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History Extra podcast

Tudor England | 5. The wider world

Dec 26, 2024
Tracy Borman, an esteemed author and historian focusing on Tudor history, joins Emily Briffett to discuss the intriguing world of 16th-century England. They explore how England emerged as a significant European player amid wars and the darker sides of exploration, including slavery. The conversation delves into notable Tudor explorers like Drake and Raleigh, the development of an English identity influenced by Henry VIII, and the grim realities of exploitation faced by indigenous peoples, all set against a backdrop of cultural advancements and international rivalry.
41:07

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Tudor period was characterized by significant exploration advancements and navigation, solidifying England's emergence as a prominent global naval power.
  • Economic growth and social mobility flourished as new trade routes introduced diverse goods, transforming culinary practices and enriching England's multicultural society.

Deep dives

Travel Patterns in Tudor England

Most individuals in Tudor England traveled very little from their local communities, with travel generally being limited to significant purposes like selling goods or visiting relatives. The majority of the population rarely left their hometowns, while only the wealthy and nobles frequently journeyed to manage estates and attend court. Merchants engaged in travel as part of their business, and monarchs moved between royal residences often for administrative and military reasons. Transportation options were limited, consisting primarily of horse-drawn carts for those who could afford them, while the majority walked or used stage wagons, which often faced challenging road conditions.

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