Tudor Britain

The Tudors were a Welsh-English family that ruled England from 1485 to 1603 - one of the most exciting periods of British history

Henry VII 1485 - 1509

Henry VIII 1509 - 1547

Edward VI 1547 - 1553

Jane Grey 1553 - 1553

Mary I 1553 - 1558

Elizabeth I 1558 – 1603

Tudor England had two of the strongest monarchs ever to sit on the English throne: Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I. Henry VIII's matrimonial difficulties led to the split with Catholicism. Henry made himself head of the Church of England.

The Tudors are famous for many things, including the Henry VIII and his six wives, the exploration of America and the plays of William Shakespeare.

During the sixteenth century, England emerged from the medieval world. It was a time of great change, most notably it marked the end of the Catholic church in England. Great naval exploits began the great English seafaring tradition. During 118 years of Tudor rule, England became richer than ever before. As the country became wealthier, towns grew, beautiful houses were built and schools and colleges were set up. Arts and crafts flourished too. England was home to great painters, writers and musicians.

1485 The War of the Roses ends at the Battle of Bosworth. Henry VII crowned king.

1497 John Cabot sails from Bristol aboard the 'Matthew' and discovers North America

1509 - 1547 Henry VIII succeeds to the throne

1513 English defeat the Scots at the Battle of Flodden

1534 Henry VIII forms the 'Church of England'. Henry is confirmed as 'Supreme Head of the Church of England 'following a parliamentary Act of Supremacy

1536 Act of Union joins England and Wales

1536 - 39 Destruction or closure of 560 monasteries and religious houses

1542 Mary, Queen of Scots lays claim to the English throne

1558 Elizabeth I begins her 45 year reign

1570 Sir Francis Drake sets sail for his first voyage to the West Indies

1587 Queen Elizabeth I executes Mary, Queen of Scots

1588 The English defeat the Spanish Armada

1591 First performance of a play by William Shakespeare

1600 First British involvement in the Indian continent - East India Company formed.

Population of Britain just over 4 million

Date: 2015-01-29; view: 1062