Raising the Tudors (Hardback)
Motherhood in Sixteenth-Century England
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 232
Illustrations: 16pp mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781399039376
Published: 30th June 2025
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For the vast majority of women in sixteenth-century England, motherhood was more than a choice. To become a mother was a duty to one’s husband, an expectation by society, and a defining facet of her femininity and value to the world in which she lived. In a time when nearly all women were expected and encouraged to have children, and raise them according to strict religious and societal standards, the role of motherhood was arguably one of the most important and discussed topics by females of the Tudor period. Many of them spent half their lives conceiving, bearing, and raising children – whether to join the humble ranks of workers, to inherit grand lands and titles, or even to sit upon the throne of England. Sixteenth-century mothers across social ranks were connected by the societal pressures, judgments, and expectations placed upon them – but what did the job of mothering actually entail?
‘Raising the Tudors’ explores the life of the sixteenth-century woman – from the onset of fertility in adolescence through the end of her childbearing years. From the prevailing medical theory of the four humours to the way Tudor physicians understood female reproductive anatomy and the process of conception, from the societal and romantic ideals of marriage to the experience of pregnancy and the travails of childbirth. It uncovers the role of the Tudor mother and the bonds she shared with her children through all stages of life – through infancy and toddlerhood, into adolescence and adulthood. It questions how she engaged with her children – how she cared for, taught, disciplined, and played with them. And finally, it examines her role in her adult children’s – and their children’s – lives and how her responsibilities and identities shifted as she aged. This book offers a comprehensive, thought-provoking, and at times sentimentally relatable view of the Tudor woman as she has never quite been viewed before. This is the story of motherhood in sixteenth-century England.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Nicola Wilton
This book was SO interesting and I’ve never read anything of its like in relation to my previous Tudor readings. I absolutely love reading about the Tudors and Tudor history, and from this angle, the angle of Women’s health, birth, upbringings etc… it made for super interesting reading.
It was written really well too and well researched. It’s amazing to get a glimpse into the times and such an intimate part of their lives. I took this book with me on holiday and it was a great read keeping me company on the train (& train delays!). It was more than easy to get through a few chapters at a time and it flew by.
Raising the Tudors reveals intimidate details of the women of the time, from conception, pregnancy, child to teenage years and subsequent adulthood and marriage. These insights were great to read and the accompanying images at the back were well appreciated too. It’s a great book for any history and Tudor era fan!
Raising the Tudors is such an interesting and informative book covering a wide range of topics concerned with raising children in Tudor times. The book is thorough and well researched and helps to place what we know about Tudor practices in the context of the medical, scientific and religious beliefs of the time.
NetGalley, Nicola Hall
Raising the Tudors is an excellent book to add to any Tudor enthusiast’s bookshelves.
I found this book to be well written and informative.
NetGalley, Sue Blanchard
I have always loved the period of history surrounding The Cousins War into the time of the Tudors, so this is one book I certainly wanted to read. I was not disappointed.
Definitely a recommended read for history buffs or even someone who would like to learn more about the Tudor families.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Louise Gray
I could not put this down. There is so much interesting information and the author presents it in a way which is extremely engaging and entertaining. The sub-text of societal expectations of women at the time adds depth to the analysis of some of the practicalities and even logistics of becoming a mother. I particularly enjoyed the detailed exploration of early ideas about the “humours” and the mobility of the womb - very interesting to see how strongly these ideas informed medical care at the time.
About Stephanie Kline
Stephanie Kline holds a Master of Studies degree in Modern British & European History from Mansfield College, University of Oxford. Since 2011, she has run the popular website, The Tudor Enthusiast, where she blogs about all things related to the Tudor dynasty. Edward VI: Henry VIII's Overshadowed Son is Stephanie's first historical biography. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. For more information, visit www.thetudorenthusiast.weebly.com.
Educating the Tudors (Hardback)
Education during the Tudor era was a privilege and took many forms including schools, colleges and apprenticeships. Those responsible for delivering education came from a variety of backgrounds from the humble parish priest to the most famed poet-laureates of the day. Curriculums varied according to wealth, gender and geography. The wealthy could afford the very best of tutors and could study as much or as little as they chose whilst the poorer members of society could only grasp at opportunities in the hopes of providing themselves with a better future. The Tudors were educated during a time…
By Amy McElroyClick here to buy both titles for £37.60
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