Henry VIII and the Reformation

Henry VIII: Majesty with MenaceHe was a tyrant who committed vast acts of cultural vandalism, but 'Bluff King Hal' is still a hugely popular figure. Why? By Professor Ronald Hutton.

An Overview of the ReformationIt was a seismic event that totally overthrew the religious framework of Britain. What did it all mean? By Bruce Robinson.

• The English Reformation - The experience in England, by Professor Andrew Pettegree
• The Human Reformation - Living through radical changes, by Bruce Robinson
• The Legacy of the Reformation - The costs and the benefits, by Bruce Robinson
• Wales under the Tudors - The Welsh roots of the Tudor dynasty, by Professor John Davies
• The Scottish Reformation - The experience in Scotland
• Anne Boleyn and the Downfall of her Family - The fall from grace, by Richard Bevan
• The Other Boleyn Girl by Alison Plowden

Mary Rose

Mary Rose Virtual TourExplore Henry VIII's flagship, as she would have looked before she sank in 1545, with this 3D virtual model.

The Mary Rose: A Great Ship of King Henry VIIIFrom pride of the king's fleet to obsolescent warhorse - the biography of a once mighty ship. By Andrew Lambert.

Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I: An OverviewClever, enigmatic and flirtatious, she remains one of England's most fascinating monarchs. But what was she really like? By Alexandra Briscoe.

Armada GalleryThe story of the great Spanish invasion fleet and its ultimate demise, told through contemporary art and artefacts. By Felipe Fernández Armesto.

• The Spanish Armada - An overview of events, by Dr Simon Adams
• Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Earl of Bothwell - An insight into Mary and her lover, by Dr Saul David
• Elizabeth's Spy Network - Combating the Catholic threat, by Alexandra Briscoe
• Elizabethan Spying Game - Crack Mary's code to uncover the assassination plot
• Turning Ireland English by Professor Steven Ellis

Shakespeare

The Shakespeare Paper Trail: The Early YearsWritten clues to the great playwright's early life are extremely rare. Was he deliberately covering his tracks? By Michael Wood.

The Shakespeare Paper Trail: The Later YearsEvidence of real estate deals, low living and tax dodges provides a revealing insight into his public and private life. By Michael Wood.

Daily Life

Foul Facts Gallery: Terrible TudorsA madcap tour through the seedier side of Tudor life. By Simon Cooper and Terry Deary.

Tudors and Victorians: Dressing UpCan you sort out your stays from your stockings and your britches from your ruffs? Dress to impress with this costume game.

• The Myth of the Renaissance in Europe - An alternative view, by Jeremy Brotton
• Poverty in Elizabethan England - The impact of the Poor Laws, by Alexandra Briscoe
• Elizabethan Room Virtual Tour - A recreation of an Elizabethan period room

The Age of Exploration

Animated History of European MapmakingExplore changing views of the world with this fabulous collection of maps from across time.

Christopher Columbus and his LegacyTo understand his motives and deeds requires an understanding of the 15th-century world in which he lived.

• The Naming of America - How did the name arise? By Peter MacDonald
• The Story of the Conquistadors by Michael Wood
• Vasco da Gama by Shane Winser

Art and Architecture

Hampton Court: The Lost PalaceHenry VIII's renovation of Cardinal Wolsey's palace obscured the original design. Can it ever be recovered? By Jonathan Foyle.

Portrait Miniature of Elizabeth IWhy these tiny images of the queen had an importance out of all proportion to their size. By Katherine Coombs

• London Bridge Virtual Tour - Explore London Bridge, as it would have looked in 1540
• Architectural Styles Across Britain
• A History of British Architecture by Adrian Tinniswood
• The Swansea Altarpiece by Eleanor Townsend