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The Tudor Period of Henry VIII - When it Began!

© Elizabeth Batt

We thought it might be nice to begin the Henry VIII series with a look at the Tudor period in general and give you some insight into what life was like during that day and age.

We'll begin by looking at Tudor timelines and next time we'll look at what it was like to live during the Tudor times. Don't worry, we promise you won't lose your head! So keep on reading because chances are you'll much likely prefer living now to way back then!

The Tudor period began in 1485 when Henry VII defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field. This battle was not only the last battle in the well-known "War of the Roses" but it paved the way for the entire Tudor Period. Henry VII (Henry Tudor), married Elizabeth of York and Henry VIII was born.

So the Tudor Period began with Henry VII in 1485 and ended with Elizabeth I's death in 1603. Elizabeth's reign would be separately named the Elizabethan period, but don't let this confuse you because it is still considered part of the Tudor period.
On Elizabeth's death, the Tudor dynasty died and James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots, gained England's throne. With his crowning, England left Tudor times and entered the Stuart dynasty.

Kings and Queens of the Tudor Period

Here is a table on the Kings and Queens of the Tudor period. Hopefully you'll be able to follow it and see who was who and when they lived and ruled.

Henry VII (Tudor) becomes king in 1485 and marries Elizabeth of York. He rules until 1509. Their son is Henry VIII.

Henry VIII becomes King in 1509 and rules until 1547. He marries Katherine of Aragon. They have one daughter - Mary I.
Henry then marries Anne Boleyn and they have one daughter - Elizabeth I. Henry marries Jane Seymour. They have a son - James VI. Henry marries Anne of Cleves - no children. Henry marries Catherine Howard - no children. Henry marries Katherine Parr - no children. Henry dies in 1547.

James VI becomes king in 1547 and reigns until 1553. Dies young, no marriages, no children.

Lady Jane Grey rules as Queen for nine days at James's death. She is executed.

Mary I becomes Queen in 1553 and rules until 1558. She is the daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon.

Elizabeth I becomes Queen in 1558 and rules until her death in 1603. Daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and half sister to Mary I, she sparks the Elizabethan Age and is the last monarch of the Tudor period.