Tudor Royal Progresses were an important way to for the Tudor monarchs to consolidate their rule throughout England.[1] Following his victory at the Battle of Bosworth in August 1485, the first Tudor monarch, Henry VII, ensured his coronation (November 1485), called a parliament (November 1485), married Elizabeth of York (January 1486) – all in London before embarking on his first Royal Progress in March 1486.[2] The last Tudor Royal Progress took place in summer 1602,[3] as Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch died in March 1603.[4]
1552: Edward VI embarked on a short progress to Guilford, but this was soon abandoned.[8]
As a Princess, Mary Tudor accompanied her father on royal progresses.
As Queen, Mary was less ardent about making royal progresses. The unpopularity of her husband and her own ill health led her to remain in her royal residencies near London.
The Elizabethan Royal Progresses played an important role in enabling Elizabeth I to exercise and maintain her royal authority. During each year of her 44 years reign she insisted her court accompanied her on a progress in the spring and summer months.[8]