The final episode of "The Tudors With Rob Rinder and Ruth Goodman" on Channel 5 shed light on England's defense against the Spanish Armada in 1588, revealing that the nation's survival was significantly aided by the humble currant. The program explored historical details that offered new perspectives on familiar events.
According to the episode, the tradition of eating fish on Fridays was not solely religious but also an economic and defense measure. To maintain a strong maritime force, the English monarchy required seafarers to work as fishermen during peacetime. This led to a mandate for fish consumption on Fridays to ensure demand for their catches. Penalties, such as being placed in the stocks, were enforced for those who consumed mutton instead of fish on Fridays.
The series also detailed England's defensive capabilities without a standing army. The entire male population, from age seven to 60, was required to own and be proficient with a bow and arrows, suggesting a robust defense readiness.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation was the integral role of currants in financing the navy that confronted the Spanish fleet. Imported by Thomas Cordell, a London merchant who controlled the currant trade and owned numerous ships, these fruits were a significant source of revenue. When the Spanish Armada approached, Queen Elizabeth I commandeered Cordell's fleet, forming a makeshift navy manned by 16,000 men, many of whom were conscripts. Although English sailors suffered minimal casualties during the fighting, approximately 7,000 died from disease during the voyage home.
This historical account contrasts with a "woke" approach to history that judges past actions by present-day standards. Instead, the episode focused on providing detailed insights into the economic and social realities of Tudor England, offering a fresh understanding of its history.