The “Tudor period” is often synonymous with the reigns of its five famous monarchs – a time of exploration, conquest, and years of flourishing culture – offering a great overview of 16th century England. The kings and queens of the Tudor period were a powerful and influential collection of individuals, each carrying with them an incredible story and legacy that remain with us today. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of each of these five monarchs and their influence on history and the development of England during the Tudor period.
Henry VII: The Beginning
Henry VII kicked off the first official Tudor dynasty in 1485, ending the War of the Roses and setting the precedent for the remainder of the Tudor period. He pursued a flexible foreign policy, and was primarily interested in the acquisition of wealth rather than power; he secured much of his new wealth by funding voyages to the Americas with Italian bankers. In addition, he laid the groundwork for the development of a strong Parliament, with new systems for fiscal oversight and taxation.
Henry VIII: The Reformation
Henry VIII is perhaps the most recognisable of the Tudors. He was the only child to survive infancy at the time of his father’s death. In contrast to the pacifist politics of his father, Henry VIII was notorious for aggressive expansionism and the dissolution of many monasteries in England, a move that would permanently alter history. Henry VIII is best known for introducing the changes associated with the Protestant Reformation. This resulted in the formation of his own church, the Church of England, which still stands as the official religion of England today.
Edward VI: Succession Struggles
Henry VIII’s son and heir, Edward VI, succeeded him upon his death in 1547. He was only 9 years old when he acceded to the throne, and therefore the government was largely managed by a select group of regents. His reign was short-lived, ending with his death just 6 years later in 1553. He was succeeded by his step-sister, Mary I, after a succession struggle unlike any other in British history.
Mary I: Religious Division
Mary I, known as “Bloody Mary” for her resolution to return England to Catholicism, was the first woman to become Monarch of England. Her reign from 1553 to 1558 was characterised by her dedication to reversing Protestantism and enforcing laws against religious dissenters; Mary was determined to return England to the Catholic faith. She believed that in this way, England would unify and stabilise. Her oppression towards those of non-Catholic faith hastened many of her own advisors and followers to flee England and this, in combination with her inability to produce an heir, caused a return to Protestantism and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
Elizabeth I: Golden Age
Elizabeth I is considered by many to be the greatest monarch of the Tudor period and of English history. She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and was the first and only female monarch to rule England in her own right. Supported by a broad coalition of advisors, Elizabeth was renowned for her strong disregard for convention, her passion for exploration and her cautious foreign policy. Her 45-year reign is referred to as the “Golden Age” of English literature and culture, and was largely seen to exemplify the dawn of a modern England.
The legacy of the five Tudor monarchs is impressive. Henry VII laid the foundation for a strong Parliament; Henry VIII introduced the Protestant Reformation; Edward VI laid the groundwork for succession by primogeniture; Mary I attempted to bring the nation together under the Catholic faith; and Elizabeth I elevated England to a golden age of culture and exploration. As a result, the influence of the Tudor period still reverberates in the modern world, and Britain’s history continues to be shaped by the actions of these five gargantuan figures.
