Stop pitting Tudor queens against each other and confront the real villain.

Two of the most famous women in Tudor history are still framed as enemies—but what if that story is fundamentally wrong?

In this History Rage festival special for the Katherine of Aragon Festival, castle historian and Assistant Curator of Hever Castle, Kate McCaffrey, dismantles the deeply entrenched myth that Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn were bitter rivals defined by loyalty versus seduction. Instead, this conversation reveals two strikingly similar women shaped by education, intelligence, faith, and survival in a brutally patriarchal court.

Kate draws on her original research into Anne Boleyn’s Books of Hours—including a remarkable discovery that both Anne and Katherine owned copies of the same edition—to expose moments of shared piety, cultural sophistication, and even reluctant solidarity. These sources challenge simplistic labels such as “Catholic martyr” and “Protestant temptress” and reveal how both queens were politically astute, internationally educated, and fiercely protective mothers to England’s first two queens regnant.

The episode explores how Henry VIII’s needs, insecurities, and ambition have long been obscured by narratives that pit women against each other. From Katherine’s prolonged legal resistance to Anne’s calm dignity in the face of a foregone conclusion, this is a reassessment of queenship, downfall, and legacy that puts responsibility firmly back where it belongs.

If you’re interested in Tudor history, women’s power, religious reform, or how historical myths are created and sustained, this episode offers a compelling, evidence-based rethink of one of the most enduring rivalries in popular history.

Festival Info:

The Katherine of Aragon Festival Talks are on January 31st and February 1st 2026 at Peterborough Cathedral:

Tickets are available at: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/about/history/katharine-of-aragon/kofa_26/

Guest: Kate McCaffrey

Kate McCaffrey is Castle Historian and Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, co-creator of Owen & Kate History, and a PhD researcher specialising in Tudor material culture, religion, and queenship.

Follow & contact Kate

• Instagram: @kateemccaffreyhistorian
• Instagram: @owenandkatehistory
• Patreon: Owen & Kate History – monthly videos, articles, and behind-the-scenes curator research
• https://www.patreon.com/cw/OwenandKateHistory

More from History Rage

History Rage is the podcast where historians challenge myths, confront bad history, and rage against lazy narratives.

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• Instagram / X / Facebook: @HistoryRage
• Website : www.historyrage.com

Support the podcast

• £3 per month – ad-free listening via Apple Podcasts or Patreon
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• Support here: patreon.com/historyrage

Recommended listening

• Episode 182 – Anne Boleyn did not withhold sex to become Queen (Nicola Clark) - https://pod.fo/e/2aa892
• Episode 155 – In defence of Thomas Boleyn (Lauren Mackay) - https://pod.fo/e/2714d3

History isn’t a catfight.

It’s complicated, political, and far more interesting than the myths we inherit.

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The War of 1812 wasn’t sailors’ rights — it was empire.

Think you know why the War of 1812 started? Most people believe it was all about the Royal Navy “pressing” innocent American sailors. Historian Matt Taylor calls nonsense on that myth – and reveals how the real story is far darker, and far more explosive.

Paul Bavill is joined by Matt Taylor, author of Black Redcoats, to uncover the hidden narratives of the War of 1812. From the forgotten African Americans who fought for Britain to the political smokescreens that dragged America into war, Matt shatters the schoolbook version of this conflict.

Highlights include:

• The Real Cause of War – Forget sailors’ rights: the United States launched the war as an imperialist grab for territory, land, and dominance over Native Americans.
• Black Redcoats & the Colonial Marines – Enslaved African Americans who escaped to British lines were armed, uniformed, and helped tear apart America’s defenses. Their presence led directly to the collapse at Bladensburg and the burning of Washington.
• The Psychological Bombshell – Fear of slave uprisings paralysed militias, making the Chesapeake campaigns devastatingly effective.
• Aftermath & Legacy – From the unique “company villages” in Trinidad that still survive today, to the tragic destruction of Negro Fort in Florida, the legacy of the Black Redcoats still reverberates.
• The Human Story – Meet Fernando, enslaved, freed, re-enslaved by Andrew Jackson, and finally liberated – choosing to carry the name of the British officer who once commanded him.

This episode doesn’t just retell history – it rips apart comfortable myths and shows how race, freedom, and empire collided in ways that shaped nations. If you want history with bite, this is it.

