Who Ruled Tudor England - by George Bernard (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Henry VIII's wives, his watershed break with Rome, Mary's 'bloody' persecution of Protestants and Elizabeth's fearless reign have been immortalised in history books and the public consciousness. This book widens the scope of established historiography by examining the dynamics of Tudor power and assessing where power really lay. By considering the roles of the monarch, church and individuals it sheds a fascinating light on the study of government in 16th century England.

Addressing different aspects of how Tudor England was governed, the twelve chapters discuss who participated in that government, and the extent of their power and governance. Paying close attention to the scholars who have shaped perceptions of major Tudor political figures, this book re-situates the dynamics of Tudor power and its historiography.

Review Quotes

G. W. Bernard's Who Ruled Tudor England: Paradoxes of Power is a highly readable and thoughtful book, the core of which is serious criticism of Geoffrey Elton and his work on Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor revolution of government.
H-Net Reivews

George Bernard's clear yet nuanced and wide-ranging answer to his title's question draws on a lifetime's research and reflection. It includes both a trenchant rebuttal of Sir Geoffrey Elton's thesis of a 'revolution in government' and warm acknowledgement of those historians who shaped Professor Bernard's own approach to his subject.
Ralph Houlbrooke, Professor Emeritus, University of Reading, UK

This elegantly written, lucid rumination on the nature of Tudor power and historical interpretation is as brilliant and combative as one expects from G.W. Bernard. Provocative and important, Who Ruled Tudor England? is essential reading for students and scholars.
Suzannah Lipscomb, Professor Emerita of History, University of Roehampton, UK

About the Author

G.W. Bernard is Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Southampton, UK.