Era of Tudors - Golden Era with Both Negative and Positive Sides

The era of Tudors – there is no doubt that it is accepted as one of the golden ages of England. The Tudor dynasty ruled the nation for the long duration of 118 years.

When we pay heed towards the era of Tudors, we find the mixed traits, which were both positive and negative. The most positive thing during that era was the beginning of the renaissance age in England. It was the era when a great flourish in the cultural activities was witnessed not only in England, but in the entire Europe. Science and arts flourished, which paved the way for the modern era. The prominent thing that put the influence on the modern times is the renaissance clothing. This was the new age clothing, in which a lot of flamboyance was added.

In addition, some new style dances and music styles also came in the limelight as a result of the artistic development. Volta and galliard were two famous renaissance dances. Samples of the Volta dances have been given in the two such films – “Elizabeth” and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”.

In addition, paintings and architectures were also flourished up to some extent, and the role of Tudor monarchs can also not be denied in this regard. King Henry VIII’s interest in architecture is well-known. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth I had her own collection of paintings.

But, there is no doubt that the era of Tudors had some negative sides also. The most negative side was witnessed at the time of Queen Mary I. Queen Mary was a devout catholic and was desperate about reestablishing the catholic faith in England. She not only showed the strictness, but also burnt the innocent Protestants in stakes. It made the queen highly unpopular and gave a bad name to the Tudor dynasty. Mary was dubbed as “Bloody Mary” for this act.

With the end of the era of Queen Mary, the dark era of Tudor dynasty ended and Queen Elizabeth gave the equal respect to both the faiths during her reign. Moreover, she encouraged the art and culture and was also a great fond of fashion. The flamboyant renaissance costumes worn by her were widely popular. Her dresses were beaded by the ornaments. The dresses of the Queen Elizabeth are popular today also and are worn by the brides as the wedding gowns. These costumes are also put on by a lot of people in the themed events.

The era of Tudors will definitely be popular up to the coming scenario.

Era of Queen Elizabeth I: The Real Golden Age

Queen Elizabeth I was undoubtedly a great monarch in the history of England. Her popularity reached the extent that a complete era was named after her. She had a great vision to run a kingdom, plus she treated equally the people of every faith, unlike her catholic sister Mary I who would burn the protestants in stakes just because of difference in ideas. Elizabeth was a devout protestant, but many of her courtiers would keep the catholic faith.

On the other side, renaissance age was going on in the era of Queen Elizabeth when people started taking interest in art and culture. The new age paintings, sculptures and architectures, were in the limelight. Elizabeth was also a great fan of painting. Moreover, the people’s interest in the flamboyant clothing started enhancing. Queen would also wear these renaissance dresses. Her costumes would be beaded with jewels, which were the subject of allure for the people.

Besides, music and dance were also flourished during the era of this queen. Volta and galliard were two famous renaissance dances during that period. Volta dance gained more popularity, when Queen Elizabeth performed this dance with her friend Robert Dudley. This dance has been displayed in a famous film “Elizabeth” that was released in 1998. Another demonstration of the Volta dance can be seen in a 2007 film – “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”, between Sir Walter Raleigh and Bess (queen’s lady-in-wait). People wearing beautiful renaissance and medieval costumes have also been displayed perfectly in these films. Moreover, Shakespearean dramas also belonged to the era of Elizabeth, which have been played today also with great enthusiasm.

Apart from the development in art and culture, the Elizabethan era was the age of the scientific revolution, and a number of inventions and explorations were being made by several great men. This era paved the way for the modern age in a true sense. That is why, many of the scholars call this era – the early modern age.

The Elizabethan Era has set a perfect example for the later ages, and it has provided a lot of things to today’s scenario. The renaissance costumes of that era are part of the fashion trends in the recent times. Apart from the costumes, art, culture and music of that period are also the subject of inspiration today. The new-age artists take the ideas from these artistic genres and prepare the new styles. The confluence of the costumes of Elizabethan and modern era, really provides a distinct genre. www.tudordressing.com is the best example of tudor era and Queen Elizabeth's lifestyle costume and dresses.

Positive and Negative Sides of Tudor Dynasty

England was under the crown of House of Tudor around 500 years ago. Henry VII acquired the kingdom of England after winning the War of the Roses. This was the era of flourish of art and culture in Europe. The era, which we know as renaissance age, was going on in Europe, and people were taking more and more interest in the various genres of art. The flamboyant renaissance dresses also belonged to the same era. Besides, the science and technology were also growing during that period.

In this scenario, Tudor monarchs seem to be busy in their own affairs; however, their contribution in this development up to some extent cannot be denied. The first king Henry VII was a peaceful monarch, and he also tried to make peace with France in the year 1492. His son Henry VIII was thought to be of good nature in his early years, but later on his rapport went down. Moreover, he married six wives just for producing a male heir. Finally, he succeeded in this, and Edward was born. We find mixed traits in the nature of Henry. He took part in the protestant reformation actively and declared himself the head of Church of England. Moreover, he also played some role in development of architecture. But, declaring his daughters Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate presents the negative side of his nature. On the other hand, execution of his own wife Anne Boleyn by him despite the lack of evidences also can also not be considered as justified.

After the death of Henry, his only son Edward VI was enthroned in the small age of 9. His devotion towards Protestantism despite his small age seems strange. He tried to secure protestant faith in England. He also changed the will of his own father for this purpose, according to which his older sisters were in the line of succession after him. Edward declared his cousin Lady Jane Gray as his heir. His wish could not be fulfilled as she lost support and Mary disposed him by assembling the army within the short time span of nine days.

Mary proved to be a barbaric queen, as she started killing the innocent Protestants in order to establish the catholic faith again in England. Because of this act, she is known today as “bloody Mary”. Moreover, she married Philip II of Spain for producing the catholic heir, but could not be successful. In the early years, he kept his sister Elizabeth in Tower of London, but she had no other option than declaring her as her heir in the later stages.

