Module 1: Introduction to the Tudor Period

The Tudor period (1485-1603) represents one of the most transformative eras in English history, encompassing sweeping political, religious, and cultural changes that reshaped the nation. This period saw the establishment of a powerful centralized monarchy, the dramatic break with the Catholic Church, and the beginnings of England’s imperial ambitions. Emerging from the ashes of the Wars of the Roses, the Tudors ushered in a new era of relative stability. Henry VII’s consolidation of power and financial prudence laid the groundwork for a more powerful monarchy. His son, Henry VIII, would become infamous for his role in the English Reformation, a movement that permanently altered the religious landscape of England. The break with the Papacy in Rome led to the creation of the Church of England and the dissolution of the monasteries, redistributing vast wealth and land. The reigns of Henry VIII’s successors, Edward VI and Mary I, saw further religious turbulence as Protestantism and Catholicism vied for dominance. Mary’s efforts to restore Catholicism, including the persecution of Protestants, earned her the infamous moniker "Bloody Mary." Elizabeth I, the final Tudor monarch, oversaw the Elizabethan Golden Age, marked by cultural flourishing, exploration, and military success. Her reign established England as a dominant naval power, particularly with the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. By the time of her death in 1603, the Tudor period had fundamentally shaped the course of British history, setting the stage for the rise of the Stuart dynasty and the expansion of English influence abroad. This module explores the key figures and events that defined this period, providing a deeper understanding of the Tudors’ enduring impact on England and beyond.

Key Figures

• Henry VII (1485-1509): Founder of the Tudor dynasty, ended the Wars of the Roses.
• Henry VIII (1509-1547): Famous for his six marriages and the creation of the Church of England.
• Edward VI (1547-1553): A young Protestant king whose reign saw further religious reforms.
• Mary I (1553-1558): Attempted to restore Catholicism, earning the nickname "Bloody Mary."
• Elizabeth I (1558-1603): The last Tudor monarch, known for the Elizabethan Golden Age.

Significant Events

• 1485 – Henry VII wins the Battle of Bosworth, ending the Wars of the Roses.
• 1534 – The Act of Supremacy establishes the Church of England.
• 1588 – The Spanish Armada is defeated by the English navy.
• 1603 – The Tudor era ends with the death of Elizabeth I.

Chronological Timeline

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