We need to stop believing this about the Tudors.
Amy McElroy | Interview | April 2025
Dear History Writers,
One of the things that continues to astonish me most about Substack is the opportunities it provides for readers to connect with writers. Those whose books grace the shelves of our favourite bookstores can seem out of reach to us sat at home - but not anymore. With a quick comment, DM, or post restack, we can engage with our favourite writers with the touch of a button.
As a reader, I love it.
Some of my favourite writers have joined Substack in recent months:
(whose co-edited volume What Is History, Now? I’ve read many, many times) and (whose book The Eagle and the Hart has the ability to draw this staunch early medievalist into later history with ease), for example.One such writer who I’ve enjoyed getting to know over the past few months is
, one half of and author of multiple books including, most recently, Mary Tudor: Queen of France.
She kindly agreed to answer some questions for readers of the Society of History Writers (plus a few of my own that I couldn’t resist sneaking in there!). Thank you to
, , , and for your questions; I have expressed my thanks to you with a 30-day gift subscription to the Society of History Writers paid membership.This is the first in a new monthly series of interviews with history writers on Substack, exclusively for paid members (though free subscribers can unlock this post with a one-time pass - a ‘try before you buy’, if you like). Long-time readers will know that a key focus here is promoting and supporting writers from complete newbie to experienced published author, and this series of interviews will reflect that. I have some wonderful writers lined up and I can’t wait to share their words with you!
Time to hand over to Amy to hear more about her work on and off Substack. This interview is long and full of juicy details, so make sure you have a coffee, lunch, or something similar to hand!
All the best as always,
Holly
Questions we covered:
Many of us here at the SHW are aspiring writers who dream, one day, of ‘being published’ and seeing our own books on the shelves of local bookstores. Did you always want to write history books, or has that come later? What’s your journey been to publishing?
Your books, including your most recent publication Mary Tudor, Queen of France, focus on the Tudor period. What is it about this era that particularly fascinates you? Do you have a favourite aspect / fact / story about this era? And is there a misconception about the Tudors that you really wish people would stop believing?
- : ‘What are your thoughts on first-person narration in nonfiction history books? I find that a historian’s personal connection to the topic can be helpful, and I enjoy occasional stories from their research journey. However, I suspect that there may be some unspoken rules for striking a good balance here to make sure the history can speak for itself.’
- : ‘Is the assumption that Henry VIII’s run-in with the Catholic Church was simply matrimonial an oversimplification, or was there in fact an underlying power struggle between the Church and monarch relating to money-raising and the inevitable wielding of bureaucratic power that it entailed?’
- : ‘Why do we continue to be fascinated by the Tudors, and what resonance do they have in our political landscape?’
- : ‘How has the publishing landscape changed over the last five to ten years? Do you feel that the reach of your work is expanding or contracting? Does your publisher pursue readers in other media (i.e., Substack, social media, blogging, etc.)?’
Interviewing Amy McElroy
Amy, thank you so much for agreeing to chat to the Society of History Writers! It’s such a pleasure to have you here to share a little of your passion for history and your experience as a published author.
We’ll start with a couple of questions that I have for you, and then there’s a few from subscribers who responded to a call for questions I put out in the SHW chat.
Many of us here at the SHW are aspiring writers who dream, one day, of ‘being published’ and seeing our own books on the shelves of local bookstores. Did you always want to write history books, or has that come later? What’s your journey been to publishing?
Thank you for having me, it is a pleasure to chat to SHW and yourself!
In reality I never once thought I would publish a book. Although I have always had an interest in history I studied Criminal Justice at university, followed by Post Graduate Law. A few years ago I was reading a lot! I had subscribed to a few blogs where the hosts would publish book reviews and I found myself using those blogs to find my next book to read. Through reading reviews I became aware of NetGalley which for those who don’t know is a site where you can sign up to receive Advanced Review Copies (ARC) of books and it has lots of history books!
I was thinking where I could keep track of my one reading, thoughts about books, and recommendations. The obvious answer seemed to be a blog which also helped me become approved for more approved books on NetGalley. I started my blog not thinking anyone would actually read it, I just wanted somewhere to record things and keep track but people did read it! I love the publisher Pen and Sword and was requesting and reviewing a lot of their books when out of the blue I received an email from them asking if I had ever thought about writing my own book? Well, obviously I had not! They asked if I would like to and I began to think why not? I love history, I love writing, so maybe I can give it a go? I had nothing to lose and had an incredible opportunity right in front of me, so I said yes and began work on my first book, Educating the Tudors, and here we are!
Your books, including your most recent publication Mary Tudor, Queen of France, focus on the Tudor period. What is it about this era that particularly fascinates you? Do you have a favourite aspect / fact / story about this era? And is there a misconception about the Tudors that you really wish people would stop believing?
I love the Tudor era and the Plantagenets. My interest actually started off with the Plantaganets but studying them you naturally end up at the Tudors. There are many factors about the Tudors that I think draw people in. Obviously there are some monarchs (ahem, Henry VIII) that people love or hate, and the Tudor queens of course, but I find them fascinating because so much happened in what is relatively a short time frame for a dynasty. Through the Tudors we have the Battle of Bosworth, the end of the Wars of the Roses, challenges to the throne, the Renaissance, the Reformation… I could go on! My first book focused on education and I wanted to understand how education changed during that time. It was an era that saw huge change for how education was developed and perceived and there are some exceptional individuals involved in education that in some ways still resonate with us today.
