Tudor England was filled with dirt, no one bathed, and everyone got sick and died when they were 28 from easily curable diseases, right? Also, the diet was terrible, and people lost all their teeth. And Henry VIII was a brainless tyrant. Not so fast, my friend. Tudor England was a vibrant place that was much more modern, in many ways, than we might expect. Read on for ten surprising Tudor facts that might change how you see the 16th century!
1. Elizabeth I Was Nearly Killed by Smallpox
- Fact: In 1562, Elizabeth I contracted smallpox and came close to death. Her recovery was a turning point in her reign, and she emerged even more resilient, though it left her with scars she would cover with heavy makeup. Check out this Renaissance English History Podcast episode on Tudor Cosmetics and Makeup!
2. Henry VIII Wrote a Bestselling Book
- Fact: Before his infamous reign, Henry VIII was known as a scholarly king. In 1521, he wrote “Defence of the Seven Sacraments,” which defended the Catholic Church against Martin Luther and earned him the title “Defender of the Faith” from the Pope. He also wrote music, and his hit song Pastime with Good Company was the Song of the Summer in 1515!
Check out all our Reformation Month episodes.
3. The Tudor Court Was Obsessed with Astrology
- Fact: Astrology played a significant role in Tudor life, with court astrologers advising on everything from military campaigns to marriage dates. Even Elizabeth I consulted astrologers regularly. Elizabeth’s court astrologer John Dee even used the stars to decide her coronation date! Check out this episode on the Music of the Spheres and how astrology influenced music and healing.
4. The Tudor Diet Was Surprisingly Healthy
- Fact: Despite popular images of Henry VIII feasting on meat, the average Tudor diet was rich in vegetables, fruits, and grains. Meat was a luxury, and most people ate far more plant-based foods. In fact, the idea that people had bad teeth in the Tudor period is also a myth – since most people couldn’t afford sugar, dental records show that most people had pretty good dental hygiene! Check out this Interview with Brigitte Webster on Tudor food.
5. Anne Boleyn Had Extra Fingers – or Did She?
- Fact: One of the most persistent myths about Anne Boleyn is that she had six fingers on one hand, a tale likely spread by her enemies to paint her as a witch. There’s no contemporary evidence to support this claim. Check out this YouTube video on Anne Boley’s Six Fingers myth to learn more about where it came from and how it spread.
6. Tudor Medicine Was More Advanced Than You Think
- Fact: While Tudor medicine included some bizarre practices, they also used herbal remedies and surgical techniques that were surprisingly effective. They even understood the importance of cleanliness in preventing infections. Renaissance English History Podcast interview with Seamus O’Calleigh on Tudor medicine.
7. Mary I Was Almost a Queen of France
- Fact: Before becoming Queen of England, Mary I was betrothed to the future French king, Francis I. The engagement was broken off, but had it gone ahead, Mary might have become Queen of France instead of England. Of course, she was only two when it happened, so she probably doesn’t remember it. Check out this Renaissance English History Podcast interview with Melita Thomas on Mary I.
8. Tudor Hygiene Wasn’t as Bad as You Think
- Fact: While Tudors didn’t bathe as frequently as we do today, they were still concerned with hygiene. They washed their hands before meals and used perfumes and scented water to stay fresh. Renaissance English History Podcast episode on Taking the Waters in Tudor England.
9. The Tower of London Was a Zoo
- Fact: The Tower of London wasn’t just a prison; it also housed a menagerie of exotic animals, including lions, elephants, and even a polar bear, which was a gift from the King of Norway.
Check out this Renaissance English History Podcast episode on the Tower Menagerie.
10. Tudor England Was Multicultural
- Fact: Contrary to popular belief, Tudor England had a diverse population, including Africans, Jews, and people from the Middle East and Europe. They lived and worked in cities like London, contributing to the cultural fabric of the time. Check out this podcast episode on the experience of black people in Tudor England.
What’s your biggest takeaway on how Tudor England might be different than we had always been led to believe?
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast,  one of the longest running indie history podcasts, going since 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. She writes books, created the original Tudor Planner (a yearly diary filled with Tudor history) and in 2019 created the world's first Tudorcon (you can "attend" online this year!). She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.