British Library Henry VIII Podcasts

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.

Philippa Gregory's works bring to life the world and relationships of the Tudors, building vivid storytelling around detailed historical research. They include The Other Boleyn Girl; The Boleyn Inheritance; and coming soon, The White Queen. 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.

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.

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.

Half-remembered cliches 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.

In this lively, compelling and opinionated lecture - the second of three - Dr Starkey 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.

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.

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 in the British Library Conference Centre on 27 May 2009.

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 on the other hand reveal his innermost thoughts. James Carley of York University, Toronto, talks to Rob Ainsley about this beautiful and intriguing little book.

In this lively, compelling and opinionated lecture - the first of three - Dr Starkey examines Henry VIII'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 in the British Library Conference Centre on 12 May 2009.

Brett Dolman of Historic Royal Palaces describes it as 'half international summit, half It's A Knockout' in this fascinating and lively talk, recorded at Hampton Court Palace. The extraordinary campsite carnival of 1520 spawned tales of excess and hedonism to beat any modern-day rock festival while Henry and Francis, rival young kings of England and France, were sizing each other up.

Music was a vital part of young King Henry VIII'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. Extracts from Henry's Music (Obsidian CD705) courtesy of Obsidian Records.

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.