The Tudor dynasty or House of Tudor (Welsh Twdwr) is a series of five monarchs of Welsh origin who ruled England from 1485 until 1603. The three main monarchs (Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I) each played an important part in turning England from a European backwater still immersed in the Middle Ages into a powerful Renaissance state that would soon dominate most of the planet.

The Tudor dynasty ended when Elizabeth died childless. Her successor was James VI of Scotland, a descendant of Henry VII through his daughter Margaret Tudor. He became the first of the Stuart Kings of England.

The Tudor Period

Allegory of the Tudor dynasty, (detail), attributed to Lucas de Heere, ca 1572: left to right, Philip II of Spain, Mary, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Elizabeth

The Tudor historical period usually refers to the period 1485 – 1558, especially in relation to the History of England. This coincides with the rule of the Tudor dynasty in England, with the exception of Elizabeth I. Occasionally the term is used more broadly to capture Elizabeth's reign as well, though in general 1558 – 1603 is treated separately as the Elizabethan era.

Monarchs of England

The five Tudor monarchs were:

• King Henry VII (1485-1509)
• his son, King Henry VIII (1509-1547)
• his son, King Edward VI (1547-1553)
• his elder half-sister, Queen Mary I (1553-1558)
• her younger half-sister, Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

Henry VIII's grand-niece, Lady Jane Grey also served as Queen for nine days before Mary I deposed her.

Tudor Family Tree

See also

• Tudor style