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History Podcast TTT Season 3 Susan Abernethy

Season 3 Episode 42: Susan Abernethy on Catherine of Braganza, Queen of England and Regent of Portugal

Catherine of Braganza, Queen of England Sir Peter Lely Circa 1665 (Public Domain)
Catherine of Braganza, Queen of England Sir Peter Lely Circa 1665 (Public Domain)

“Amidst all the commotion created by King Charles II and his flamboyant mistresses, there actually was a Queen. She was Catherine of Braganza, and she led a very interesting life in England as the King’s wife and later as ruler of her country of origin.” Susan Abernethy, The Freelance History Writer

 Welcome to Tea, Toast and Trivia.

Thank you for listening in.

I am your host Rebecca Budd, and I am looking forward to sharing this moment with you.

My blogger friend and historian, Susan Abernethy from the blog, The Freelance History Writer, has returned to discuss the complex life of Catherine of Braganza, the subject of soon to be released book.

I invite you to put the kettle on and add to this exciting conversation on Tea Toast & Trivia.

Catarina de Bragança by Peter Lely 1665 (Public Domain)

Thank you for joining Susan and me on Tea Toast & Trivia. And a special thank you Susan, for offering us fresh insight into the life of Catherine of Braganza. Bold, strategic, and determined – a woman who dedicated her life to her king and two nations.

I invite you to meet up with Susan on her blog “The Freelance History Writer.” It is a place where history comes alive. You are only an internet click away from a virtual time travel adventure where you will meet Alfred the Great, find yourself in the court of King Henry VIII and travel to the land of the Vikings.

Until next time, dear friends, keep safe and be well.

Susan Abernethy on Catherine of Braganza, Queen of England and Regent of Portugal – Tea. Toast. & Trivia.

Queen Catherine of Braganza as Saint Catherine of Alexandria by Jacob Huysmans (Public Domain)

By Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

29 replies on “Season 3 Episode 42: Susan Abernethy on Catherine of Braganza, Queen of England and Regent of Portugal”

So nice of you, Rebecca, to post this interesting interview about a devout Roman Catholic who won Charles II’s heart with the size of her dowry viz., Portuguese territory of Bombay, the port of Tangier, some good wealth in cash, and valuable trading privileges for English seamen in the New World.

Many years ago, Carina and I had the opportunity to visit Panteão da Casa de Bragança in the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon where Catherine and many members of the House of Braganza are interred.

I also consider her later years in her homeland and her role as a wise and benevolent regent equally impressive. My appreciation goes to Susan Abernethy for her expertise on this subject.

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I am delighted that you listened in, Jo! You had me scurrying around the internet to find out more Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon. What a wonderful experience it must have been for your and Carina. A beautiful building – the architecture is amazing. I am attaching a link with photos and information. Thank you so much! https://www.thegeographicalcure.com/amp/the-monastery-of-s%C3%A3o-vicente-de-fora-a-gorgeous-hidden-gem-in-lisbon

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What a brilliant conversation! I learned so much about Queen Catherine and indeed her role was underestimated by historians. Also, bless her, for without her, we may not have been able to have Tea Toast & Trivia together! 😉 Thank you both!

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I am delighted you listened in Marina! I confess I knew very little about Catherine of Braganza. Susan has a way of bringing history alive. I did not know that Catherine had enormous influence over two nations – what a remarkable woman. Here’s to many teatimes together, thanks to Catherine of Braganza!

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Hi Rebecca, this is very interesting. I do know of this queen but I was not aware of her connection to the English East India Company. I learned a lot more about the Dutch East India Company because they established a trading post at the Cape of Good Hope. The English only came later.

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Hi Rebecca, thank you for this link. The Dutch East India was always a focus of my historical interest during my school years. I am planning a trilogy of books about the early history of SA covering the arrival of the Dutch settlers, the1820 English settlers, the Great Trek in 1836 and the Anglo Zulu war. The Dutch East India Company will, of course, feature prominently in that early history. I’m glad it interests you, Rebecca.

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I confess that I knew her only as the Queen who introduced the fashion of taking tea and that she was the wife of the notorious King Charles II of England and Scotland. I did not know her connection to the British East India Company nor that she was the de facto ruler of Portugal. Nell Gwyn, the long-time mistress of King Charles II is more well-known. Even Samuel Pepys called her “pretty, witty Nell.” Thank you for listening in!!! Very much appreciated.

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Fascinating discussion! Susan indeed makes history come alive. Interesting and sobering how strong women navigate power or being near power — centuries ago, and now — in a patriarchal world. And to have a direct impact on two countries! Depressing to think about all the colonialism and imperialism back then, but that was European royalty of the time. 🙂 😦 Thank you, Rebecca, for your varied and compelling podcasts!

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Thank you, Dave for your thoughtful comments and for your support of TTT from the very beginning. The more I look back into history, the more I realize how important it is to include history in our reading throughout life – not just in a History 101 class. History challenges us to apply critical thinking and analysis to our values to what we believe to be just and fair. In the past, events and actions have been justified for reasons we would no longer accept. What will the next generations think of our actions and value systems. I agree – Susan’s enthusiasm and dedication to research that brings history to our doorstep. She has promised to come back for another conversation.

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Thank you, Susan and Rebecca, for this educational discussion about a very important part of history and for the substantial look into the life and times of this famous queen. Her influence in the two countries helped to influence for the better, in the end, the whole history of the time. Thank you for sharing all the interesting changes in all the parts of the whole area because of the marriage of this lady and her move from queen to another position of huge influence. I also appreciate all the references given that are available and valuable for my further study!

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I am delighted that you enjoyed this podcast, Frances. I knew you would. I remember that research would require a trip to the library. Not so these days, given our ability to access information from around the globe. I have enjoyed traveling virtually from my kitchen table to visit museums and art galleries this past year. Connecting with Susan has been invaluable for my research into history. Her posts are detailed and carefully researched. I am looking forward to more conversations with Susan. Thank you for listening in and for your comments. Very much appreciated.

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Listening to someone with so much knowledge of the era is a great way to learn history. Our history books in school would have never covered the upbringing, clothing and education of the the people we were learning about. We’d more likely be given a few “important” dates to remember for the test on Friday. The statement you (Rebecca) made about how Catherine is remembered, and the way Susan corrected that historic assessment is a great example of how we are taught history and what that history really is.

Listening to Susan reminds me that good historians are inquisitive. I think it’s fun learning from someone who is also interested in learning.

Thanks for bringing Susan to your podcast. I love history, and I am amazed at the many different opportunities we have to learn history throughout the blogging community.

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I agree wholeheartedly, Dan. History cannot be a series of dates that, from my recollection, were often connected to battles. 1066 comes to mind. Like you, I believe that history is a collection of stories that intertwine to become the greater narrative. The question then becomes, would our life take on new dynamics if we considered that our story was essential to the greater story. For me, studying history with a curious approach brings a sense of belonging. I am delighted that you listened in!! Many thanks.

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This podcast is beyond brilliant!
Love, love, love this history. I now adore Catherine of Braganza. Listening to history as presented by Susan Abernethy is an unmitigated rich. Thank you Susan, and thank you Rebecca!
💥WoW💥

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I am delighted that you listened in, Resa! Susan presented Catherine of Braganza as no one has before. Catherine as a brilliant strategist is able to take on her competition and rule her nation. It would make a great movie or mini-series.

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