About the Tudors

The turbulent period of English history when the country was ruled by the Tudor kings and queens continues to excite and fascinate us. From the arrival of Henry VII, the victor of bloody combat in 1485, to the death of the first Queen Elizabeth in 1603, the Tudor family dominated more than 100 years of history: conflict; scandal; death by the axe and fire; and the creation of the country that we know today.

The 16th century was full of colourful characters that capture the imagination: the huge and dominant figure of Henry VIII (mad, bad and dangerous to know?); the unhappy Edward VI and Bloody Mary; and the majestic Elizabeth I (the Virgin Queen?). There were the great lords who began grand house-building schemes to reflect their growing wealth and status. But there were many men and women who suffered at the hands of the monarch for their religious beliefs, and the poor people struggled in times of hardship and inflation. Meanwhile, the queen progressed through the land to impress and be entertained by her loyal subjects.