The Tudors: a history series

The Tudors are probably the most famous, the most talked about royal dynasty in England (and indeed, Britain’s history). Their story is one that fascinates us to this day: The usurper Henry Tudor, the bloodthirsty tyrant Henry VIII, the forgotten Edward VI, Bloody Mary, and Elizabeth I.

And lets not forget some of their relatives, Lady Jane Grey and Mary Queen of Scots.

They presided over the dissolution of the monasteries, and the establishment of an independent Church of England. They saw off one of the mightiest invasion fleets ever to arrive off the shores of England and made England into a Protestant powerhouse.

Their explorers circumnavigated the world and established England’s first colonies in North America.

Theatres sprung up in London and, in William Shakespeare their plays are still studied by school pupils to this day.

And all this in a period of 120 years.

Welcome to the story of The Tudors.

1) Dawn of the Tudors

The Tudor’s arrival on the throne had less to do with natural succession and a lot to do with victory on the battlefield.

Henry Tudor, a Welsh nobleman, now crowned King Henry VII was far from secure.

Learn how Henry VII survived numerous challenges to lay the foundations for his more famous son and granddaughter.

2) Henry VIII & the Break With Rome

With is father dead, the teenage Henry VIII assumes the throne.

Despite being remembered in popular culture for his 6 wives, Henry VIII’s real legacy was England’s break with Rome. His dissolution of the monasteries also resulted in the largest land redistribution since the Norman Conquest.

3) Lady Jane Grey - The 9 Day Queen

When Henry’s son, Edward VI, died England’s Protestant Reformation was in jeopardy from his sister, Mary. A small group of English Protestants came up with an audacious plan - to place Henry VII’s great-granddaughter on the throne, Lady Jane Grey.

4) Elizabeth I versus Mary Queen of Scots

Enter one of the story of two female leaders in a man’s world.

Two Queens vying for the crown of England.

There could only be one winner.

5) Gloriana - Elizabeth I & the Spanish Armada.

The last Tudor monarch faces her’s one of England’s greatest challenges when the King of Spain sends a huge invasion fleet to topple her.

The ensuing English victory ushers in a golden age of cultural and commercial expansion under the Virgin Queen and sees England’s very first colonies established in North America.

But, as the once dazzling queen grew older, storm clouds were on the horizon.

Who would be the next to wear the crown of England?