Thursday 12 February 2015 Frequently asked why she studies the Tudors, Dr Suzannah Lipscomb describes the period as an age of stories, however she believes their impact goes far deeper and they really matter today. Suzannah is a historian, broadcaster and author, as well as head of faculty and senior lecturer for the History BA at New College of the Humanities. During a talk to the Senior History Society at The Grammar School at Leeds, Suzannah positioned the Tudor period firmly at the centre of UK history, marking the beginning of the modern state. Suzannah said: “I’d argue that the Tudors are the most significant dynasty, they shaped lives and our country then and are fundamental to our national identity today. “Democracy was redefined as Parliament became a permanent place of political importance. It was an age of turning away from Catholic Europe as the Tudors set the path to world colonisation and exploration – John Dee coined the term British Empire. There was a cultural revolution encompassing art, music, literature and architecture as Tudor leaders surrounded themselves with people of talent.” After the talk Suzannah fielded questions on the key characters of the time – how history had dealt with Henry VIII, whether Elizabeth I had helped or hindered women’s cause, and views on Thomas Cromwell. James Coates, lower sixth, said: “It was fascinating to hear more on foreign policy, Ireland and the empire and the art movements.” Moninder Srao, lower sixth, said: “Having not studied Tudor history since year 8 it was interesting to hear in more depth about the nuances and intrigue of the time.” General Sixth Form News
