The Tudor Dynasty

Overview

• The Tudor dynasty led England from 1485 to 1603.
• Key historical events:
  • War of the Roses
  • English Reformation
  • Renaissance
• The family put five members on the throne: Henry VII to Elizabeth I.
• Known for power struggles, infidelities, political marriages, and beheadings.

Origins of the Tudor Family

• The Tudors trace their roots back to Wales in the late 12th century.
• Edna Fed Phichan, a servant, became a trusted adviser in Gwyneth, Wales.
  • He fought against King John of England and was rewarded with land and titles.
• Edna Fed's descendant, Owen Tudor, became allied with English royalty through marriage.
• Owen Tudor's affair with Catherine of Valois led to the birth of three sons.

The War of the Roses

• A power struggle between the Lancasters (red rose) and Yorks (white rose).
• Owen Tudor's son, Edmund, died in the conflict.
• The rise of Henry Tudor (Henry VII) emerged from the Lancaster line.
• Henry VII's victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field led to his coronation.
• He married Elizabeth of York to unify the factions.

Henry VII's Reign

• Implemented reforms to prevent future power struggles:
  • Restricted noble armies by limiting horse and staff sizes.
  • Increased taxes to replenish royal finances.
• Established diplomatic relations, notably through royal marriages (e.g., Margaret Tudor to James IV of Scotland).

Henry VIII's Reign

• Initially carefree but became known for cruelty and temper.
• Concerned about not having a male heir with Catherine of Aragon.
• Sought annulment, leading to the Church of England's split from the Catholic Church.
• Married Anne Boleyn, who bore Elizabeth I, but was executed on false charges.
• His subsequent marriages included Jane Seymour (mother of Edward VI), Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard (executed), and Catherine Parr.

Edward VI's Reign

• Henry VIII’s only surviving son, became king at age 9.
• Focused on religious reforms favoring Protestantism.
• Named Lady Jane Grey as successor but she was dethroned in favor of Mary I.

Mary I's Reign

• Known as "Bloody Mary" for executing Protestants.
• Married Philip of Spain, politically motivated.
• Died without an heir, leading to Elizabeth I's ascension.

Elizabeth I's Reign

• Crowned January 15, 1559.
• Faced gender biases and pressures to marry; remained single.
• Implemented laws for the poor, strengthened the economy, and supported the arts.
• Defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.
• Died March 24, 1603, without naming a successor.

Conclusion

• Elizabeth's death ended the Tudor dynasty.
• Transitioned to the Stuart dynasty with James VI of Scotland as the new monarch.
• The legacy of the Tudors influences modern English royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II.