Romance Across Time: The Tudors

The Tudor Period

The Tudor Period spans the years between 1485 and 1603, commencing with the reign of King Henry VII, and concluding with the death of Queen Elizabeth I. It was a time of great rivalry amongst those who sought the English throne. This caused the royal family to live in the White Tower, within the grounds of the Tower of London. The fortifications afforded them great protection. Prisoners were housed, and often tortured, in other buildings within the tower precinct. The Reformation also dominates this time period, the change from Catholicism to Protestantism creating its own tensions.
This is an incredible period in history offering countless opportunities for authors to write captivating historical romance novels.

Much Ado About Marriage by Karen Hawkins



Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Rotherwood attempts to break into a castle on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. He is on Queen Elizabeth’s business. Thomas encounters the laird's cousin, Fia, who is doing some thieving of her own. He feels a powerful attraction towards her, but given her clothes and behaviour, Thomas fails to realise she is a lady. More than anything, Fia desires to go to London to become a playwright. She asks Thomas to be her patron. He agrees, not realising Fia wants assistance with her writing ambitions. Thomas assumes she is offering to become his mistress. After Thomas and Fia flee, they are caught kissing by the laird and forced to marry. The developing romance between these strong, independent, forthright characters is a joy to read.

The Other Countess by Eve Edwards



Lady Eleanor Rodriguez, known as Ellie, is impoverished. Her father frittered away the Earl of Dorset's family fortune, and his own, trying to turn lead into gold. The earl goes to the court of Queen Elizabeth I, hoping to repair his finances through marriage, only to find that Ellie, and her father, now reside there. The earl and Ellie are attracted to one another, but their attraction can go nowhere. The earl must marry a lady with considerable wealth, and Ellie refuses to ruin the happiness of his mother and sisters by following her heart.

 The White Princess by Philippa Gregory



King Henry VII wins his crown by killing King Richard III in battle. Winning the hearts and minds of the English people proves much harder. He marries Elizabeth of York to try to appease the powerful House of York, and further cement his position. Elizabeth loved Richard, but has no choice in the matter. Love grows, then the pressure of ruling without public support, and governing in a treason-filled world, drives Henry near paranoia. This historic novel with romantic elements is a real page turner.


Have you read any historical romances set in the Tudor period? Which one was your favourite?

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