Tudor Dynasty

The Tudor Dynasty was a royal family that ruled England from 1485 to 1603. The founder of the dynasty was Owen Tudor. He was from a Welsh family, who was a squire at the court of Henry V and who married that king's widow, Catherine. The Tudor dynasty was an English royal dynasty that lasted 118 years. The founder was Henry Tudor, a descendent of an illegitimate son of John of Gaunt, the first Duke of Lancaster, the third son of Edward III. Henry VII was also a descendent of Edward I through his great-grandmother, Margaret Holland.

During the reign of the Tudors the country was divided between the Catholics and the Protestants. The foundation of national religion was set. The Bible was translated into many languages and became aware of the facts in religion. People began to gather courage and strength to talk about the deeds of the Pope and Church. The most famous of the tudor dynasty were Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward IV, Mary I, Elizabeth I. Henry VIII is the most famous for having many wives and Elizabeth is famous for her lack of husbands. The Tudor dynasty has captivated history for hundreds and hundreds of years. This is because of the colorful characters, political and personal personality attached to each person.

The Tudors first came to power in 1485 when Henry defeated Richard III. He then became the first Tudor King to rule. The father of Henry VIII, was troubled during his reign but he also brought about unification within the country. Later on England had been divided between the Houses of Lancaster and York. Until Henry VII’s marriage to the daughter of Edward IV, who united the two houses back together.

The throne of England was inherited by Edwar , Mary I, known as 'Bloody Mary' for her burning of Protestants and Elizabeth 1. She survived a tough childhood and she lead England to victory over the Spanish, the greatest power of the age. The Tudor dynasty became extinct on the death of Elizabeth without a heir to take over in 1603. The crown of England was then passed to Henry VII's great-grandson, James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England.