Henry VII's legacy: a three-minute film

Key stage

Post-16

Subject

History

Format

Video , PDF (238kb)

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Photograph of female Learning Officer talking and gesturing next to the tomb of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York in the Lady Chapel of Westminster Abbey
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Overview

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