Carol Ann Lloyd
@shakeuphistory.bsky.social
speaker, author, timeless leadership, history obsessed, Shakespeare lover
www.carolannlloyd.com
www.carolannlloyd.com
Edward said he could not do his job as King the way he would wish without the support of “the woman I love.”
The woman he loved was Wallis Simpson, someone he was told he could not marry because she was divorced.
In those days, the Church of England did not recognize divorce.
The woman he loved was Wallis Simpson, someone he was told he could not marry because she was divorced.
In those days, the Church of England did not recognize divorce.
December 11, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Edward said he could not do his job as King the way he would wish without the support of “the woman I love.”
The woman he loved was Wallis Simpson, someone he was told he could not marry because she was divorced.
In those days, the Church of England did not recognize divorce.
The woman he loved was Wallis Simpson, someone he was told he could not marry because she was divorced.
In those days, the Church of England did not recognize divorce.
Have you watched “Picturing Shakespeare” on PBS?
Shakespeare is showing up a lot these days.
I recently saw “& Juliet” on Broadway and LOVED it!
Can’t wait to see Hamnet.
What do you think Shakespeare looked like?
Shakespeare is showing up a lot these days.
I recently saw “& Juliet” on Broadway and LOVED it!
Can’t wait to see Hamnet.
What do you think Shakespeare looked like?
December 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Have you watched “Picturing Shakespeare” on PBS?
Shakespeare is showing up a lot these days.
I recently saw “& Juliet” on Broadway and LOVED it!
Can’t wait to see Hamnet.
What do you think Shakespeare looked like?
Shakespeare is showing up a lot these days.
I recently saw “& Juliet” on Broadway and LOVED it!
Can’t wait to see Hamnet.
What do you think Shakespeare looked like?
Are your Christmas celebrations already underway?
December in Tudor England was not a full month of fun and festivity
The first three weeks of the month were full of fasting and hard work
No decorations until Christmas Eve
The Tudors might have been impressed with my early tree!
December in Tudor England was not a full month of fun and festivity
The first three weeks of the month were full of fasting and hard work
No decorations until Christmas Eve
The Tudors might have been impressed with my early tree!
December 10, 2025 at 3:37 AM
Are your Christmas celebrations already underway?
December in Tudor England was not a full month of fun and festivity
The first three weeks of the month were full of fasting and hard work
No decorations until Christmas Eve
The Tudors might have been impressed with my early tree!
December in Tudor England was not a full month of fun and festivity
The first three weeks of the month were full of fasting and hard work
No decorations until Christmas Eve
The Tudors might have been impressed with my early tree!
She became Queen at six days old...then Queen Consort of France as a teenager. Back in Scotland, she married & bore a son, then had to abdicate in favor of that son when her husband was murdered. She was known as the "Scots Queen" until her death in 1587. A fascinating woman!
December 8, 2025 at 9:06 PM
She became Queen at six days old...then Queen Consort of France as a teenager. Back in Scotland, she married & bore a son, then had to abdicate in favor of that son when her husband was murdered. She was known as the "Scots Queen" until her death in 1587. A fascinating woman!
OTD in 1214, William “the Lion” of Scots died.
He ruled Scotland for nearly 49 years, the longest reign before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
William was a supporter of Henry II’s sons in their rebellion against their father.
William’s troops were defeated.
He ruled Scotland for nearly 49 years, the longest reign before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
William was a supporter of Henry II’s sons in their rebellion against their father.
William’s troops were defeated.
December 4, 2025 at 5:24 PM
OTD in 1214, William “the Lion” of Scots died.
He ruled Scotland for nearly 49 years, the longest reign before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
William was a supporter of Henry II’s sons in their rebellion against their father.
William’s troops were defeated.
He ruled Scotland for nearly 49 years, the longest reign before the Union of the Crowns in 1603.
William was a supporter of Henry II’s sons in their rebellion against their father.
William’s troops were defeated.
Is this the face of Shakespeare?
The two men behind the new PBS special, “Picturing Shakespeare,” join me this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
The two men behind the new PBS special, “Picturing Shakespeare,” join me this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
December 3, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Is this the face of Shakespeare?
The two men behind the new PBS special, “Picturing Shakespeare,” join me this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
The two men behind the new PBS special, “Picturing Shakespeare,” join me this week on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
OTD in 1546, Henry Howard, earl of Surrey, was arrested.
He used the arms of his ancestor, Edward the Confessor, in his own arms.
Only Henry VIII was allowed to use royal arms.
Henry VIII believed Surrey was going to challenge young Prince Edward after Henry’s death.
