One of the most influential and interesting characters in history died today back in 1547. This man was King Henry VIII.
I find this man extremely fascinating not only for his marital career but also for his political and economic policies, his public image, his legacy, and his children- including his son Edward VI and two daughters (Mary- known as Bloody Mary and Elizabeth- neither of which had any children of their own).
Henry VIII is well-known for his relationship difficulties and his martial career. He was king for 38 years and between 1509-1547 he married 6 wives.
His 6 wives all held the title Queen Consort:1. Catherine of Aragon (was married to his brother who died * a common practice) marriage was annulled and died under guard at Kimbolton Castle **Queen Mary I 2. Anne Boleyn (executed) **Queen Elizabeth I3. Jane Seymour (died days after giving birth- widely believed she died following birth complications) **Edward VI4. Anne of Cleves (marriage annulled)5. Catherine Howard (executed)6. Catherine Parr (widowed)
**Catherine Howard and Anne Boleyn were cousins
***Henry was related through a distant relative to all his wives,
Henry was the second Tudor monarch. He broke with the Papacy in Rome and established the Church of England, initiating the English Reformation. Henry VIII is known for his role in the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.
A quote:
If a lion knew his strength, it were hard for
any man to hold him.
- Sir Thomas More of Henry VIII
Another important area to consider when studying such an important figure in history is how his image changed over the years. How did Henry start his career as king as an educated, attractive and one of the most charismatic rulers to sit on the English throne but end up being seen as lustful, egotistical, harsh, and insecure king? Where did this decline start and why? Was there a turning point in his career?
I think his declining health really impacted his ability to rule and changed his lifestyle which definitely changed his image.
Another area to consider was his struggle for a male heir- I think this weighed heavily on his heart, mind, and soul on a daily basis. Having an heir was required for a King- this was a constant struggle and battle.
I think Henry understood that there was a fragile peace that existed after the Wars of the Roses. There was constant fears over invasions and uprisings (political unrest).
Sources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_VIII_of_England#Biographicalhttp://tudorhistory.org/henry8/http://www.royal.gov.uk/historyofthemonarchy/kingsandqueensofengland/thetudors/henryviii.aspxhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/henry_viii_king.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/henry_viii/http://www.britannia.com/history/monarchs/mon41.htmlhttp://www.luminarium.org/renlit/tudor.htmhttp://www.raucousroyals.com/lookandlearn/familytrees/tudors.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wives_of_Henry_VIII
