Why are the Tudors so popular?

[LizardPotter]

Is it Henry VIII that people like, or Anne Boleyn?

Politics, power, war, religion, legacy and succession.

Which pretty much sums up every turbulent time in history (including now).

Firstly, I think it’s because most if not all of us learnt about them at school. It’s the first thing I can remember learning about in history.
Second, it’s because Henry VIII having 6 wives is quite unique. And his marriages are all intriguing stories.
Third, it’s because the Reformation was such an important part of this country’s history. This, intertwined with the marriages, makes it like a soap opera.

I've always thought it's because thats the point at which more documents and artefacts survived, giving us a richer understanding.

And also, six wives, 2 of whom you have murdered, 2 are divorced one getting much better treatment than the other, tragic death of one of childbirth - it's like the Mitchell family from EastEnders but in richer fabrics.

The two divorces/annulments are not comparable. Anne of Cleves readily accepted the terms and was probably relieved. She was rewarded for being so accommodating.

Catherine of Aragon refused to accept her marriage was not valid, she saw herself as the rightful queen of England and her daughter as the rightful heir. Henry could have offered her every castle in England and she wouldn’t have accepted.

Honestly, because people think of it as a soap opera in wimples and codpieces, involving Henry VIII, sex and six wives.

The Tudors were wall to wall drama. So much backstabbing and scandal.

Also they were far enough back in history to be a completely different (and therefore fascinating) society to how we are now, but not so far back that they are unrelatable.

I did a lot of my family tree during Covid Lockdowns. I discovered that my x11 times Great Grandmother was Mary Boleyn, The Other Boleyn Girl!

Makes me wonder if I could actually be a true Tudor! It would explain my love of food and rather rotund appearance! 😂Of course, if you go back far enough you can usually find someone interesting in there!

I know! DRAMA!

We never did the Tudors at school. I feel robbed.