‘They all have the same name!’ A student's guide to overcoming this very common complaint about studying Tudor history.

‘They all have the same name, how am I ever going to remember this?!’

This is a complaint I have heard time and time again in my classroom. Usually this complaint begins a couple of weeks into September when the shine has worn off starting the course and the reality of just how much there is to learn is setting in.

I tend to ask the complainers if they can distinguish Ella B from Ella W.

‘Yes,’ is the usual reply.

‘And, do you know that Ella W in Year 13 is not the same person as Ella W in Year 8?’

‘Obviously.’

‘But the Tudors are still hard?’

‘The Tudors suck.’

Great! Just what every teacher wants to hear!

However, I think my students have a fair point. Nowadays there seems to be an abundance of Ella’s. Five hundred years ago there were an abundance of Henry’s. There were the two main Henry’s of course - the one everyone remembers and his father. That’s easy enough. But you’re also going to learn about Henry Fitzroy. And the French kings Henry II and Henry III. And the other one - Henry of Navarre. And so on. Student’s also have to get to grips with several Mary’s. Henry VIII’s sister Mary, his daughter Mary, and Mary, Queen of Scots. Margaret’s also feature quite a lot, and don’t even get me started on the Edward’s! Who exactly is who? It’s no wonder some students find it all pretty confusing and demoralising. And then the rot sets in.

Perhaps that student is you and you’d like to get back on track before it becomes an insurmountable issue. If so, here’s my advice for knowing exactly which Edward your teacher is banging on about!

1. Find a family tree and refer to it often.
   This is key. The Tudors were one, large, dysfunctional family. The family who ruled before them were the same. This was a dog eat dog world; they were all out for themselves. So, if your teacher hasn’t already given you a family tree undertake a little research (i.e. get Googling) and find one. Print it off. Put it at the front of your notes. Have it under you nose during your lessons. Jobs a goodun.
   

2. Learn the difference between names and titles, and understand that titles can and did change.
   In the Tudor A Level, most people you’re studying had names and titles. It shocks me how many of the bright young things in my classroom don’t understand this. Someone’s name is their name. For example, Robert Dudley’s name was Robert Dudley. But Robert Dudley also had a title. He was the Earl of Leceister. (He had a job too - he was Master of the Horse). However, things are a little bit more complicated than that because a persons title could change. Take William Cecil, for example. His name was William Cecil. He was low-born so he didn’t have a title for most of his life. But then (as a reward for his efforts) he was created a Lord and he became Lord Burghley. In Tudor times your title reflected the amount of patronage you received from the monarch. Sometimes titles were taken away. Other times people were awarded (or awarded themselves) better titles. Edward Seymour is a great example of this. His name was Edward Seymour. His title was Earl of Hertford. Until, that is, he was created as the Duke of Somerset. In essence, he was promoted (not that it turned out well). Lastly, be mindful that titles were passed on to heirs. So, if you want to distinguish between the different Dukes of Northumberland, for example, you need to know when each individual lived and died as the title didn’t change!
   

3. Resist the temptation to bury your head in the sand.
   If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by something, it’s time to lean in rather than pull away. Re-read your notes or the textbook. Ask a friend for clarification. Ask your teacher. Make a concerted effort to understand the information. Make a concerted effort to memorise the information by making yourself a quiz and taking it often. Ignoring the gaping holes in your knowledge really wont get your very far at A-Level!
   

4. Read and watch around the subject.
   This is my key piece of advice. You need to fall in love with the Tudors, and the good news is that there is so much to fall in love with. The scandal! The drama! It’s a bit like Game of Thrones once you start to understand it. There’s so much out there.The television series The Tudors is a great place to start. Or one of the many films that has been made, such as Elizabeth or Mary Queen of Scots. Why not watch one of the many documentaries on the subject and take notes? Or, better still, read. Your teacher might be setting you academic reading, but I find Philippa Gregory’s books wonderful for bringing the Tudors to life. Just pick one that grabs you.

So, with a little effort you’ll start to get to know the Tudors and everything else will fall into place. You’ll see!

Rachel x