Two princes. One tower. No answers. In 1483, Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York, vanished behind the cold stone walls of the Tower of London—and were never seen again. Was it murder? Political strategy? Or a cover-up that still echoes through history?

In this episode of The Lion and The Rose, I dive deep into the disappearance that has haunted England for over 500 years. From Richard III’s rise to power, to the chilling theories surrounding Henry VII and the Duke of Buckingham, we leave no stone unturned.

Was it really as simple as history wants it to be? Or is the truth darker—and closer—than we think?

🎙️ Join me as we investigate bones in the staircase, royal paranoia, pretenders to the throne, and the cold case that just won’t die.

⚠️ Side note: if I sound a bit tired in this one—it’s because I’m still recovering from knee surgery. But nothing keeps me from chasing down royal conspiracies for you.

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.

🔔Follow @TheHistoryMike on Instagram, TikTok, and The Lion & The Rose onYouTube and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content and updates on the next episode in theGreat Escapes Series!

🎧 Subscribe toThe Lion & The Rose for more thrilling stories from English history.

🎙️ 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!