Early Modern Period

Crime and punishment on the Border: a different take on Elizabethan Anglo-Scottish relations.

The often overlooked but highly effective Elizabethan spy network.

A more balanced view of ‘Bloody Mary’, a pioneering female ruler in a deeply patriarchal age.

The male-centric focus on kings and politicians too often ignores the fascinating female leaders in British history.

A rare focus on Britain’s role in slavery beyond the transatlantic slave trade.

A truly historical analysis of a a crucial period of European development and its key features: the Renaissance and its city-states.

A comprehensive overview of the roles played in society by Black Tudors which challenges traditional assumptions about the nature of Tudor society.

England’s role in the European scene changed dramatically during Elizabeth’s reign, and to understand how it happened, we must look at how Elizabeth herself shaped her own relations with both her European and non-European counterparts.

England experienced four types of religious reformations in less than 100 years: by analysing the Elizabethan settlement, pupils can explore aspects of the ‘via media’.

Insights into the unique position Elizabeth I found herself in: a woman leader in a traditionally patriarchal society and context, who was seen as the absolute authority nevertheless.

An overview of the contributions brought to Tudor history by the six women Henry VIII married, who all exercised some influence at court and beyond.

Gender and class are just some perspectives under which witchcraft can be studied historically.

This list examines the two dominant ministers in Henry’s reign: Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell to better understand the power dynamics in place at the time in Britain.

This list analyses the character and the legend behind one of the most famous Kings of England, Henry VIII.

The civil war is an important topic in the study of democracy and the development of the UK, but it can be difficult to teach because the reasons why people fought for each side are complex. This list sheds some light into the topic.

Edward VI remains a complex historical figure, and his attitude towards power deserves to be examined further. This list looks closely at the character of the young king.

The rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart has fascinated historians and the public for centuries. To teach this topic from a new perspective, recent scholarship in the public and academic domain needs to be at the forefront of the discussions.

The Gunpowder Plot is celebrated each year in the UK on 5 November, also known as ‘Guy Fawkes Night’. But what actually happened is far more complex than the actions of a group of men who wanted to blow up Parliament.

Lady Jane Grey remains a largely forgotten historical figure and yet her fate marked English history, however, this was a very important moment in Tudor history.

A closer look at the Restoration, the role that Charles II’s court played in it, and how this period shaped the future centuries of British and European history.

William and Mary are often overlooked by historians and the public, however society underwent significant and long-lasting changes during their reign.

This list explores the lives of royal women in the Mughal Empire, to demystify their roles and personal liberties, in what makes a fascinating case studies for students who are looking beyond the European scene.

Charles I is often vilified, which makes the approach to teaching about him, his reign and his downfall difficult. This list revisits the controversial figure with new perspectives.

Women from dynasties other than the Tudor, Plantagenet and Stuart are often overlooked in British and European history – this list helps you bring them back into the narrative with confidence.

When it comes to studying Tudor history, the main focus has been on monarchs and on the men who gained power through advising and counselling these rulers. The truth is, political agency is more complex than the study of rulership itself.

These resources offer teachers an opportunity to look at an established topic from a different angle, uncovering histories that have remained largely hidden until recently.

These resources offer a 360-degrees approach to socio-economic pressures of the time, dynamics between the different parts of the government and the people, and insights into the religious forces of the century.

It is widely acknowledged that seafarers played a huge part in the colonisation of the world. This list explores primary sources alongside narrative history to reveal what was at stake during the early modern period.

Njinga’s story is important as an account of resistance to colonialism, and it shines a light on female leadership. These resources provide context to her complex and difficult reign.

Understanding the influence of Islam on early modern Britain is important in order to better comprehend the world we live in today, and these resources offer 360-degrees perspectives on the topic.

Through these sources, teachers can show students that women were significant contributors to the Renaissance: from writers to painters to sculptors, they were prolific just like their male counterparts.

Using these fascinating resources, which consider both the European and Japanese perspectives, you can start interesting discussions on cross-religious and cultural encounters during the early modern period.

These resources aim to help teachers discuss Cortés in a broader context, and to look at the complex cultural situation that enabled what followed: the fall of the Aztec Empire.