The Cult of Magnificence at the Tudor Court

Explore how the Tudors cultivated the art of magnificence through jewellery, clothes, painting and tapestries to detract from what was essentially a weak dynasty.

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  • Start Date: 20 Apr 2026
    End Date: 18 May 2026
    Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 19:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 4 sessions (over 5 weeks)
    Course Code: HBH42
    Tutors:  Vanessa King
    Full fee £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £110.00
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In stock
SKU
232857
Full fee £169.00 Senior fee £135.00 Concession £110.00

What is the course about?

How the visual arts were used to bolster the Tudor dynasty and reflect differing messages during a time of religious upheaval with the advent of the Reformation.

What will we cover?

  1. Henry VIII the ‘King of Bling’
  2. Gifts and Possessions
  3. Representing Edward VI and Mary I
  4. Clothes and Jewellery

 

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Describe ways in which Henry VIII cultivated the art of magnificence
  • Identify possessions acquired during several of Henry VIII’s marriages as itemised in the 1547 Whitehall inventory taken on his death
  • Explain the allusion to the biblical Josiah as used to personify Edward VI

 

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge is required.  However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential.

 

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation).  You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment.  There will be occasional homework reading provided but it is not obligatory.

 

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no other expenses other than note-taking materials.  You are not expected to purchase any reading material.  All essential reading will be available online in Google Classroom and distributed in class.

 

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HBH80 Richard 111: a medieval whodunit 

Vanessa King
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.