Explore the magnificent Tudor worlds of sport, art, culture, and celebration
On this fascinating three-week course, you’ll join the fun-loving Tudors in their world of lavish entertainment. You’ll discover how Henry VIII and Elizabeth I used shows of strength, sporting prowess, and pageantry to impress their subjects and build a powerful royal image at home and abroad.
You’ll enjoy delving into the sources with the curators and historians at Historic Royal Palaces. They’ll reveal a world of Tudor privilege at the pleasure palace of Hampton Court, and explore amazing public spectacles at the Tower of London.
Navigating this fascinating history, you’ll investigate the influence of sport, spectacle, pageantry, and celebration in this dramatic period of British history.
Discover why sport was so important to the Tudors
Learn how spectacular show-off Henry VIII used sport to demonstrate his power and majesty.
You’ll examine the wider role Tudor sport played in politics and international relations, learn how ‘elite sports’ were restricted to the wealthy, and why working classes were ordered by law to practise certain physical activities rather than others.
Immerse yourself in Tudor pomp and pageantry
Discover why the Tudors celebrated with entertainment, when no expense was spared on their magnificent processions and river revelries to mark coronations, royal marriages, christenings, and funerals.
You’ll learn how monarchs used pageantry to maintain royal power and prestige.
Experience entertainment of the Elizabethan era
Contrast how Elizabeth I used culture as entertainment to show off her power and majesty, compared to her father’s sporting spectaculars.
You’ll discover that amidst the magnificence and opulence, Elizabeth also enjoyed some surprising and disturbing leisure pursuits.
This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about Tudor history, specifically the role of entertainment, sports, and culture in the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Learners will not need any prior knowledge to enjoy this course.
Sign up for Limited Access to have three weeks to complete the entire course free. A paid option is available for unlimited access and a certificate.