Finally, Elizabeth I became the monarch, who was liberal in various aspects. The art and culture flourished a lot in her reign. She herself was an art lover and liked painting and fashion. The medieval shirts worn by her are the fashion statements in wedding parties and various other events, in today’s scenario also.

A Brief Life History of Tudor Monarchs in England

Tudor era has gained a huge significance in the history of England. This was the era of flamboyance. The popular renaissance age also took place during that period, which awakened the cultural instinct of the people. The medieval clothing of that era is a perfect example of this cultural instinct. Besides, the Tudor dynasty established its kingdom, which ruled over more than a century.

Six monarchs were witnessed by the English people during that era, from Henry VII to Elizabeth I. The dynasty comprised of both positive and negative traits. Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary Jane Gray Mary I and Elizabeth I were the monarchs of this dynasty.
Henry VII: Henry VII was the first king from this dynasty, who was born in Pembroke. He defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 and claimed the throne. He restored the stability in England and ruled for 24 years. The policy of Henry VII was to maintain peace and economic prosperity. He married Elizabeth of York who was the niece of Richard III.

Henry VIII: Henry VIII was the son of Henry VII, who was declared king after the death of his father in 1509. In the early years, Henry was known for his friendliness. He was a companion more than a king. He was generous in his affection and gifts. But, in the later years people started describing the king for his fatigue and cruelty. Henry broke his alliance with Rome and declared himself as the head of Church of England. He made an alliance with Protestant German states by marrying the daughter of a Protestant German Duke. He married six girls in distinct periods. Mary I, Elizabeth I and Edward VI were his three children of Henry VIII, who were born through different wives. Edward VI was the youngest, but was declared as his first heir, because he was the only male among them. Mary I and Elizabeth I were given place after him in the line of succession.

Edward VI: Henry VIII died in 1547, when Edward was only 9-years old. He was declared king in this small age. Surprisingly, Edward would take an interest in religious matters. He was a believer of Protestantism, and “Book of Common Prayer” was published during his reign. But, he found his succession problematic. His elder sister Mary I was a devout catholic and Edward was afraid that she would reverse the protestant reforms made by him and his father. So, he removed Mary and Elizabeth from the line of succession. Elizabeth was a protestant, but it was necessary to remove both of them to expel one as per the law. He changed his father’s will and gave the succession to his cousin sister Lady Jane Gray. Edward died in the small age of 15, in the year in 1553.
Lady Jane Gray: Lady Jane Gray was a proclaimed queen after Edward, but her support was lost in 9 days.

Mary I: Mary I was the next monarch from the Tudor dynasty, but she proved to be a troubled queen. She used all means to restore the catholic faith, and burnt many innocent Protestants in stake. Because of this, she is dubbed as ‘Bloody Mary’. She married Philip of Spain to produce a catholic heir, but could not be successful. Finally, she had to declare her sister Elizabeth as her successor. Mary died in 1558, in the age of 42.

Elizabeth I: Elizabeth I was the most famous monarchs of Tudor dynasty. She never let anyone challenge her authority as a monarch. She also faced the pressures to marry, which she never accepted. She was also fond of fashion. During her era, flamboyant renaissance shirt were gaining popularity. Her clothes beaded with ornaments had the special allure. She died in 1558, which was the end of Tudor era.

Go Ahead to Fulfill Your Dream of Childhood By Women's Renaissance Costumes

In her childhood every girl trust in make believe stories of princess and also believe that they are the princesses of the story. When you grow adult you find these stories far from realities but now no more, you can live your childhood dream of dressing like a princess. Don’t put those stories aside instead take part in costume based events like renaissance festivals or pirate themed parties. Such occasion will give you the ample opportunity to get dressed in renaissance costumes of princess theme.

The most eye catching part of these renaissance dresses are their voluminous structure. Long flowing gowns in various colors and shades, exquisitely designed long sleeves in funnel shape, frills or narrow shape give these gowns aesthetic look. Over to this, these dresses are made from soft materials like silk, brocade and velvet and are much comfortable and fabulous to wear. Detailing is much important for these larger than life size dresses because this thing is the main essence of classic clothing and completes the overall look. Detailing can be done by netting, frills, sequins and belt of colorful fabrics. Such fine work of art set a blend between cloth and its design thus the outcome we get is improved version of costume. In earlier era this type of clothing was only achievable to some small but high profile group of people but now people of any age belonging to any strata can enjoy feel of renaissance clothing.

If you feel incomplete in renaissance after wearing it then that must be a headpiece. It a good idea to wear a matching headgear to dresses like a lady of renaissance era. Numerous things are there to choose for instance hats, crowns, veils and wimple. Your choice of headwear depends on social status of character you want to portray. Also when you order for theses accessories you surly want them to long last that is why whenever you buy them purchase from established sellers whether they are offline or online sellers.

There style are varies in several numbers. You don’t have to settle for what rest are wearing. For varieties internet is best available medium to search for. You can select the design, color and fabric of material in which you are interested and still you will get your own space of individuality, this feature of internet shopping makes it pleasing experience.

Ladies you may have particular character in mind associated with this type of costumes like peasant or princesses but if you want to do something new and much more exciting then how about dressing like a pirate. Who says pirate character must be represented by men only. There were many famous women pirates too like Mary Read, Ann Bonney and Grace O’Malley.

So go and grab your favorite renaissance costumes and pirate costumes. You can make your set randomly also. Get a loose white colored full sleeve renaissance shirt and a loose black colored pant. For accessories golden loop, tricorn hat, a bandana, eye patch, exotic fur and thigh high boots are OK along with dark make-up.