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A review by sarahbryson
Tudors: The History of England from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I by Peter Ackroyd
4.0
Peter Ackroyd’s second volume on the history of England focuses on the rule of the Tudors. He starts the book with the death of King Henry VII, the first of the Tudor monarchs who took the throne at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. It is fascinating to read what life was like in England during the later years of Henry VII’s reign and how when his son Henry came to the throne England rejoiced at a young, vibrant King.
Ackroyd moves through the reign of Henry VIII, naturally discussing topics such as the King’s many wives and his infamous break with Rome. Although Henry VIII broke with Rome he was still very much a Catholic when he died and Ackroyd discusses in detail the King’s personal religious beliefs and how these affected England and the common people during his reign.
After Henry VIII’s death his nine year old son Edward VI took the throne. Although only a short rule Ackroyd is able to provide detail as to the political and cultural happenings of the time. One of these major changes was the face of religion and how it changed drastically from a more traditional Catholic religion to one of Protestantism.
When the young King died Lady Jane Grey was put on the throne but her reign was short and soon the Catholic Mary Tudor was crowned King. Ackroyd explores Mary’s life, her religious beliefs and her desire to provide the Kingdom with an heir. Ackroyd goes into detail about the religious upheaval during this period of time and how Mary and her Parliament brought back the ‘old faith’ to the people.
Upon Mary’s death her younger half-sister Elizabeth I came to the throne. Faced with great religious unrest throughout her Kingdom, Elizabeth and her council, worked hard to bring peace to the country. Ackroyd discusses the various happenings throughout Elizabeth’s life, her relationship with her cousin Mary Queen of Scotts, threats that England faced during Elizabeth’s reign such as the Spanish Armada, and the constant worry over who would succeed Elizabeth when she died.
Unfortunately some events and people were admitted, but that is understandable considering so much happened during the reign of the Tudors! Overall while I enjoyed Peter Ackroyd’s book on the Tudors I will admit that I found it difficult to get into and often did not feel engaged.
Ackroyd moves through the reign of Henry VIII, naturally discussing topics such as the King’s many wives and his infamous break with Rome. Although Henry VIII broke with Rome he was still very much a Catholic when he died and Ackroyd discusses in detail the King’s personal religious beliefs and how these affected England and the common people during his reign.
After Henry VIII’s death his nine year old son Edward VI took the throne. Although only a short rule Ackroyd is able to provide detail as to the political and cultural happenings of the time. One of these major changes was the face of religion and how it changed drastically from a more traditional Catholic religion to one of Protestantism.
When the young King died Lady Jane Grey was put on the throne but her reign was short and soon the Catholic Mary Tudor was crowned King. Ackroyd explores Mary’s life, her religious beliefs and her desire to provide the Kingdom with an heir. Ackroyd goes into detail about the religious upheaval during this period of time and how Mary and her Parliament brought back the ‘old faith’ to the people.
Upon Mary’s death her younger half-sister Elizabeth I came to the throne. Faced with great religious unrest throughout her Kingdom, Elizabeth and her council, worked hard to bring peace to the country. Ackroyd discusses the various happenings throughout Elizabeth’s life, her relationship with her cousin Mary Queen of Scotts, threats that England faced during Elizabeth’s reign such as the Spanish Armada, and the constant worry over who would succeed Elizabeth when she died.
Unfortunately some events and people were admitted, but that is understandable considering so much happened during the reign of the Tudors! Overall while I enjoyed Peter Ackroyd’s book on the Tudors I will admit that I found it difficult to get into and often did not feel engaged.