The History of England

In 1485 and 1486 Henry established the foundations of his reign through parliament, and established his household. The relationship between his wife and his mother would always be a matter of some debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The personality of Henry VII, the story he created of himself, and how history has treated his reputation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an introduction to series 5, we take an episode to survery the state of the nation in 1485, England at the Dawn of the Tudor Age. England in 1485 was at once a deeply traditional medieval society. And yet poised at the edge of change - economic, social, religious and political. The 16th century would see profound changes presided over by one dynasty - the Tudors. Series 5 covers 1485 to 1554, and the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI and Jane196 - 209 Are about Henry VII, the end of the Wars of the Roses and his success in establishing the legitimacy of the new dynasty210 - 226Are about the early reign of Henry VIII, under the guidance of his first Great Minister, Cardinal Wolsey227 - 238 Concern Henry's reformation and we have a debate about Anne Boleyn 239 - 252 Looks around a bit at Henry's kingom, Thomas Cromwell, Henry's decling years, illness and factionalism252 - 262Includes a survey of European History for some context, and then Edward Vi, Thomas Cranmer - and the real Reformation263 - 265 Is all about Queen Jane's Nine days, and Mary's usurpation of her throne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15th Century European kingdoms were wracked by internal division as well as international war. By the end of the century, Rome was no more, Christendom was increasingly disunited and new monarchies were on the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1485 was not the end of the Wars of the Roses; the fear of dynastic strife lasts well into Henry VIII's reign. But we draw a close at the battle of Stoke, and ask what the Wars changed - if anything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1483, the gates of the Tower of London closed on two innocent and defenceless boys; one, Edward, captured and the other Richard, given up by his mother. As far as we know, neither of were seen outside the walls again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At last in 1485 Richard got to meet his challenger in person at the Battle of Bosworth - a meeting he needed every bit as much as Henry Tudor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unfortunately for Richard he was never able to simply concentrate of governing the realm; the hangover of his accession, the presence of Henry Tudor abroad - these things constantly took his attention away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some argue that in a short time Richard showed that he good have been one of England's best rulers - is there any justification for the idea of Good King Richard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard sought to start the reconciliation of the factions in the realm. But despite his triumphant progress through the Kingdom to York, trouble was brewing - including from the most unlikely quarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.