📚 Connect with Matt Taylor

• Buy the book: Black Redcoats: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399034012
• Follow Matt on Social Media: [@BlackRedcoats]

❤️ Support the Show

If this episode fired you up, join the Angry Mob on Patreon for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrage or join through Apple Subscriptions

🔗 Follow the Rage

• Twitter: @HistoryRage
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• Instagram: @historyrage

Join us as we rage against the myths of the War of 1812 and rediscover the extraordinary African Americans who fought for freedom.

Stay angry

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Henry VIII: beloved monarch or mass-murdering tyrant we refuse to confront?

Why do we glorify a king who executed 1% of England and displaced over 10,000 people for his own power?

It’s time to dismantle everything you thought you knew about Henry VIII.

Historian and educator Jackson Van Uden joins History Rage to expose the real Tudor ruler: a man his own contemporaries labelled a tyrant, not the charming Christmas-bauble king of Hampton Court gift shops. Henry didn’t just kill wives — he destroyed lives, seized land, staged show trials, and crushed dissent with Stalin-level brutality.

We dig into:

• How The Act of Supremacy turned Henry into a Caesar-papist dictator
• The Dissolution of the Monasteries and the 0.4% of England suddenly made homeless
• 200 peaceful Protesters executed after the Pilgrimage of Grace for simply disagreeing with the King
• Tudor “big, sexy history” that distracts from a reign built on fear
• How education today still sanitises Henry for the sake of heritage and TV scandals

If pop culture has convinced you Henry was a misunderstood romantic, strap in — Jackson launches a rage that puts Henry in the same moral category as history’s worst dictators.

By the time we’re finished, those Holbein portraits will never look the same again.

Festival Info:

The Katherine of Aragon Festival Talks are on January 31st and February 1st 2026 at Peterborough Cathedral:

Tickets are available at: https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/about/history/katharine-of-aragon/kofa_26/

🎙 Guest: Jackson Van Uden

Historian • Teacher • Host of History With Jackson

Katherine of Aragon Festival contributor and organiser

Tickets for the festival via Peterborough Cathedral link in show notes

📌 Listen to History With Jackson wherever you get your podcasts

📱 Follow Jackson:

• Instagram & other socials: @historywithjackson
• X/Twitter: @HistoryWJackson

🙌 Support History Rage & Join the Fight Against Bad History

If you loved this rage, consider helping keep us angry:

💥 Subscribe for bonus episodes and the right to ask questions to future guests from only £3/month

👉 Patreon: patreon.com/historyrage

🛍 Grab your coveted History Rage mug at Patreon’s £5 tier

💬 Or simply tell a friend and get another person aboard the Rage Train!

🔗 Connect with History Rage

• Follow us everywhere @HistoryRage
• Rate & review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover real history
• Join us live at the Katherine of Aragon Festival for our special recording with Owen Emerson and Alfred Hawkins at Peterborough Cathedral

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In this exhilarating episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill takes to the skies with social historian and author Midge Gillies, whose latest book, Atlantic Furies: The Women Who Risked Everything to Be the First to Fly, uncovers the remarkable stories of the female pioneers of early aviation. Join us as we journey through the daring feats and forgotten legacies of women who soared to new heights long before the fame of Amelia Earhart.

Challenging the Narrative:

Midge passionately argues that the contributions of women like Amy Johnson, Beryl Markham, and Ruth Elder are often overshadowed by the singular narrative of Earhart. Discover how these aviators faced societal constraints and media scrutiny while bravely pursuing their dreams of flight, and why it's crucial to acknowledge their stories within the broader context of aviation history.

The Perils of Flight:

As Midge shares the harrowing tales of women who attempted to cross the Atlantic, we delve into the dangers they faced, including harsh weather conditions and the ever-present threat of disappearance. Midge reflects on the tragic fates of pilots like Frances Grayson and Lady Anne Saville, who risked everything in their pursuit of adventure.

Women in Aviation:

Explore the camaraderie and competition among these pioneering women as Midge highlights their relationships and rivalries. Learn how the media of the time played a role in shaping their legacies, and why it’s essential to remember the collective efforts of these remarkable figures who pushed the boundaries of what was possible for women in aviation.

Join us for this thrilling discussion that not only celebrates the bravery of female aviators but also challenges the misconceptions that have long persisted in the annals of history. For more insights into Midge Gillies’ work, be sure to check out her book available in the History Rage bookshop.

