Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.

Find out how to listen to other BBC stations

Episode details

Sounds,02 Jun 2026,43 mins,

The Rise & Fall of the Boleyns

Dan Snow’s History Hit
Contains some scenes of a sexual nature, some violent scenes and some scenes which some viewers may find upsetting.

Available for over a year

We trace the extraordinary rise and fall of the House of Boleyn. From humble Norfolk tenant farmers, the Boleyns used everything from wool trading to the diplomatic service to climb to the heights of Tudor power. Novelist and historian Philippa Gregory joins us to explain this family's dizzying ascent, and how their path ultimately led to tragedy, betrayal and execution. Philippa's book is 'Boleyn Traitor'. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and Peta Stamper, and edited by Dougal Patmore. All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3Media. Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

Programme Website
More episodes