Dark Side of Elizabeth I

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

History Hit

Myths, Folklore, Mystery, History, Ghosts, Society & Culture, Murder, Ufos, True Crime, Paranormal, Supernatural, Serial Killers

4.6 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 29 September 2025

⏱️ 48 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

The end of Elizabeth I's life was shrouded in darkness and plots as powerful figures circled her throne. How did Elizabeth hold off contenders reaching for the crown? And did James VI & I steal it in the end?

Our guest today is Dr Tracy Borman whose new book The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty is out now.

Edited by Tom Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Hi, we're your host's Anthony Delaney and Maddie Pelling.
0:03.7	And if you would like After Dark myths, misdeeds and the paranormal, ad free and get early access, sign up to History Hit.
0:11.1	With a History Hit subscription, you can also watch hundreds of hours of original documentaries with top history presenters and enjoy a new release every week.
0:20.7	Sign up now by visiting historyhit.com forward slash subscribe. top history presenters and enjoy a new release every week.
0:24.8	Sign up now by visiting historyhit.com forward slash subscribe.
0:35.0	The future is unpredictable at times, but the Open University are the experts in online learning,
0:37.8	allowing you to fit study around your life.
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0:49.7	Search the Open University to find out more.
0:55.5	The Open University, the future is open.
1:01.0	Hello there, I'm Anthony.
1:02.1	And I'm Maddie.
1:07.8	This is After Dark, and today we're talking about the shadier history of Queen Elizabeth I.
1:10.8	But to set the scene, here's Maddie.
1:22.9	Locked inside the Tower of London is Peter Wentworth.
1:24.7	He's been here for years.
1:31.0	His hands trace over carvings in the stone left by the prisoners before him. It's the 1590s, the golden years of Elizabeth I.
1:35.5	Her nemesis, Mary Queen of Scots, has been removed as a threat.
1:39.6	The Spanish Armada has been defeated.
1:42.5	All is Gloriana, Shakespeare's plays and Halcyon days ruled over by the Virgin Queen.
1:48.0	She's in her 60s now, but eternally majestic.
	...

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