This post comes from the highlights of Carol Ann Lloyd’s talk on Tudor Royal Progresses at Tudorcon 2023.
Tudor monarchs didn’t stay in one palace for long, and for good reason. With no indoor plumbing, a limited food supply, and the ever-present threat of disease in the bustling city of London, monarchs frequently traveled from palace to palace on what were known as ‘progresses.’ But these royal road trips weren’t just about fresh air and new scenery—each progress was a display of power, might, and magnificence, carefully orchestrated to reinforce the monarch’s authority across the realm.
Henry VII, fresh from his victory at Bosworth, knew he had to win over the hearts of his subjects—particularly in York, where support for Richard III was still strong. His first progress to the region was a calculated move, demonstrating his power and reassuring the people of his reign. He went into the Danger Zone in order to stamp out any potential rebellions.
Henry VIII took progresses to a new level of spectacle during his reign, none more impressive than the Field of Cloth of Gold. In 1520, Henry met with Francis I of France in a dazzling display of wealth and power. Gold-embroidered tents, lavish feasts, and even a rumored wrestling match between the kings set the stage for one of the most famous royal progresses in history.
For Elizabeth I, progresses were more than a royal duty—they were a chance to strengthen the bond between herself and her people. Traveling through towns and villages, Elizabeth’s open carriages and public appearances were carefully designed to win over hearts and minds, a critical part of her strategy as England’s unmarried queen who was, in fact, married to her people.
From dangerous political maneuvers to opulent displays of power, Tudor royal progresses were much more than mere travels—they were carefully orchestrated displays of authority and magnificence. Whether it was Henry VII’s delicate balancing act in York or Elizabeth I’s determination to win over her people, each progress tells a unique story of the monarchy’s relationship with their subjects.
To explore these fascinating stories and more, you can gain full access to the Tudorcon 2023 video collection. Learn directly from expert historians about the intricacies of Tudor life, politics, and power—right from the comfort of your home.
