Tudor and Stuart History Joint Session | October

Description

The Henrician Joust as Performative Politics: An Examination of Early Tudor Political Culture

The early Henrician court was fashioned through performative politics. Influences from England’s continental neighbors aided in crafting a courtly, political culture that was uniquely Tudor. This output can be seen in particular instances of performativity, such as the Henrician joust. This cohesion of the joust (as an innately chivalric practice) with the King’s performance of magnificence (the humanist virtue turned political principle) fashioned an instrument of early Tudor performative politics, a way in which intentional political messages of Henrician statecraft were conducted and performed through hybrid cultural forms. This culture of exchange speaks to a shift over time in the role and function of performance in early Tudor political culture.

Kristen Engel is a PhD student at the University of Connecticut.

How effective was Henry Carey Lord Hunsdon as Warden and Governor of the East Marches between 1568 and 1596?

Henry Carey Lord Hunsdon (1526-1596) was Elizabeth I’s closest male relative - of the Boleyn family. He was acclaimed by his contemporaries for his military prowess and honour, and for plain-speaking. Hunsdon’s long life, and his court and military contributions have been largely overlooked: there is no existing biography. My research of more than 1,900 letters in the National Archives and of over 250 personal documents at Berkeley Castle reveals a man of considerable military and political acumen, and Court influence. My talk covers his long military career focussing particularly on the correspondence during Northern Rebellion of 1569.

Emma Hood is a PhD student at the University of Oxford.

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All welcome. This event is free, but booking is required. Joining details included in the booking confirmation.