He used the arms of his ancestor, Edward the Confessor, in his own arms.
Only Henry VIII was allowed to use royal arms.
Henry VIII believed Surrey was going to challenge young Prince Edward after Henry’s death.
December 2, 2025 at 9:21 PM
OTD in 1546, Henry Howard, earl of Surrey, was arrested.
He used the arms of his ancestor, Edward the Confessor, in his own arms.
Only Henry VIII was allowed to use royal arms.
Henry VIII believed Surrey was going to challenge young Prince Edward after Henry’s death.
He used the arms of his ancestor, Edward the Confessor, in his own arms.
Only Henry VIII was allowed to use royal arms.
Henry VIII believed Surrey was going to challenge young Prince Edward after Henry’s death.
Join me online with Smithsonian Associates to explore Shakespeare’s London on December 2. bit.ly/ShakesLondon
Next I’ll be heading to NYC for a trip back in time to meet Bess of Hardwick with Royal Oak! bit.ly/BessHardwick
Make it a historic holiday!
Next I’ll be heading to NYC for a trip back in time to meet Bess of Hardwick with Royal Oak! bit.ly/BessHardwick
Make it a historic holiday!
December 1, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Join me online with Smithsonian Associates to explore Shakespeare’s London on December 2. bit.ly/ShakesLondon
Next I’ll be heading to NYC for a trip back in time to meet Bess of Hardwick with Royal Oak! bit.ly/BessHardwick
Make it a historic holiday!
Next I’ll be heading to NYC for a trip back in time to meet Bess of Hardwick with Royal Oak! bit.ly/BessHardwick
Make it a historic holiday!
For #RoyalsRebelsRomantics patrons only! Listen as @SarahGristwood chats about recent events for the Royal Family. bit.ly/RRRpatronDec
December 1, 2025 at 8:45 PM
For #RoyalsRebelsRomantics patrons only! Listen as @SarahGristwood chats about recent events for the Royal Family. bit.ly/RRRpatronDec
-In 1588, Elizabeth I held a Thanksgiving to celebrate victory over the Spanish Armada
-In 1606, Parliament made the 5th of November a day of Thanksgiving after preventing the Gunpowder plot
-In 1707, a thanksgiving was held to mark the Union of England and Scotland
-In 1606, Parliament made the 5th of November a day of Thanksgiving after preventing the Gunpowder plot
-In 1707, a thanksgiving was held to mark the Union of England and Scotland
November 27, 2025 at 6:46 PM
-In 1588, Elizabeth I held a Thanksgiving to celebrate victory over the Spanish Armada
-In 1606, Parliament made the 5th of November a day of Thanksgiving after preventing the Gunpowder plot
-In 1707, a thanksgiving was held to mark the Union of England and Scotland
-In 1606, Parliament made the 5th of November a day of Thanksgiving after preventing the Gunpowder plot
-In 1707, a thanksgiving was held to mark the Union of England and Scotland
Happy Thanksgiving. So grateful to all who navigated 2025 with me. Looking forward to the future we can build together. #HappyThanksgiving
November 27, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Happy Thanksgiving. So grateful to all who navigated 2025 with me. Looking forward to the future we can build together. #HappyThanksgiving
Who were the Queens of Scots before the famous Mary?
Wives of the Kings of Scots helped shape the politics of Scotland, England, and beyond.
Don’t miss episode 233, “Medieval Queen of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly.”
Wives of the Kings of Scots helped shape the politics of Scotland, England, and beyond.
Don’t miss episode 233, “Medieval Queen of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly.”
November 26, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Who were the Queens of Scots before the famous Mary?
Wives of the Kings of Scots helped shape the politics of Scotland, England, and beyond.
Don’t miss episode 233, “Medieval Queen of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly.”
Wives of the Kings of Scots helped shape the politics of Scotland, England, and beyond.
Don’t miss episode 233, “Medieval Queen of Scots with Sharon Bennett Connolly.”
OTD in 1487, Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen of England.
Daughter of Edward IV, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII, Elizabeth often gets lost in the shadow of the men around her.
Elizabeth was a quiet influence. She provided a strong support to the Tudor dynasty.
Daughter of Edward IV, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII, Elizabeth often gets lost in the shadow of the men around her.
Elizabeth was a quiet influence. She provided a strong support to the Tudor dynasty.
November 25, 2025 at 6:37 PM
OTD in 1487, Elizabeth of York was crowned Queen of England.
Daughter of Edward IV, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII, Elizabeth often gets lost in the shadow of the men around her.
Elizabeth was a quiet influence. She provided a strong support to the Tudor dynasty.
Daughter of Edward IV, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII, Elizabeth often gets lost in the shadow of the men around her.
