If you think of an English monarch, 9 times out of 10 Henry VIII will come to mind. He was an imposing character in life, and what he did while he was King, good and bad he shaped the Britain we live in today!
Henry VIII was born on the 28th June 1491 and became king in 1509. He was a handsome, charismatic and talented individual, but his reign was nevertheless a turbulent one!
Henry is known for his radical changes to the English constitution, expanding royal power and ushering in the theory of the divine right of kings. This instigated a rift with the Church.
He also regularly used charges of treason and heresy to remove political opponents or just people who didn’t agree with him. Those accused were often executed without a formal trial by means of ‘Bills of Attainder’.
He achieved many of his political aims through the work of his chief ministers, some of whom were banished or executed when they fell out of his favour. Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Moore, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cramer all figured prominently in his government and were all dispatched. (and it wasn’t that he had a problem with anyone called Thomas) as many more were treated in the same manner.
On the 24th January 1536, at the age of 44, the dashing Henry was involved in an accident at Greenwich Palace. During a joust, Henry, in full armour fell from his horse, the horse to, in full battle armour then rolled onto the king. He was unconscious for two hours and some thought his injuries fatal.
What is certain is from that moment on the king was not the same man, his health deteriorated and his weight ballooned.
Henry is best known for his six marriages, and his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. His disagreement with Pope Clement VII about such an annulment led Henry to initiate the English Reformation, separating the Church of England from the authority of Rome and the Pope.
He appointed himself Supreme Head of the Church of England and dissolved convents and monasteries, for which he was excommunicated.
As a king his reign is a difficult one to appraise. In his early years he did much good, strengthening the Navy and building many ships, including his famous flagship ‘The Mary Rose’, which ultimately defended England from invasion. But, in his later years, he became tyrannical monarch, plagued with ill health and paranoia.
He died on the 28th January 1547.
Our sister site, Educational Musicals, have publishd a fabulous musical just click on HENRY VIII – The Break With Rome to download it.
It is a fantastic show created especially for children, with an exciting and fun script and 12 amazing songs. You can download it at where you can read two pages of script and listen to excerpts from two songs.
Isn’t History Fun?
10 questions to discuss:
- What was Henry VIII known for?
- When did Henry VIII become king?
- What was the name of Henry VIII’s first wife?
- Why did Henry VIII separate the Church of England from the Catholic Church?
- What was the name of Henry VIII’s flagship?
- How did Henry VIII die?
- What were some of the negative aspects of Henry VIII’s reign?
- What were some of the positive aspects of Henry VIII’s reign?
- Who were some of Henry VIII’s advisors?
- What was the significance of Henry VIII’s accident in 1536?
To learn more about Henry VIII go to:
© Anthony James