Tudors

In February 2020, the three surviving Armada portraits of Queen Elizabeth I went on display together for the first time in their history. As the National Portrait Gallery’s portrait leaves Greenwich, we reflect on what we learned from bringing the three paintings together.

Lying on its side within the historic Greenwich Park is Queen Elizabeth's Oak. Myths and legends surround the tree as thoroughly as the foliage which now covers it. We can only imagine what it has seen in its long past...

How did Elizabeth I use gendered symbolism in the Armada Portrait? Dr Kit Heyam explores.

Find out more about the Tudor symbols used in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and discover what they mean

Situated beside the River Thames, Greenwich had been a popular royal residence for centuries

The Armada Portrait is one of the most famous portraits of Elizabeth I – but did you know there are multiple versions of the same painting?

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

John Dee (1527-1609) was a philosopher and scholar whose work during the Tudor period has been overshadowed by his alleged sorcerous and occultist activities. He is best known for having conversations with angels through his scryer Edward Kelley's interests in astrology, alchemy, calendar reform and suggesting the date for Queen Elizabeth's coronation. What John Dee may not be as well known for is his influence on English navigation and being the first person to coin the term 'British Empire'.

All sorts of incredible actors have taken on the role from Glenda Jackson to Judi Dench and now, with the release of Mary, Queen of Scots, Margot Robbie. But how exactly do these films represent her?