Course: A History of Tudor Entertainment

Dance was not only a form of entertainment but also an essential part of courtly life and etiquette during the Tudor era. Courtiers were expected to be proficient in various …

In this short film, Passamezzo musicians Tamsin Lewis and Robin Jeffrey perform a pavan in the Great Watching Chamber at Hampton Court. Tamsin plays the Renaissance violin and Robin plays …

England has had a long history of public entertainments. These ranged from jugglers and minstrels to larger theatrical spectacles such as mystery plays and mummers (masked or costumed performers who …

Food played an integral role in showcasing the generosity and magnificence of a Tudor monarch and banquets and feasts were often lavish affairs, planned and executed with meticulous care. Roasted …

“Fool”, sometimes used interchangeably with “jester”, is an evocative term. It conjures up imagery of elaborately dressed entertainers who juggle, sing, and tell jokes. However, the subject is far more …

Elizabeth I (1558-1603) has gone down in history as one of England’s greatest monarchs. Hailed as ‘Gloriana’ and ‘Good Queen Bess’, Elizabeth’s 44-year reign witnessed some of the most famous …

Jousting, a thrilling and highly anticipated spectacle, held a prominent place in Tudor times. It was a grand and often dangerous sport that brought together chivalry, sporting prowess, entertainment and …

Of all Henry VIII’s six wives, Anne Boleyn is arguably the most famous. She was the scandal of Christendom and her marriage would bring England to the brink of revolution. …

In the Tudor period, much like today, sport fulfilled many functions. Sport was used to develop athletic and strategic skills, enforce the bonds of friendship, and accustom the practitioner to …

Hampton Court Palace is the most magnificent surviving Tudor palace and Henry VIII’s pleasure palace. This is where he came to relax and indulge his love of entertainment and sport, …