Buy the book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781915590527

Follow Midge on Social Media @midgegilles

Stay Connected: Follow History Rage on social media for updates and discussions:

Twitter: @HistoryRage

Instagram: @historyrage

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Support History Rage:

If you’re passionate about this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.

Stay passionate, stay curious, and most of all stay angry!

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Jane Boleyn did not orchestrate the downfall of Anne and George Boleyn

In this gripping episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Tudor historian and author Adam Pennington to unravel the tangled web of intrigue surrounding Jane Boleyn, Viscountess Rochford. Adam passionately dismantles the long-held belief that Jane was an evil schemer responsible for the downfall of her husband, George Boleyn, and sister-in-law, Anne Boleyn.

Reassessing Jane Boleyn:

Adam challenges the narrative that paints Jane as a malicious figure, arguing instead that she was a loyal wife and a supportive member of the Boleyn family.

He delves into Jane's background, her marriage to George, and the dynamics of their life at the Tudor court, highlighting the absence of evidence for the claims against her.

The Trials of Anne and George Boleyn:

Exploring the trials of Anne and George, Adam reveals the lack of credible evidence linking Jane to their accusations, urging listeners to reconsider the role she played during this tumultuous period.

He discusses the historical context of their trials and how misconceptions have perpetuated the myth of Jane as a treacherous figure.

The Downfall of Catherine Howard:

As the episode unfolds, Adam examines Jane’s later involvement in the court of Catherine Howard, questioning her motivations and the circumstances that led to her own tragic end.

The discussion highlights the complexities of Tudor court politics and how Jane's actions were often misinterpreted through a modern lens.

Join Paul and Adam as they navigate the murky waters of Tudor history, urging listeners to challenge preconceived notions and seek the truth behind the myths. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the real stories of the Tudor dynasty.

Guest Information:

Check out Adam Pennington's podcast, The Tudor Chest, available on all major platforms.

https://podcasts.apple.com/eg/podcast/the-tudor-chest-podcast/id1704070565

Buy Adam’s book, Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles, through the link in the show notes to support independent bookstores.

https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781399071710

Follow Adam on Social Media @thetudorchest

Support History Rage:

For exclusive content and early access to episodes, consider supporting History Rage on Patreon for just £3 per month at patreon.com/historyrage.

Stay Connected:

Follow us on all social media for updates and more historical discussions @historyrage

Stay angry, stay informed, and let the truth of history prevail!

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💥 Jane Austen wasn’t all tea, weddings, and waltzes — she was writing through war, poverty, and radical politics!

In this episode of History Rage Live, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian and author Dr Helena Kelly to take a sledgehammer to the myths surrounding one of England’s most beloved writers — Jane Austen.

Think Austen only wrote about polite society, balls, and matchmaking? Think again. Dr Kelly reveals how Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion are steeped in the Napoleonic Wars, rural poverty, class tension, and even political radicalism. From cousin marriage to enclosure, from naval officers to the fear of French invasion — Austen’s world was anything but tranquil.

Dr Kelly explains how Persuasion unfolds during Napoleon’s exile and return, why Emma explores the politics of land and hunger, and how Austen’s teenage “History of England” may have been a bold critique of monarchy itself. Together, Paul and Helena expose how critics and TV adaptations have softened Austen’s sharp social observations into a genteel myth — and why it’s time to reclaim the radical Jane.

Whether you’re a lifelong Austen fan or “Austen-curious,” this episode will make you see her world — and her wit — in an entirely new light.

About Our Guest — Dr Helena Kelly

📚 Author of Jane Austen: The Secret Radical and The Worlds of Jane Austen

Dr Helena Kelly is a literary historian and acclaimed Austen scholar whose work uncovers the hidden politics and subversive messages behind England’s favourite novelist.

📖 Buy her books:

• Jane Austen: The Secret Radical — https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781837731237
• The Worlds of Jane Austen — https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781836004189

📲 Follow Helena:

• Twitter/X & Threads: @msashtondennis

About History Rage

🎙 History Rage is the podcast where historians deliver their anthems for doomed myths — where truth has its mention in despatches and lazy legends are made to listen to all that bloody poetry.

📡 Follow & Contact:

• Twitter/X: @HistoryRage
• Instagram: @historyrage
• Threads: @historyrage
• Facebook: facebook.com/HistoryRage
• Email: historyragepod@gmail.com

💬 Support the Podcast:

Help keep the Rage alive and get early, ad-free episodes, bonus content, and access to live streams!

