 05 secs, 4.04 MB
The Great Bible, produced for Henry VIII in 1541, was the first authorised Bible in English. The illustration on the frontispiece, showing Henry taking the Word from God and passing it down to the people, is impressive enough. But as Richard Rex of Queens' College, Cambridge, tells Rob Ainsley, what's hidden behind its surface reveals much about Henry, his religion, and his politics.
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David Starkey: The Achievement 1533 - 1547 - MP3 file, 61 minutes, 24.39 MB
In the third and final lecture of this enthralling series David Starkey examines the paradox of Henry's life. For the divorce from Katherine of Aragon and break from Rome, which wrecked his character, also laid the foundations for the great achievements of his reign.
Recorded on 30 June 2009
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Henry VIII: Myths and Reality - MP3 file, 17 mins 04 secs, 7.81 MB
Clichés about Henry VIII abound. But many are the products of film fantasy rather than fact. We ask people in the street to tell us what they think they know about England's most talked-about king. Exhibition guest curator Dr David Starkey puts the record straight.
An Antenna Audio production
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David Starkey: The Change 1509-33 - MP3 file, 57 mins 38 secs, 23.09 MB
The second lecture looks at the change in Henry: from the ideal prince at the time of his accession, with his high ideals of virtue, glory and immortality, to the tyrant of his maturity. It blames the crisis of his divorce, which split his family and destroyed his closest friendships.
Recorded on 2 June 2009
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Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours - MP3 file, 7 mins 19 secs, 2.93 MB
Anne Boleyn's book of private devotion is not only a splendid example of Flemish religious book painting. It is also a unique and intimate glimpse into her affair with Henry VIII. A remarkable written exchange between her and Henry on its pages reveals a lot about what drove the king to remake England from scratch - all for the love of a woman and her tempting promises. Rob Ainsley talks to curator Scot McKendrick.
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Hilary Mantel: Wolf Hall - MP3 file, 66 minutes, 26.37 MB
Hilary Mantel frequently brings the darker side of history into her work. Here she reads from and discusses Wolf Hall, set in the world of Henry VIII’s notorious chief minister Thomas Cromwell. With Erica Wagner, Literary Editor of The Times, and historian Derek Wilson.
Recorded on 27 May 2009
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Henry's Psalter - MP3 file, 13 mins 20 secs, 5.34 MB
This book of psalms was Henry's personal copy, used for private devotion. The rich illustrations show how he wanted to be seen as a modern-day King David, a pious harpist slaying the Goliath of the papacy. His marginal notes reveal his innermost thoughts. James Carley of York University, Toronto, talks to Rob Ainsley about this beautiful and intriguing little book.
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David Starkey: The Young Henry 1491-1509 - MP3 file, 65 minutes, 26.17 MB
This lecture deals with Henry's upbringing as a second son, his education and induction into chivalry, the dominant figures of his childhood and youth, the tensions with his father and his accession.
Recorded on 12 May 2009
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The Field of Cloth of Gold - MP3 file, 10 mins 37 secs, 4.25 MB
International summit, sports tournament, and wild party: that was Henry VIII's meeting with Francis I in a field near Calais in 1520. Brett Dolman of Historic Royal Palaces talks to Rob Ainsley about the most extraordinary campsite in history.
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Henry's Music - MP3 file, 17 mins 31 secs, 7.02 MB
Music was a vital part of the young king's life. Hear music written for him, including the Rose Canon in full, and some of Henry's own compositions. Experts discuss him, his musical world, and its significance. With Nicolas Bell and David Skinner, introduced by Andrea Clarke.
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Henry's Maps - MP3 file, 7 mins 34 sec, 3.04 MB
Among Henry VIII's less-recognised achievements was to pioneer modern cartography. Tudor maps expert Peter Barber explains how Henry changed maps, and how maps changed England. Introduced by Andrea Clarke.
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