History of 16th century England

The 16th century in England

This was a period of significant change and upheaval, marked by the Tudor dynasty's rise to power.

The century began with Henry VII establishing his reign after the Wars of the Roses, which ended in 1487, and his consolidation of power laid the groundwork for a centralized monarchy. Henry VIII, his son, is perhaps the most famous monarch of this era, known for his six marriages and for breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church to establish the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy in 1534. This religious upheaval led to significant changes in religious practices, politics, and society.

The century also saw the expansion of England’s influence through exploration, with figures like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh venturing across the world. The Elizabethan era, under Queen Elizabeth I, brought stability, cultural flourishing, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, cementing England’s status as a major maritime power.

Overall, the 16th century was a transformative period that shaped the future of England politically, religiously, and culturally.