Elizabeth was a quiet influence. She provided a strong support to the Tudor dynasty.
More about Gruoch and Lady Macbeth
Gruoch is the first Scottish queen whose name is known to history!
In history, Gruoch and Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome
In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s life was full of murder and chaos
Which version do you prefer?
Gruoch is the first Scottish queen whose name is known to history!
In history, Gruoch and Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome
In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s life was full of murder and chaos
Which version do you prefer?
November 24, 2025 at 3:25 PM
More about Gruoch and Lady Macbeth
Gruoch is the first Scottish queen whose name is known to history!
In history, Gruoch and Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome
In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s life was full of murder and chaos
Which version do you prefer?
Gruoch is the first Scottish queen whose name is known to history!
In history, Gruoch and Macbeth went on a pilgrimage to Rome
In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s life was full of murder and chaos
Which version do you prefer?
OTD in 1951, Sir Christopher Hatton died
He served as Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor and was one of her favorites
Hatton flattered the Queen in the game of courtly love, writing “The Queen did fish for men’s souls, and had so sweet a bait that no one could escape her network.”
He served as Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor and was one of her favorites
Hatton flattered the Queen in the game of courtly love, writing “The Queen did fish for men’s souls, and had so sweet a bait that no one could escape her network.”
November 20, 2025 at 2:58 PM
OTD in 1951, Sir Christopher Hatton died
He served as Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor and was one of her favorites
Hatton flattered the Queen in the game of courtly love, writing “The Queen did fish for men’s souls, and had so sweet a bait that no one could escape her network.”
He served as Elizabeth I’s Lord Chancellor and was one of her favorites
Hatton flattered the Queen in the game of courtly love, writing “The Queen did fish for men’s souls, and had so sweet a bait that no one could escape her network.”
This week, historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly comes to the podcast!
She will discuss her new book: Scotland’s Medieval Queens
These women were royals, saints, and lovers, pivotal in some of the most turbulent times in Scottish history
You don't want to miss it!
She will discuss her new book: Scotland’s Medieval Queens
These women were royals, saints, and lovers, pivotal in some of the most turbulent times in Scottish history
You don't want to miss it!
November 19, 2025 at 3:16 PM
This week, historian and author Sharon Bennett Connolly comes to the podcast!
She will discuss her new book: Scotland’s Medieval Queens
These women were royals, saints, and lovers, pivotal in some of the most turbulent times in Scottish history
You don't want to miss it!
She will discuss her new book: Scotland’s Medieval Queens
These women were royals, saints, and lovers, pivotal in some of the most turbulent times in Scottish history
You don't want to miss it!
On 18 November, 1558 Elizabeth Tudor woke up as Queen of England
She became Queen on 17 November when Mary I died
Elizabeth’s Accession Day was celebrated with jousting, pageants, and feasts throughout her reign
She became Queen on 17 November when Mary I died
Elizabeth’s Accession Day was celebrated with jousting, pageants, and feasts throughout her reign
November 18, 2025 at 5:59 PM
On 18 November, 1558 Elizabeth Tudor woke up as Queen of England
She became Queen on 17 November when Mary I died
Elizabeth’s Accession Day was celebrated with jousting, pageants, and feasts throughout her reign
She became Queen on 17 November when Mary I died
Elizabeth’s Accession Day was celebrated with jousting, pageants, and feasts throughout her reign
Medieval Monday
Meet Gruoch (or, as you might know her, “Lady Macbeth”)
Yes, she’s a real character, a royal princess
She married Macbeth after he killed her husband, helping him establish a stable kingdom
Learn more about Gruoch Wednesday on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
Meet Gruoch (or, as you might know her, “Lady Macbeth”)
Yes, she’s a real character, a royal princess
She married Macbeth after he killed her husband, helping him establish a stable kingdom
Learn more about Gruoch Wednesday on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
November 17, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Medieval Monday
Meet Gruoch (or, as you might know her, “Lady Macbeth”)
Yes, she’s a real character, a royal princess
She married Macbeth after he killed her husband, helping him establish a stable kingdom
Learn more about Gruoch Wednesday on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
Meet Gruoch (or, as you might know her, “Lady Macbeth”)
Yes, she’s a real character, a royal princess
She married Macbeth after he killed her husband, helping him establish a stable kingdom
Learn more about Gruoch Wednesday on Royals, Rebels, and Romantics!
