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The Rest Is HistoryNovember 10, 2025

616. Elizabeth I: The Fall of the Axe (Part 1)

About This Episode
How did Elizabeth I’s tumultuous early life in the court of her wife murdering father, Henry VIII, influence the rest of her life? What was the nature of the Tudor world she was born into? Why did Henry VIII so desperately desire a son? And, why did Henry and Anne’s marriage following his divorce from Catherine of Aragon, change the fate of Britain forever? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the story behind the birth of Britain’s greatest queen - Elizabeth I. From her father Henry VIII’s reign and early marriages, to Tudor court politics, and the ruthless execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn…. Hive. Know your power. Visit https://hivehome.com to find out more. Learn more at https://www.uber.com/onourway Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at therestishistory.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editor: Jack Meek Social Producer: Harry Balden Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude Producer: Tabby Syrett Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Book Mentions
6 book mentions in this episode.
Jump to books
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Books Mentioned

The Fairy Queen cover
The Fairy Queen
Edmund Spenser

The mention of 'The Fairy Queen' highlights its role in portraying Elizabeth as a figure of glory and power, contributing to the national mythology of England.

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Elizabeth Apprenticeship cover

David Starkey, in his great book on the young Elizabeth, Elizabeth Apprenticeship, describes it as a cross between a chapel and a luxuriously padded cell.

ASIN: 0060184973
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Anne Boleyn cover
Anne Boleyn
Tracy Borman

Tracy Borman wrote a brilliant book on Anne Boleyn and her relationship to Elizabeth, describing her as having an irresistible je ne sais quoi.

ASIN: B0BXTVFTTT
Buy on Amazon
Click the book cover image to open the affiliate link.
Young Elizabeth, Princess, Prisoner, Queen cover

Nicola Tallis, who wrote another great book, young Elizabeth, princess, prisoner, queen. She says, little wonder Mary spent much of her time weeping in her chamber.

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Wolf Hall cover

This is a place called Wolf Hall. So it, it seems that Henry is really quite keen on Jane Seymour if he's going off and, you know, meeting the parents, that kind of thing.

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The Book on Anne Boleyn cover

Tracy Borman in her book on Anne Boleyn points out that enigma was Tudor slang for the female genitals.

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