Today's Lesson Is The Tudor Kings And Queens

The years 1485 to 1603 are called “The Tudor Era”. This is because the House of Tudor ruled England England and Wales at this time. According to the historian John Guy (1988): “England was economically healthier, more expansive, and more optimistic under the Tudors” than at any time since the Roman Occupation.

Henry VII was the first of the Tudor Kings. He defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, ending the Wars of the Roses. This King paid close attention to detail and concentrated on raising new revenues. Henry VII engaged in a number of administrative, economic and diplomatic initiatives.He married Elizabeth of York and the young couple had seven children, his second son following him to the throne and becoming Henry VIII. Henry VII is known for ending the Wars of the Roses and accumulating great wealth for the Crown.

Henry VIII is the most well-known of the Tudor Kings. He had six wives during his lifetime and three children, including the son he so desperately wanted. In order to divorce his first wife, Henry ‘broke’ with the Pope and the Catholic faith, and established the Church of England, becoming the Head of the Church. This King was 5ft, 5in tall, becoming one of the tallest Kings of England. During his reign, it is thought that 70,000 people were executed.

Edward VI succeeded to the throne when he was only nine years of age. His father, Henry VIII, decreed that the government was to be run by a council of regency whilst his son was still very young. Edward Seymour (the young King’s uncle) took advantage of this and ruled almost supreme behind the “mask” of young Edward VI. Young Edward VI was a ‘figure-head’ and nothing more, as he was never able to attain real power as King because he was and died young, the Regency ruled instead. Edward VI was known for naming his cousin as his successor instead of his sisters. Edward died at fourteen years old of illness.

Mary I was Edward’s eldest sister and Henry VIII’s first daughter. She succeeded to the throne in 1553 after her brother Edward’s death. Although she married Philip II of Spain, the couple never had children, but Mary did have two ‘phantom pregnancies’. Being a Catholic herself, Mary I is remembered for trying to ‘reverse’ the religion of the country back to the Catholic faith. However, because of this she was called “Bloody Mary” having over 300 people burnt at the stake for their beliefs. Mary I died of influenza but she may also have had ovarian cancer.

Elizabeth I was the second daughter of Henry VIII. She succeeded to the throne on the death of her sister, Mary I, in 1558. One of her first actions as Queen was to establish the Protestant Church and become Supreme Governor. However, Elizabeth did tolerate other faiths by allowing Catholics to practice the Catholic religion. During her reign, Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish Armada (1588) and did her best to maintain the peace in her (once divided) England. During her reign, the “Arts” flourished. Elizabeth never married, one of her well-known quotes being: “I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England”. The Tudor period ended at her death in 1603. Elizabeth I reigned for 45 years.

England was under Tudor Rule for 118 years. This “Rule” encouraged new religious ideas, overseas exploration and colonisation. It also produced two of the strongest monarchs in English history, namely Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. This was at a time when, because of poor health, life was short and the life expectancy was just over 35 years of age. Medicine was not as advanced as it is today and, although many doctors tried very hard to save people’s lives, they didn’t have the knowledge or the skill which we take for granted today. However, during the Tudor period, as the country became wealthier, beautiful houses, schools, colleges and theatres were built, many of which we still use today! The “Arts” flourished with William Shakespeare becoming one of the most famous playwrights in history.

“Of all losses, time is the most irrecuperable for it can never be redeemed,” — Henry VIII.