👉 Join us on Patreon or subscribe via Apple Podcasts.

www.patreon.com/historyrage

📢 If you enjoyed this episode:

Tell a friend, share the rage, and leave us a review — it really helps other history lovers discover the truth behind the myths.

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Hollywood got it wrong: The Spitfire was not the work of one man.

Aviation historian Paul Beaver dismantles the myths created by the Hollywood film, First of the Few. He reveals that while Mitchell was a brilliant engineer, the idea of him single-handedly designing the Spitfire is a fantasy. Instead, the aircraft was the result of a collaborative, unsung team at Supermarine.

Discover how films distort historical truths and why figures like Mitchell and Alan Turing are often misrepresented to create a more dramatic narrative. Paul Beaver exposes a compelling, untold story of engineering genius, collaboration, and a team of unsung heroes who truly built the Spitfire.

A Team, Not a Single Hero

While Mitchell was a brilliant engineer and a visionary team leader, the Spitfire was the product of a dedicated team at Supermarine. Beaver highlights key figures who deserve recognition:

• Alf Faddy: The head of the design team, who sketched the initial plans with Mitchell.
• Beverly Shenstone: An engineer who contributed his expertise in wing design, leading to the aircraft's famous elliptical wing.
• Joe Smith: The man who later became Supermarine's chief designer in 1941.
• George Pickering and Geoffrey Quill: The crucial test pilots who risked their lives to develop the aircraft.

A More Nuanced Legacy

Paul argues for a more truthful understanding of Mitchell's legacy. Mitchell, who died at the age of 42 in 1937, was a prolific engineer with 24 different aircraft types to his name. His work extended far beyond the Spitfire, including designs for bombers and seaplanes. He even famously redesigned a colostomy bag after his surgery, showing his relentless engineering mindset.

Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about the Spitfire? Listen now and get the full story.

• Follow Paul on X @BeaverWestminst and on Instagram/Threads @pilotbeaver
• Order the Book: To dive deeper into the real history, order Paul Beaver’s book, Father of the Spitfire, from your local independent bookstore via https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781783969036.
• Support Us: If you love the show, please consider supporting us for a few pounds per month on Apple or Patreon. Your support gives you access to early episodes, ad-free listening, and exclusive content like the sneak preview live stream, invites to submit questions for future guests, and even a coveted History Rage mug. You can subscribe at patreon.com/historyrage.
• Connect: Follow us on social media for more historical insights:
• Twitter: @historyrage
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Stay curious, stay passionate, and let the rage for historical truth burn on!

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This week on History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes the brilliant mythologist and author Natalie Haynes, to unravel the tangled web of Greek mythology and challenge the male-centric narratives that often dominate our understanding of these ancient tales.

Myth vs. Reality: Natalie passionately argues that the stories from ancient Greece are not as male-dominated as they are often portrayed. She encourages listeners to reconsider the powerful roles women play in these myths, particularly through figures like Medea and Hera, who defy the traditional expectations of their time.

The Argo and Its Heroes: Dive into the legendary quest for the Golden Fleece as Natalie dissects the dynamics of the Argonauts. Are they truly a cohesive unit or merely a collection of egos? Discover the complexities of their relationships and the conflicts that arise as they embark on their perilous journey.

Women in Mythology: Explore the surprising strength and agency of female characters in Greek mythology. Natalie highlights how goddesses like Athena and Artemis offer a stark contrast to the often flawed male heroes, challenging the notion that women were merely passive figures in these ancient stories.

Hollywood’s Take: The conversation takes a critical turn as Natalie examines the portrayal of Greek myths in popular culture, particularly in films like Jason and the Argonauts and Disney’s Hercules. She reveals how these adaptations often strip away the complexity and richness of the original tales, reducing powerful female figures to mere side characters.

Support History Rage on Patreon for exclusive content and early episode access at www.patreon.com/historyrage.

Follow History Rage on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/

Buy the Book: No Friend to this House: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781529061543

Listen to Natalie Haynes Stands Up For the Classics: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b077x8pc/episodes/player

Follow Natalie

Instagram: @nataliehaynesauthor

Twitter: @officialnhaynes

Bluesky: @nataliehaynes.bsky.social

Stay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage

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