Henry VII's legacy: a three-minute film
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Explore how Henry VII's concern for his soul and dynastic legacy led to the building of the 'wonder of the world' - the Lady Chapel at Westminster Abbey. Presented by a Westminster Abbey Learning Officer, this short film talks through architectural and design decisions, including a behind-the-scenes look closer at the tombs of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Students will get a deeper understanding of how to examine Henry VII's burial site as a primary source and what it can tell us about his priorities.
This film is ideal as a starter or consolidation activity in a wider lesson about Henry VII's life and legacy. Download the accompanying teachers' notes document, which includes a full transcript.
Curriculum links
Themes covered in this lesson are aligned to:
OCR
- Unit Y105 England 1445-1509: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII
AQA
- 1C The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
Edexcel
- Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII, 1399-1509






