HENRY VII --- 1485 to 1509
Started the Tudor Dynasty after winning at the Battle of Bosworth Field. His claim to the throne was very weak, and spent much of his time defending the throne. Avoided everyone getting into wars by the royal family marrying Kings & Queens abroad and forming good ties with other countries. A lot of trade to other parts of Europe happened at this time, mostly to Germany and Holland.
HENRY VIII --- 1509 to 1547
Ruled for 38 years and was the most powerful Ruler of the Tudor Dynasty.
Broke England away from the Pope, and Rome, because he wanted a divorce, that the Pope wouldnt grant him. Also, he would take away monastary lands and then sell them to rich landowners.
Then, he made himself head of the Church of England and set up the Act of Supremacy in 1534. Had 6 wives....
1. Catherine of Aragon -- divorced
2. Anne Boleyn -- beheaded
3. Jane Seymour -- died
4. Anne of Cleves -- divorced
5. Catherine Howard -- beheaded her
6. Catherine Parr -- outlived Henry VIII
Built up the British Navy and maintained order without an army.
EDWARD VI --- 1547 - 1554
Sickly young man, son of Henry VIII's third wife. Church of England became much more Protestant during his reign, but he died at an early age. After his death, the Protestant nobles tried to figure something out so that Mary wouldnt become Queen. But no luck came to them because all of the English people supported Mary, so she did become Queen.
MARY I --- 1554 - 1558
Father was Henry VIII. She was married to King Philip II of Spain. Both of them were very Catholic. Spent most of their time, trying to wipe out the Church of England. Mary's many many prosecutions of Protestants (around 300), gave her the name "Bloody Mary". Mary made England loose the Port of Calais in North France, which was the last hold that England had on the mainland of Europe. After Calais was lost, the people of England were very frightened if Mary carried on much longer, the country would be controlled by Spain, but all panic was diminished when Mary died.
Her life was one long tradegy.
ELIZABETH I --- 1558 - 1603
The Church of England is once again in place, becomes more Protestant. Elizabeth I had problems with her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, who she in the end beheaded for treason. The Great Spanish Armada was defeated by England in 1588, giving the British a lot of incouragement and hope. This also gave England its start in becoming the leading Naval Power of the World.
Englands commerce and industry grew. She called on Parliament way to infrequently. She did not marry, and have no children. That is why she was given the nickname "Virgin Queen". The Queen was noted especially for her intelligence, knew 9 languages, kept England Moderate.
Now the throne goes to James Stuart of Scotland, starting the Stuart Dynasty.........
