This classic volume in the renowned Oxford History of England series examines the birth of a nation-state from the death throes of the Middle Ages in North-West Europe. The victory of Henry Tudor over Richard III at Bosworth in 1485 marked a change of dynasty and the start of a new period of greater stability for the English monarchy. At the heart of this book is an account of the reign of Henry VIII. The reigns of two further monarchs are also discussed - the short-lived Edward VI and the ill-starred Mary Tudor...