From Queen's Confidante to a Leader in Exile

Tudor History with Claire Ridgway

What if I told you that one of Queen Mary I’s closest confidantes defied Queen Elizabeth I, became a leader of Catholic exiles in Spain, and even tried to influence the future of the English throne? Meet Jane Dormer, Duchess of Feria—a woman who lived between two worlds: Tudor England and Catholic Spain. Loyal to Mary I until the end, Jane didn’t fade into the background after Elizabeth’s accession. Instead, she became a powerful figure in exile, opening her home to English Catholics, supporting the Jesuits, and working to shape Philip of Spain’s policies towards England. From the glamorous Tudor court to a life of exile, Jane’s story is one of resilience, defiance, and faith. And despite immense personal loss, she never gave up her cause. But how did a noblewoman from Buckinghamshire end up at the heart of Spain’s Catholic resistance? And why did her efforts to influence England’s future fail? Discover the incredible, often-overlooked story of a woman who refused to be silenced. Watch now to explore Jane Dormer’s remarkable life and legacy! #TudorHistory #JaneDormer #QueenMaryI #ElizabethanHistory #CatholicResistance #RoyalWomen #HiddenFigures #TudorCourt #HistoryTok #OnThisDay #WomenInHistory