What is the history of Tudor Dynasty?

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A European royal house of Welsh Origin, the Tudor Dynasty ruled the kingdom of England and its territory, from 1485 to 1603. Henry Tudor, its first monarch was a legitimized descendant through his mother who belonged to the English Royal House of Lancaster. Following him were four other Kings and Queens who ruled England during this period. The story of the Tudor Dynasty encompasses some of the most unforgettable and dramatic events in European history. They are also known to be the most famous and controversial royal families in European history till date.

Who was the first Monarch of the Tudor Dynasty?

Henry Tudor was the first Tudor monarch who ruled England from 1485 to 1509.

• He was born to Edmund and Margaret Beaufort, a descendant of John of Lancaster, heiress to Edmund’s half brother, Henry VI.
• He came to power as Henry VII at the end of the 'War of Roses' which was fought between the Lancastrians and Yorkists for more than a decade.
• Married Elizabeth of York, putting an end to the rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire
• Established a council “Learned in the Law” in 1495 to deal with the imposition of taxes on the nobility.
• Turned England into a strong modern state and ruled it like an astute business man.
• Was instrumental in laying the foundation for England’s Naval and Military Strength.
• Died in 1509 leaving behind a dynasty that would influence the affairs of modern day England.

What was the life story of Henry VIII ?

Henry VIII, the only male-line male heir to survive:

• Succeeded his father King Henry VII at the age of 18.
• Was more ambitious than Henry VII and followed the path of Reformation
•  Made the English fighting fleet the best in the country.
•  Had 6 wives namely Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleaves, Kathryn Howard and Catherine Parr
•  Had a son Edward VI from Jane Seymour and a daughter each from Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn named Mary and Elizabeth.
•  Kathryn Howard was found unfaithful and was executed as she was found guilty of treason
•  Died in 1547.

What was the story of King Edward VI?

King Edward VI, son of King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour.

• Ruled from 1543 to 1553
• Crowned as King at the age of 10 and ruled till the age of 15 before he died an agonizing death due to a combination of Tuberculosis and Measles
•  Was a small boy with a big mind who adopted Protestantism championed by the last wife of Henry VIII who mothered Edward.
• Changed his father’s will to allow Lady Jane Grey, his Protestant Cousin to become Queen in his desperation to ensure a Protestant Successor to the throne

Why is Lady Jane not considered a true Tudor Monarch? 

Lady Jane Grey succeeded Edward VI to the throne of the Tudor Dynasty. Queen Jane was deposed nine days after ascending the throne. With popular support for a proper Tudor Dynasty to ascend the throne, Queen Jane was dethroned and Mary (daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon) ascended the throne as Queen Mary I.

Why is Queen Mary I known as "Bloody Mary"?

Queen Mary I, the eldest daughter of King Henry VIII ruled from 1553 to 1558.

• Her reign is called the troubled queen’s reign.
• Married to Spanish prince Philip but could not bear children.
• Desperate to restore Catholic faith in England, she meted out atrocities on the Protestant community.
• Due to her actions against Protestants, Queen Mary to this day is referred to as “Bloody Mary”.
• Introduced new coining system which was used till the 18th century and opened up new trade routes as well.
•  Tried to return England to the Roman Catholic Church.

What made Queen Elizabeth more successful than Queen Mary?

Queen Elizabeth I, half sister of Queen Mary I

• Succeeded Queen Mary I after her death in 1558.
• Ruled England from 1558 to 1603
• A strong personality with admirable intelligence and a fiery temper.
•  Was a modest Protestant with no strong religious views
•  Established the Act of Supremacy and Uniformity that formed the basis for the successful Elizabethan settlement.
• Spent the rest of her life paving the way for the struggle between the Parliament and the Crown till she died in 1603.

After the death of Elizabeth I, the Tudor Dynasty perished and was taken over by the Stuart Dynasty ruled by James I of Scotland.

 

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