Tudor rebellions

What to expect in the workshop at The National Archives

In the onsite workshop students consider the extent to which rebellion threatened the country from 1536-1569. The rebellions examined include Pilgrimage of Grace, Kett’s rebellion, Western Prayer Book, Wyatts and Northern Earls. Pupils are encouraged to generate criteria about what would make an uprising a threat, using evidence from original documents to support their judgements.

The two-hour workshop is led by an experienced history educator in an inspiring learning space at The National Archives in Kew. Students handle a range of original Tudor documents from letters to proclamations housed in the State Papers. These include handwritten by advisors like William Cecil and signed by Tudor monarchs. The workshop includes a showcase of spectacular Tudor plea rolls.

What to expect in the online workshop

In the online workshop in your classroom students will investigate the extent to which two Tudor rebellions threatened the authority of the crown. The rebellions explored are Pilgrimage of Grace and Northern Earls rebellion. (Note: we may be able to alter this depending on your exam board.) The workshop explores also gives an insight into the research process of Tudor historians.

The one-hour online session in your classroom is led by an experienced history educator, you only need a microphone, large screen and webcam to take part. Interactive activities encourage students to discuss their ideas and work in groups using high-quality materials provided in advance by the Education team.

Connections to the curriculum

This session is not designed to be an introduction to the topic and students should have knowledge of three of the five following rebellions: Pilgrimage of Grace, Kett’s Rebellion, Western Prayer Book Rebellion, Wyatt’s Rebellion and Rebellion of Northern Earls.

• AQA: GCE History, Unit 1C: The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
• OCR: GCE History A, Unit Y106, British Period Study: England 1485-1547: the Early Tudors
• Edexcel: GCE History, Paper 3, Option 31: Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603