Tudor London

What is the course about?

The early sixteenth century Scottish poet William Dunbar called London “the flower of all cities”, a thriving, glittering
metropolis that was to play a vital role in the history of Tudor England. Tudor London was a city of the highest
cultural achievement, most notably in literature and drama, and yet it was also society marked by great contrasts in
wealth and sometimes great disorders associated with religion, poverty and plague. This course will explore the
dynamic development of London during the Tudor century, an era shaped by the twin influences of the Renaissance
and the Reformation, and marked by the growth of London both as a capital city, the royal chamber or Camera
Regis, but also as a growing port and centre of trade and craft based industry.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

The Tudor accession and buildings of the royal palaces
• London and the Renaissance
• The impact of the Reformation and the dissolution of the monasteries
• Edwardian reforms and Marian reactions
• The Southwark theatres, bull baiting and bear baiting
• The growth of the West End estates
• Refugees and The Stranger Churches
• Puritanism and city government
• Poverty, vagrancy and the Elizabethan Poor Law.

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

Understand the social, cultural and economic forces that shaped London in the Tudor period, especially its built
environment
• Appreciate the role of religion and the church in everyday life in Tudor London.
• Understand the impact of the reformation on London
• Recognise the reasons for London’s growth in the sixteenth century, and the impact that this had on London’s
population
• Appreciate the relationship between London and the kingdom in the Tudor period.

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

Open to everyone with an interest in the history of London.

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

Illustrated, nteractive lecture delivered online.
Please note that Google Classroom is not available on this course.

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

None.

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

Courses on London history starting in September 2021. Please see the City Lit website.