Here are some facts about music in Tudor times. Tudor music was important in both everyday life and religious life. Musicians were often supported by the Church or the city, and were in demand at palaces and castles. Travelling musicians in Tudor England had to have a licence to perform. Tudor music for the poorer… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about Richmond Palace. Richmond Palace was built by Henry VII in the early 1500s. It was built on the site of a former palace. It is located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, upstream of the Palace of Westminster. In 1502, at Richmond Palace, Henry’s daughter, Princess… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about Hans Holbein. Hans Holbein was a German print maker and artist and one of the greatest 16th century portrait painters. He is often called the Hans Holbein the Younger; his father who had the same name was known as the Hans Holbein the Elder. He was born in Augsburg, Germany,… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about Martin Luther. Martin Luther was a 16th century German professor of religion, and a Catholic priest. He is best known for beginning the Protestant Reformation in Europe. He was born in 1483 in Eisleben in the Holy Roman Empire, which today is Germany. He studied Latin, grammar and logic and… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about Sir Walter Raleigh. Walter Raleigh was an English aristocrat, writer and explorer. He is best known for establishing an early colony in the New World and for bringing tobacco back to England. Raleigh is also known for his chivalry. On one occasion he is said to have put his cloak… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Pieter Bruegel was a Flemish Renaissance painter, who lived from about 1525 to 1569. He is well known for his paintings of peasants and landscapes. Painting peasants in everyday life was rare in Bruegel’s time and his work gives us an important insight into everyday life… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about Edward VI, King of England and Ireland. Edward VI was born on 12th October 1537 in Hampton Court Palace, England. His father was Henry VIII and his mother was Jane Seymour. Although Jane Seymour appeared to recover quickly from the birth of Edward VI, she died on 24th October 1537.… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about the Spanish Armada. The Spanish Armada was a fleet of ships which fought against England in 1588. The intention of King Phillip II of Spain was to overthrow the Queen of England, Elizabeth I. The planned invasion of England was supported by the Pope who was promised money if Spain… Continue Reading

Here are some facts about the Globe Theatre, London. The original Globe Theatre stood in Southwark, London, on the south bank of the River Thames. Today, an accurate replica stands on the site of the original building. The Globe was built in 1599, by the acting company of which William Shakespeare was a member. It… Continue Reading