John Cheke: Scholar of Kings, Prisoner of Queens

Tudors Dynasty & Beyond · May 31, 2026 · 45m

John Cheke is often remembered as one of the greatest scholars of Tudor England, but his story is about far more than books and learning.

In this episode, I'm joined by Amy McElroy as both co-host and guest as we explore the remarkable life of Sir John Cheke. From his rise as a brilliant humanist scholar and the first Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge, to his role as tutor to the future Edward VI, Cheke found himself at the very heart of Tudor power.

But the Tudor court could be a dangerous place. We follow Cheke's journey from trusted advisor and royal servant to exile, imprisonment…