The Tower of London—a fortress, a palace, and one of history’s most feared prisons. Few who entered ever left, but in 1597,Father John Gerard pulled off one of the mostdaring escapes in history.

A Jesuit priest imprisoned for his faith, Gerard enduredbrutal torture at the hands of Elizabeth I’s interrogators. But even as his hands were mangled and his body broken, Gerard plotted his way to freedom. With the help of an underground network, awell-placed bribe, and arope stretched across the Tower’s moat, Gerard risked everything in adeath-defying escape that left the authorities baffled.

How did he outwit the Tower’s guards? What drove Elizabethan England’sobsession with crushing Catholic priests? And how did Gerard make sure his allies inside the Towerdidn’t pay the price for his escape?

This is more than just a story of survival—it’s a masterclass in courage, strategy, and resilience.

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🏰 "The Downfall of Buckingham" 🔪 Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, had everything: royal blood, immense wealth, and a grand vision for his legacy. But in the dangerous world of Henry VIII’s court, ambition was a double-edged sword.

In this episode, we uncover Stafford’s rise from privilege to peril, his bold defiance of Tudor law, and the whispers that sealed his fate. Why did Henry VIII turn on his cousin? Was Stafford guilty of treason—or a victim of paranoia?

🎙️ Dive into the intrigue, ambition, and betrayal that led to one of the most dramatic executions of the Tudor era. This is Part 1 of a two-part exploration into the life and legacy of Edward Stafford—and the deadly game of power in Tudor England.

⚔️ Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper.

🎙️ Episode Title: Pies, Pasties, and Pints: The History of British Foods 🥧🍻

Dive into the delicious history of British cuisine with The Lion and the Rose! In this episode, we uncover the fascinating stories behind the foods that shaped Britain, from the Tudor courts to your favorite local bakery. 👑✨

Here’s what’s on the menu: 🍖 The truth about Henry VIII’s dining habits (hint: no flying drumsticks!). 🍞 How bread laws and the “baker’s dozen” kept bakers in line. 🍗 Bone marrow custard pies and other extravagant Tudor dishes. 🔥 A visit to the Hampton Court Palace kitchens, the oldest working Tudor kitchens today. 🥐 A shoutout to Braised Pies, a local gem serving up modern takes on British classics. 🍺 Pub food evolution: from Tudor alehouses to fish and chips at your local.

Whether you’re a foodie, history lover, or both, this episode has something for you!

🎧 Listen now and discover how British food evolved through the centuries, and don’t forget to follow us for more historical insights. Keep your sword sharp and your history sharper!