Henry VIII's Court
Your image of Henry VIII probably involves feasting, dancing, and endless entertainment - and you'd be spot on! The royal court wasn't just where politics happened; it was Henry's way of showing off his power and creating an atmosphere of pure majesty around himself.
Unlike his father Henry VII, who focused on learning and exploration, Henry VIII's court was all about pleasure and sophistication. The king dominated at hunting, tennis, and jousting, but he wasn't just a show-off athlete. He genuinely enjoyed intellectual conversations with Renaissance scholars and even composed his own music (though he secretly got expert help with the trickier bits!).
Henry also went mad for property, massively increasing the number and quality of royal residences. This wasn't just about luxury - it was strategic, showing everyone that the Tudors were here to stay and weren't afraid to spend big.
Key Point: The court was essentially Henry's personal brand - every aspect was designed to project power, intelligence, and absolute authority.