The Connell Guide to The Tudors

The date Henry VII became king – 22 August 1485 – is a crucial one in the history of the British monarchy. The crown has ever since remained in the line of his heirs and the Tudor dynasty was extraordinarily successful and resilient. All four Tudor monarchs – Henry VII and VIII, Mary and Elizabeth – died naturally, which, given that four from 1399 to 1485 had been deposed, was no mean achievement and a sign of their political strength and acumen. They were all authoritarian and could be tyrannical. But they were brilliant in the way they manipulated public opinion, and in using magnificence and propaganda to enhance royal power and they left behind them a stronger monarchy, a powerful state, and a transformed national Church.

ISBN-paperback: 978-1-911187-48-6

Contents

Introduction: Who were the Tudors?

Dynastic Right and Royal Succession
How serious were the dynastic challenge?
Why did the succession become a problem for Henry VIII?
How did Henry VIII try to secure the succession after his annulment?
Why was there a succession crisis in 1553?
How serious was the Catholic challenge to Elizabeth?
How did Elizabeth deal with the succession?

Religious Reformations
How strong was the English Church before the break with Rome?
Why did Henry VIII introduce religious change?
Why were there so many changes in religion between 1547 and 1559?
How did parishioners react to religious change?
Why were Protestants critical of the Elizabethan Church?
How dangerous were the Puritans?

Government, politics and protest
Did the Tudors introduce innovations in Government?
Did parliament become more important?
How important was factional in-fighting?
Was there a Tudor despotism?
Why were there so many rebellions in England?
How did the Tudors deal with Ireland?
Foreign relations How did England’s relations with France change?
Why did England go to war against Spain in 1585?

Conclusion

Notes
Chronology of the Tudor Dynasty
Bonds, Recognizances and Attainders
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey
Anne Boleyn’s relationship with Henry
Mary Queen of Scots
England under the Tudors
Who believed what?
The process of Henry VIII’s Reformation
The Edwardian Reformation
Confessional divisions
Ten Facts about the Tudors 
Penal laws against Catholics 
Who were the Puritans?
Mid-Tudor risings 
Glossary and Who’s Who 
Further reading

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