OTD in 1856, The Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster’s clock chimed for the first time
Affectionately known as “Big Ben” the clock was given its nickname during the reign of Queen Victoria
Affectionately known as “Big Ben” the clock was given its nickname during the reign of Queen Victoria
November 13, 2025 at 6:24 PM
OTD in 1856, The Great Bell of the Palace of Westminster’s clock chimed for the first time
Affectionately known as “Big Ben” the clock was given its nickname during the reign of Queen Victoria
Affectionately known as “Big Ben” the clock was given its nickname during the reign of Queen Victoria
What really happened at the end of the Tudor dynasty?
Elizabeth I refused to name an heir–so who would be next?
It wasn’t the easy answer we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy Borman shares the real story of the Tudor to Stuart transition.
Royals, Rebels, and Romantics episode 232!
Elizabeth I refused to name an heir–so who would be next?
It wasn’t the easy answer we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy Borman shares the real story of the Tudor to Stuart transition.
Royals, Rebels, and Romantics episode 232!
November 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
What really happened at the end of the Tudor dynasty?
Elizabeth I refused to name an heir–so who would be next?
It wasn’t the easy answer we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy Borman shares the real story of the Tudor to Stuart transition.
Royals, Rebels, and Romantics episode 232!
Elizabeth I refused to name an heir–so who would be next?
It wasn’t the easy answer we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy Borman shares the real story of the Tudor to Stuart transition.
Royals, Rebels, and Romantics episode 232!
OTD in 1534, the French ambassador, Philippe de Chabot, arrived in England
He was there to negotiate a possible marriage between a French prince and young Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
He was there to negotiate a possible marriage between a French prince and young Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
November 11, 2025 at 9:21 PM
OTD in 1534, the French ambassador, Philippe de Chabot, arrived in England
He was there to negotiate a possible marriage between a French prince and young Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
He was there to negotiate a possible marriage between a French prince and young Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
Meet Joan Beaufort, granddaughter of John of Gaunt
She was of English royal blood, related to Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV
She married James I of Scotland in 1424
After her husband’s assassination in 1437, her son became James II
She married James Stewart and died in 1445
She was of English royal blood, related to Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV
She married James I of Scotland in 1424
After her husband’s assassination in 1437, her son became James II
She married James Stewart and died in 1445
November 10, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Meet Joan Beaufort, granddaughter of John of Gaunt
She was of English royal blood, related to Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV
She married James I of Scotland in 1424
After her husband’s assassination in 1437, her son became James II
She married James Stewart and died in 1445
She was of English royal blood, related to Edward III, Richard II, and Henry IV
She married James I of Scotland in 1424
After her husband’s assassination in 1437, her son became James II
She married James Stewart and died in 1445
James had a warm welcome in England, but there were two conspiracies the first year of his reign
The Gunpowder Plot, planned to blow up the state opening of the king’s first parliament, was one of the most dangerous plots that shook the nation
The Gunpowder Plot, planned to blow up the state opening of the king’s first parliament, was one of the most dangerous plots that shook the nation
November 6, 2025 at 7:59 PM
James had a warm welcome in England, but there were two conspiracies the first year of his reign
The Gunpowder Plot, planned to blow up the state opening of the king’s first parliament, was one of the most dangerous plots that shook the nation
The Gunpowder Plot, planned to blow up the state opening of the king’s first parliament, was one of the most dangerous plots that shook the nation
Tracy Borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics TODAY!
The royal succession of 1603 was more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy explores the plotting and deception that brought the Scots King to the English throne.
Available wherever you like to listen.
The royal succession of 1603 was more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy explores the plotting and deception that brought the Scots King to the English throne.
Available wherever you like to listen.
November 5, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Tracy Borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics TODAY!
The royal succession of 1603 was more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy explores the plotting and deception that brought the Scots King to the English throne.
Available wherever you like to listen.
The royal succession of 1603 was more complicated than we’ve been led to believe.
Tracy explores the plotting and deception that brought the Scots King to the English throne.
Available wherever you like to listen.
Happy Tudor Tuesday
Elizabeth I named an heir and her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty
How did James VI become King of England?
@tracy.borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics tomorrow to talk about her new book, Stolen Crown.
Out today in the US!
Elizabeth I named an heir and her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty
How did James VI become King of England?
@tracy.borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics tomorrow to talk about her new book, Stolen Crown.
Out today in the US!
November 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Happy Tudor Tuesday
Elizabeth I named an heir and her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty
How did James VI become King of England?
@tracy.borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics tomorrow to talk about her new book, Stolen Crown.
Out today in the US!
Elizabeth I named an heir and her death marked the end of the Tudor dynasty
How did James VI become King of England?
@tracy.borman joins Royals, Rebels, and Romantics tomorrow to talk about her new book, Stolen Crown.
Out today in the US!