The Tudors: England, 1485–1603

The Tudors: England, 1485–1603 is a cornerstone of AQA A-Level History, covering the dramatic transformation of England from the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Stuart era. This period saw the establishment of the Tudor dynasty under Henry VII, the break with Rome under Henry VIII, the religious turmoil of Edward VI and Mary I, and the golden age of Elizabeth I. Students explore how monarchs consolidated power, managed religion, and navigated foreign threats, while society evolved through the Reformation, exploration, and economic change. Understanding this topic is essential for grasping the development of modern Britain, as it laid the foundations for parliamentary sovereignty, Protestantism, and imperial ambition.

The Tudor period is a rich tapestry of political intrigue, religious upheaval, and cultural flowering. Key themes include the changing nature of monarchy (from personal to bureaucratic rule), the impact of the Reformation on English society, and the challenges of gender and succession (especially under Mary I and Elizabeth I). The syllabus requires students to analyse continuity and change across the century, using primary sources like Acts of Parliament, letters, and chronicles. Mastery of this topic not only prepares students for exams but also develops critical thinking about power, belief, and identity in early modern Europe.

This topic fits into the wider A-Level course by providing a detailed case study of state-building and religious change, which can be compared with other periods (e.g., the Stuarts or the Reformation in Europe). Students must engage with historiographical debates, such as whether the Reformation was imposed from above or embraced from below, and how far Tudor monarchs were absolute rulers. By the end, students should be able to write analytical essays that weigh evidence, evaluate interpretations, and construct coherent arguments about the Tudor legacy.