Tony Riches Brings the Tudors to Life Through Riveting Historical Fiction

PHOTO: Author Tony Riches at Beaumaris Castle, one of the historic sites featured in his research and novels.

Exploring History, Psychology, And Passion In Bestselling Tudor Novels

Tony Riches discusses his journey into Tudor history, his writing process, the psychology behind his characters, and the meticulous research that brings his novels and historical figures vividly to life.

Tony Riches has carved a distinct place in the world of historical fiction with novels that bring the Tudor dynasty to life through immersive storytelling, meticulous research, and psychological depth. A master of the genre, Riches doesn’t just recount the past—he inhabits it, reimagining the people behind the politics with humanity and insight. From the intrigue-laden corridors of Tudor courts to the windswept battlements of castles in Wales, his books pull readers into the rich, volatile world of England’s most iconic royal house.

His bestselling Tudor Trilogy and subsequent novels like Drake – Tudor Corsair and Bess – Tudor Gentlewoman reflect a deep reverence for primary sources and a relentless curiosity about the lives that shaped British history. Whether he’s exploring the shadowy legacy of Owen Tudor or the quiet resilience of Bess Raleigh, Tony Riches writes with a historian’s integrity and a novelist’s flair.

In this exclusive interview, Riches shares the inspirations behind his work, the careful research that anchors each novel, and how his background in psychology and business has enhanced his storytelling. For readers and writers alike, his insights are as compelling as his fiction.

Tony Riches is a brilliant storyteller whose rich, researched narratives bring humanity and nuance to history’s most iconic Tudor figures.

What first sparked your fascination with the Tudor dynasty, and how did that lead to the creation of your bestselling Tudor Trilogy?

I was born in Pembroke, close to the medieval castle, birthplace of Henry Tudor, who became King Henry VII and began the Tudor dynasty. I started looking into its history when I returned to the area as a full-time author, and found several accounts of Henry’s life, but no novels which brought the truth of his story to life. The idea for the Tudor Trilogy occurred to me when I realised Henry Tudor could be born in book one, ‘come of age’ in book two, and rule England as king in book three, so there would be plenty of scope to explore his life and times.

Your novels show a deep understanding of historical figures’ psychology. How does your background in psychology and business inform the way you develop your characters?

My degree in psychology helps my character development, but was most useful for understanding how to approach original research and the value of tracking down primary sources. I went on to postgraduate study and gained an MBA and diplomas in Project Management and Marketing which have certainly helped make a success of the business of being an author.

What is your research process like when writing about complex historical figures like Owen Tudor or Eleanor Cobham?

There were no surviving letters attributed to Owen Tudor but enough records to offer an insight into his life and times. I like to visit actual locations to have a real sense of the place, so Owen Tudor took me behind the scenes at Windsor Castle. Eleanor Cobham led me to Beaumaris Castle on the Island of Anglesey, where I was amazed to find her chapel, still in use centuries later. 

“The idea for the Tudor Trilogy occurred to me when I realised Henry Tudor could be born in book one…” — Tony Riches

In Drake – Tudor Corsair, you bring to life the daring adventures of Sir Francis Drake. How do you balance staying true to history while crafting an engaging narrative?

I was fortunate to find contemporary accounts of Drake’s voyages – and discovered most of what I thought I knew of him was wrong. I chose Drake as one of my three Elizabethan men because he offered a great example of the men who worshipped Queen Elizabeth and risked everything to build her empire.

In your latest book Bess – Tudor Gentlewoman, you explore Bess Raleigh’s personal conflicts between duty, love, and faith. What drew you to tell her story?

I wrote a book about her husband, Sir Walter Raleigh, which raised questions about why Bess married him – and what she thought about his dreams of discovering El Dorado, the fabled city of gold. When I began my research, I soon discovered a remarkable woman who survived everyone to become the last of the true Elizabethans.

“My degree in psychology helps my character development…” — Tony Riches

You also run a successful blog and podcast about the Tudors. How have The Writing Desk and Stories of the Tudors contributed to your connection with readers and fellow historians?

I had generous of help and support from other authors when I began writing full time, so my blog The Writing Desk is my way to support other authors with book reviews, guest posts, and book launches. I’m pleased to say my blog now has over 1.8 million visitors, and my target is to pass two million this year. My popular podcast ‘Stories of the Tudors’ offers readers more background to my books and the research behind them, and is available on most podcast service providers.