Tudor London
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now started
Course Code: HLW89
Duration: 12 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course is about the social, economic and political life of London and its inhabitants between 1485 and 1603.
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?
We begin with a brief discussion about the development of London by 1500 and consider the sources available for
our period of study. We then move on to explore topics such as the impact of the Reformation, housing, crime,
health, immigration and the rise of theatreland in Southwark. There will be a walk around Southwark. You will also
be encouraged to choose a London ward, read John Stow’s description of it and discuss in class. Other resources
will be identified should you wish to undertake more detailed research on the inhabitants in your ward.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of this course you should be able to:
• Describe the usefulness of at least 3 contemporary sources
• Familiarise yourself with the landscape of Tudor London using the AGAS map
• Read and share knowledge gained from John Stow’s description of one ward
• Identify immigrants and migrant groups in Tudor London
• Name 3 Elizabethan theatres and their locations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge is required but a good understanding of English is essential.
Ability to participate in offsite visits.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each week there will be an informative talk during which class discussion will be encouraged. We shall use small
group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available to aid discussion. You will be
expected to read and discuss John Stow’s description of a chosen London ward and share your findings in class.
There will also be a walk around Southwark. You are encouraged to bring along/describe items you have read in
newspapers/heard on radio/seen on TV you think may be of interest to the group.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You do not need to purchase materials other than those for note-taking. You may need to use public transport to
meet at London Bridge for the walk. Lunch is optional. John Stow’s Survey of London is available online:
http://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/survey-of-london-stow/1603.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
.HLW97 Plagues of London 1348-1665.
Vanessa King is a lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History at Regents University. She also teaches at Birbeck and Goldsmiths Colleges, University of London. Her expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. At City Lit Vanessa teaches London history and offers day schools on all aspects of medieval and early modern history. She also runs bridge courses at all levels. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine! For further information why not check out her website.
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.
