Red Roses and White: A Brief History of the Tudor Rose
A complete history of the Tudor Rose begins by discussing Eleanor of Provence introducing the rose as a symbol during the 13th century and the War of the Roses.
The emblem of the House of Tudor is a complicated emblem with an extraordinary history.
The Wars of the Roses took place in England and were a series of civil wars between various families who believed they had a valid claim to the English throne, and their supporters.
The House of York descended from the older Plantagenet family. The House of York produced three monarchs. Edward IV, Edward V, and Richard III. The Yorks were one side of the Wars of the Roses that led to the founding of the House of Tudor.
The Lancasters were the other House embroiled in the Wars of the Roses. The outer petals of the Tudor Rose represent the Lancaster family.
Encyclopedia Britannica summarizes the 118 years and five monarchs of the House of Tudor. The founding of the house, major battles, and significant achievements are all noted.
How Henry VII branded the Tudors
The royal manuscripts collection at the British Library offers primary sources from the reign of Henry VII which contradict commonly held beliefs about the War of the Roses and the founding of the House of Tudor. History, of course, favors the victors and this article examines how Henry VII created the Tudor myth.
Welsh tradition claims that the victory at Bosworth was a Welsh victory, and Henry VII taking the throne was a fulfillment of prophecies dating back to Merlin. It is doubtful that Henry VII agreed with this interpretation of events.
Henry VII ascended to the English throne after killing Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, ending the Wars of the Roses in England. He was known as Henry of Richmond or Henry Tudor before becoming king.
Henry VIII was the second son of the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII. His older brother died before taking the throne. Henry is perhaps best known today for his six marriages and the ultimate fate of his wives.
The English People at War in the Age of Henry VIII
Along with marrying often and leading the Protestant Reformation, Henry VIII also led the country through several wars.
Henry VIII was not born to be king, but once on the throne led many military actions.
The Six Wives of King Henry VIII
Henry VIII is perhaps best remembered today for his many marriages. Ever heard the rhyme "divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived?" That rhyme is based on the fate of Henry's queens.
The Forgotten Tudor King: Why Edward VI had the Makings of a Monster?
Henry VIII's son Edward ascended to the Tudor throne while still a minor. He reigned a short time before falling ill and dying at age 15. His young age and brief reign mean he is often overlooked, but this article states he had the makings of a monster.
Mary Tudor was the only living child of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. She was the first woman to be queen in her own right in England. Her reign lasted from 1553-1558. She is best known for religiously persecuting Protestants.
Queen Elizabeth I: Brief Biography
Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne of Boleyn. Her reign is often referred to as England's Golden Age, and centuries later this Tudor Rose is still considered one of England's greatest monarchs.
Amy Robsart was married to Robert Dudley, a great favorite of Queen Elizabeth. Her death down a flight of stairs has remained a mystery for centuries.
The Dramatic Love Story of Queen Elizabeth I and Her Favorite Robert Dudley?
Queen Elizabeth I never married, but reportedly still had romances almost as dramatic as her father's.
Queen Elizabeth I Facts and Myths
The legendary status of Elizabeth makes it hard to separate the legend from the reality. This article separates out truth from fiction.
Katherine was 23 when she married the 17-year-old heir to the English throne, the future King Henry VII in 1509. Their marriage was annulled in 1533, and Katherine died three years later.
Why Anne Boleyn Doesn't Deserve Her Bad Reputation
Henry VIII left Katherine of Aragon for Anne Boleyn, but when he left Anne Boleyn he smeared her reputation. Those smears have lasted for centuries.
Jane was Henry's third wife. Her son Edward would briefly take the throne after his father's death, but Jane died after childbirth.
Henry VIII May Have Divorced Anne of Cleaves Because She Already Had a Baby with Someone Else
Anne of Cleeves was only married to Henry for about seven months. There are several theories as to why the marriage was so short-lived.
Catherine was very young when she married Henry. She was also the cousin of Anne Boleyn; like her cousin, her marriage did not end well.
Catherine Parr survived her husband. She also was an intellectual who published books and later married a Seymour.
Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk
Charles Brandon was Henry VIII's closest friend. He married one of Henry's sisters and was the grandfather to one of the claimants of the Tudor throne after Edward's death.
The Tragic Story of England's Nine-Day Queen
Jane Grey did not want to be queen, but the mechanization of her family set her on the throne for nine days and finally led to her execution.
What was Daily life in London during the reign of the Tudor monarchs?
The Tudor Myth and the Place on Stage
Explore the idea that the Tudors purposefully used playwrights to craft their own legend.