I think my favourite story is the day Thomas More took Desiderius Erasmus for a walk and they arrived at Eltham where the royal nursery was situated. Margaret, Henry, Mary, and the infant Edmund were all present. Erasmus was in total shock, he had no idea they would be visiting the royal children, but things got worse for him! Thomas More had prepared some writing for the young Henry but obviously Erasmus had not! He was feeling a little silly when at dinner Henry challenged him to write something. Erasmus was a little angry at his friend More, but took up the challenge and spent three days writing a poem titled ProsopopÓ•ia BritanniiÓ• which praises Henry VII and his children. The poem was sent to Henry alongside a letter from Erasmus and so began the relationship between an excellent student and the esteemed Dutch scholar. I love the story as Erasmus bares his feelings about being annoyed at More for not warning him, but also that he felt the need to spend days rising to the challenge set by a child, although the child was of course a prince!
A misconception I wish people would stop believing…. I would have to say that I wish people would stop saying Henry VII was a miser. He was absolutely not. He spent when it mattered. Yes he was careful but records show fortunes being spent on his wife and children, on events, and for gifts. Maybe he did not spend like his son but I certainly do not agree that he deserves to be remembered as a miser.
asks: ‘What are your thoughts on first-person narration in nonfiction history books? I find that a historian’s personal connection to the topic can be helpful, and I enjoy occasional stories from their research journey. However, I suspect that there may be some unspoken rules for striking a good balance here to make sure the history can speak for itself.’
I will admit I have never attempted to write in first-person narrative. I have read nonfiction where it has been used effectively and I believe it takes exceptional skill to do so. First-person is great for using quotes from contemporary sources, particularly letters but I am not sure I am brave enough to attempt to use it myself just yet, although never say never!
asks: ‘Is the assumption that Henry VIII’s run-in with the Catholic Church was simply matrimonial an oversimplification, or was there in fact an underlying power struggle between the Church and monarch relating to money-raising and the inevitable wielding of bureaucratic power that it entailed?’
This is a very good question. The short answer is yes it is definitely an oversimplification to assume that Henry broke with the Catholic Church purely to marry Anne Boleyn. Henry was well aware of the wealth of the Church. Many donated and upon death bequeathed substantial gifts to the Church and monasteries, largely so prayers could be said for them to reduce their time in purgatory. Henry essentially did not like that a lot of money granted to the Church was funnelled to Rome; he wanted the money to remain in England. Breaking with the Church not only allowed him to marry as he wished but also gave him access to the Church wealth.
asks: ‘Why do we continue to be fascinated by the Tudors, and what resonance do they have in our political landscape?’
I believe we are fascinated by the Tudors because of the number of events that occurred, both in the personal lives of those well known characters but also events that shaped the country such as the Reformation. Although many dislike Henry VIII we must give him credit for what is now the Royal Navy. He was the first monarch to create a full fleet of warships to defend the coastline and as a result of his break with Rome, today's monarch still holds the title of Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. His father, Henry VII, was instrumental in what we now know as the civil service and parliament and he put a lot of resources into the machinery of government that although has changed over time remains an integral part of our society.
asks: ‘How has the publishing landscape changed over the last five to ten years? Do you feel that the reach of your work is expanding or contracting? Does your publisher pursue readers in other media (i.e., Substack, social media, blogging, etc.)?’
Personally I have only been involved in the publishing world for two years. My first book was only published in 2023 so I cannot fully answer the question relating to five to ten years. Social media certainly helps to reach readers and I have a lovely bunch of followers who interact with posts. For me it is not just about selling books; it is a network to share ideas, interact with others in the history field, and share information. Having said that I have noticed that some social media sites are not very effective and it can be very difficult to interact
My publisher definitely uses social media and does some really fun things, for example, when there are awards like the Oscars, etc., they will do a feature called ‘Looks to Books’ where they have celebrities in their spectacular outfits matched against a book cover in a similar style/colours. It is something fun that catches the eye and I love those features! They also work with authors to ascertain different avenues for marketing, for instance if the book is related to a specific place, whether there is a local bookshop that may be interested in the work.
My publisher runs a blog where they will post articles which are often written by the authors so overall yes my publisher is great at using different outlets to help its authors.
Amy, thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
Where can readers find out more about your books as well as your Substack newsletter, The Tudor Notebook?
Thank you Holly it has been a pleasure! I am on most social media (I think!)
X - @AmyMc_Books
Instagram/Threads - @amymcelroy_author
Facebook - Amy McElroy
Bluesky - amymcelroy
My Substack,
, is still fairly new but growing. I generally post longer posts once or twice a week on Substack and share the newsletter with author so we probably didn’t choose the best name as it is not all about the Tudors! We are now thinking about how to use the chat to interact with people so if anyone has any ideas on what you would like to see in the chat please do reach out! | A guest post by
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This is great, Holly! Thanks for sharing your journey and expertise, Amy!