Tudor England
Perhaps the best-known family in English royal history, the Tudors helped to make England one of the world’s leading colonial powers. Discover more about how the Tudor dynasty helped to shape Britain, from promoting global trade and industry, to establishing England’s first national navy.
Hans_Holbein_Henry_VIII.jpg
Henry VIII (1491–1547) is one of the most famous kings in English history. An important part of his legacy was his establishment of the Royal Navy, encouraging shipbuilding and creating dockyards.
Glindoni_John_Dee_performing_an_experiment_before_Queen_Elizabeth_I.jpg
Entertainment at court in Elizabethan times included jousting, dancing, poetry-reading, dramatic performances, hunting, riding, banqueting and concerts.
Armada blog pic.jpg
On 22 July 1588 the Spanish Armada, a force of 130 ships and 18,000 men, left northern Spain and headed for the English Channel. Its objective was to rendezvous with a large army assembled in the Netherlands, commanded by the Duke of Parma.
Armada Portrait thumbnail.jpg
The iconic Armada portrait of Elizabeth I commemorates the most famous conflict of her reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in summer 1588.
Elizabeth I when a Princess wearing a Spanish farthingale, Anne of Denmark wearing a drum farthingale.jpg
Do you know your Spanish farthingale from your Drum? Or your English hood from your French? Types of Tudor fashion evolved throughout the period.
Henry VII
Henry VII is known for being the first Tudor King, and for being the father of King Henry VIII. A shrewd king, he gathered huge wealth for the Crown.
large (1).jpg
Greenwich has been a key location for the royal family for over 500 years.
faces-of-a-queen-banner-slant.jpg
The Armada Portrait is one of the most famous portraits of Elizabeth I - but did you know that there are actually three versions of the same painting? Find out more about the different 'Faces of a Queen'...
Palace of Placentia
Conveniently situated beside the River Thames, Greenwich had been a popular royal residence for centuries. However, during Tudor times the area became a vital hub for the royal family.
english ships and spanish armada.jpg
The Spanish Armada of 1588 was the defining moment of Elizabeth I's reign. Spain's defeat secured Protestant rule in England, and launched Elizabeth onto the global stage.