Tudor History under Pressure

This book delves into the complex dynamics surrounding the early Tudor dynasty, particularly in the context of Henry VII and Henry VIII's reigns. When Henry Tudor claimed the English throne in 1485, he faced challenges to his legitimacy, with many perceiving him as a usurper and a tyrant despite his dynastic descent. These perceptions persisted during the reign of his son, Henry VIII, who had to navigate a delicate balance between distancing his rule from his father's and emphasizing dynastic continuity. The study examines how contemporary narratives, such as Polydore Vergil's Anglica Historia and Thomas More's History of King Richard III and Utopia, were influenced by the political climate of Henry VIII's court in the 1510s and 1530s. It reveals how fear and external pressures prompted these writers to modify their narratives and censor overt accusations of tyranny against both Henry VII and Henry VIII. Patronage played a significant role in shaping these representations to align with the wishes of their benefactors.