History Masterclass: Henry VII
Inspire your A level History students with a curriculum-focused study day. Hear Tudor historian Nathen Amin’s lecture on Henry VII’s consolidation of power and use of propaganda, as well as exploring the Abbey’s Tudor treasures on a guided tour.
Sitting within a 500-year-old church, A level History students will get the opportunity to hear from professional Tudor historian Nathen Amin. For an hour, he will unpack Henry VII's decisive use of power and propaganda, followed by a Q&A. Those who wish to visit Westminster Abbey as part of their day may book a Tudor-themed guided tour of the Abbey and explore the stunning Tudor architecture and tombs.
Suitable for: KS5
Date: Tuesday 19th January 2027
Duration: 60 minutes, plus optional 60 minute tour
Format: The lecture and Q&A take place in St Margaret’s Church, next to Westminster Abbey. Tudor-themed guided tours of Westminster Abbey are bookable either before or after the lecture subject to availability at no extra charge.
Cost: £10 per student (maximum of 15 students per school). 1 adult per group free of charge, £10 per additional adult.
Learning objectives
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To hear from and ask questions of a Tudor historian, elevating students’ understanding of the topic ahead of their exams and in preparation for future study
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To develop deeper knowledge of Henry VII’s consolidation of power and use of propaganda based on primary sources and secondary historical interpretation
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To explore and analyse in-person Tudor chapels, tombs and memorials within the historic site of Westminster Abbey
Curriculum links
- AQA - 1C The Tudors: England, 1485–1603
- Edexcel - Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399–1509
- OCR - Unit Y105 England 1445–1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VI
- WJEC - Government, Rebellion and Society in Wales and England c.1485-1600
About Nathen Amin
Nathen Amin is a historian and author from Carmarthenshire, West Wales, specialising in the 15th century and the reign of Henry VII. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he has published five acclaimed history books, including The House of Beaufort and Son of Prophecy: The Rise of Henry Tudor (2024), named a BBC History Book of the Year. Nathen is a regular speaker at festivals and institutions across the UK and has appeared on British and international media. He is a founding member of the Henry Tudor Trust and served as a Historical Writers’ Association book judge in 2024.
Frequently asked questions
The lecture and Q&A takes place in St Margaret’s Church (next to Westminster Abbey) between 12:00pm and 1:00pm on Tuesday 19th January 2027. Attendees should be seated by 11:45am. Please use toilets before arrival as there are no toilets available inside St Margaret’s Church. Toilets are available in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey.
The Tudor themed guided tours of Westminster Abbey must be booked in advance. Guides will meet your group inside the cloisters at either 10:30am or 1:30pm. The tour lasts for 60 mins and will focus on Tudor architecture, coronations and royal tombs. Please note we cannot offer self-led visits on this day. If you wish to visit Westminster Abbey, you will need to book one of the guided tours on offer at 10:30am or 1:30pm.
Packed lunches may be eaten in the cloisters either before or after the lecture. Please note that this is a dry, covered area but can be cold.
In order to confirm your place, follow the booking link and complete the form.
Please have the following information ready:
- Your school (or home educator name) and postcode
- Your name and school email address
- The number of students you wish to attend (maximum 15 per school initially)
- If you would like to add a guided tour of the Abbey to your booking, and if so, your preferred time
You will be sent a booking confirmation.
There is no need to prepare anything in advance, but students may be interested in reading Nathen Amin’s book Son of Prophecy: The rise of Henry Tudor. Students could note questions for Nathen.
Watch this three-minute film about Henry VII's chapel at Westminster Abbey. You may wish to discuss the questions in the accompanying teaching resource.
We have a wide range of post-16 teaching resources.
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please contact [email protected]
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