Henry VIII’s wives, his watershed break with Rome, Mary’s ‘bloody’ persecution of Protestants and Elizabeth’s fearless reign have been immortalised in history books and the public consciousness. This book widens the scope of established historiography by examining the dynamics of Tudor power and assessing where power really lay. By considering the roles of the monarch, church and individuals it sheds a fascinating light on the study of government in 16th century England.

Addressing different aspects of how Tudor England was governed, the twelve chapters discuss who participated in that government, and the extent of their power and governance. Paying close attention to the scholars who have shaped perceptions of major Tudor political figures, this book re-situates the dynamics of Tudor power and its historiography.