Making Magnificence: The Tudor Royal Wardrobe

To become a successful dynasty, the Tudors had to create an
absolutely unassailable royal image. One of their primary tools
was the royal wardrobe.

With the numerous times the crown was seized in the 15th century,
the notion of looking the part of King was incredibly important.
Edward IV was determined to create an image that would reinforce
his place on the English throne, wearing the finest clothing,
jewels, and furs. Later, after another seizure of power, Henry
VII would need to rely on Fortescue’s advice to create an image
of unassailable royalty for himself and his heirs.

After all, the Tudors had to be accepted by their subjects, many
of whom had switched allegiance regularly during the Wars of the
Roses and didn’t know Henry VII at all. They had to exert power
over the nobility. They had to impress foreign powers. They had
to create and deliver an immediate and overwhelming message of
dominance and royalty. Their regal appearance, conveyed by their
wardrobe, was essential to the success of the dynasty. Dress was
an important tool to convey power, wealth, and right to
reign.

When dynasties change, clothing and jewels are often given away
or taken apart to be made into something new. This is certainly
true of Tudor clothing and jewels. With a couple of possible
exceptions, almost nothing remains from the Tudor dynasty. But
because of inventory records and portraits, we are able to get a
clear sense of some of how royal dress was used to convey
messages of authority and power through the majesty of
appearance. It’s hard to imagine a dynasty more successfully
accomplishing that mission of creating magnificence.


History shows us what's possible.