Section 1. Brief History of London: Tudor London

London grew in importance under the Tudor rule. It became the centre of trade and government. By the end of the Tudor era, there were about 200.000 people living in London.

The Tudors brought peace to the country and supported art and trade. They were very hard upon the social and religious dissidents. These were hanged, drowned or burned.

King Henry VIII created palaces as St. James. He is also famous for closing monasteries after the Roman Catholic Church refused to grant him a divorce. During the reign of Elisabeth I, London was wealthy and successfull. Theatre became popular, with Shakespeare and Marlowe. The most famous theatre is The Globe. It was burnt down in 1613, immediately rebuilt, but closed by the Puritans in 1642. In the 1990's a new Globe Theatre was built, as close to the original as possible.

The river Thames was very important in Tudor times as Britain's navy was expanded. Dockyards were built and ships were sent to explore the world.

Sites and remains:

- Middle Temple Hall
- Staple Inn
- Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey
- The Museum of London
- The Victoria and Albert Museum
- The Geffrye Museum
- The Hampton Court astronomical clock