Primary sources are important historical documents which allow readers an unparalleled glimpse into the past.  They are written from the perspective of a participant or observer and can include letters, speeches, diary / journal entries, and manuscripts.*

The sources at this page represent a unique opportunity to view Tudor England through the eyes of its inhabitants.  They are arranged in chronological order.

1502  two accounts of the death of Prince Arthur

1503  the death of Elizabeth of York & betrothal of Princess Margaret to the king of Scots

1509  Henry VII's obituary

1509  Henry VIII & Katharine of Aragon's coronations at Westminster Abbey

1500s  the poetry of John Skelton, Henry VII's poet laureate & Henry VIII's tutor

1500s  the lyrics of Henry VIII

1505-1547  Letters of the Six Wives of Henry VIII

1515  a contemporary description of Henry VIII

1523  the romance of Anne Boleyn & Henry Percy
Also describes the beginning of Henry VIII's infatuation with Anne.

1524  Henry VIII's jousting accident

1520s/undated  poetry about Anne Boleyn

1530  the fall of Cardinal Wolsey

1530s  selections from Henry VIII's love letters to Anne Boleyn

1530s  contemporary descriptions of Anne Boleyn

1533  the coronation of Anne Boleyn

1535  the last letter of Sir Thomas More

1535  the executions of John Fisher, Thomas More & others

1536  the fall of Anne Boleyn

1536  Anne Boleyn's speech at her execution

1536  a contemporary account of Anne Boleyn's execution

1536  letter of Princess Mary to Henry VIII
Mary acknowledges her illegitimacy and Henry's title as head of the English church.

1536  the Pilgrimage of Grace

1537  Jane Seymour's pregnancy is announced

1539  Anne of Cleves arrives in England & marries Henry VIII
Describes the first meeting between Anne and Henry.

1541  the fall of Catherine Howard

1545  Henry VIII's speech before Parliament

1549-1551  Edward VI's journal

1552  the execution of the Duke of Somerset

1553  the coronation of Queen Jane

1554  Mary I's speech at the Guildhall

1554  letter of Lady Jane Grey to Mary I
Jane explains the circumstances which led to her becoming queen for nine days. 

1554  the executions of Lady Jane Grey and Lord Guildford Dudley

1556  the execution of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer

1557  a contemporary description of Mary I

1558-1603  letters of Elizabeth I
1558-1603  poetry of Elizabeth I
1558-1603  speeches of Elizabeth I

1586  letter from Elizabeth I to Mary, queen of Scots

1587  letter from Elizabeth I to James VI of Scotland

1587  the last letter of Mary, queen of Scots

1587  the execution of Mary, queen of Scots