Henry VIII: The Lion of England

A King of power, passion, and profound change.

Portrait of Henry VIII

Henry VIII (1491-1547) was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was the second Tudor monarch, succeeding his father, Henry VII. Henry VIII was a significant figure in English history, known for his six marriages, his role in the English Reformation, and his powerful reign that reshaped the nation's religious and political landscape.

Early Life and Reign

Born the second son of Henry VII, Henry was not initially destined for the throne. However, upon the death of his elder brother Arthur in 1502, Henry became heir apparent. He ascended to the throne at the age of 17, inheriting a prosperous kingdom and a treasury well-filled by his father. His early reign was marked by a jovial personality, a keen interest in theology and music, and a desire for military glory, though his campaigns in France yielded little lasting success.

The English Reformation

Henry VIII's most enduring legacy is his role in the English Reformation. His fervent desire for a male heir, coupled with his infatuation with Anne Boleyn, led him to seek an annulment from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. When Pope Clement VII refused to grant it, Henry, with the support of his chief minister Thomas Cromwell, took drastic action. The Act of Supremacy in 1534 declared the King the Supreme Head of the Church of England, severing ties with the Roman Catholic Church. This monumental decision had profound and lasting consequences for England's religious identity, culture, and its relationship with continental Europe.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Henry VIII's marital life is perhaps his most famous, or infamous, aspect. His quest for an annulment and a male heir led him through six marriages:

Name Married Divorced/Annulled Died Children (Surviving) Fate
Catherine of Aragon 1509 Annulled (1533) 1536 Mary I Died of natural causes, estranged from court.
Anne Boleyn 1533 Executed (1536) 1536 Elizabeth I Beheaded on charges of treason, adultery, and incest.
Jane Seymour 1536 N/A 1537 Edward VI Died shortly after childbirth.
Anne of Cleves 1540 Annulled (1540) 1557 None Agreed to annulment and lived out her days as the King's "sister".
Catherine Howard 1540 Executed (1542) 1542 None Beheaded for adultery.
Catherine Parr 1543 N/A 1548 None (stepmother to Henry's children) Survived Henry; remarried after his death.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Henry VIII became increasingly obese, ill, and tyrannical. His reign was marked by paranoia, political intrigue, and the dissolution of monasteries, which brought vast wealth to the Crown but also destroyed much of England's monastic heritage. Despite his tumultuous personal life and increasingly autocratic rule, Henry VIII left an indelible mark on England, establishing a distinct national church and consolidating royal power. His reign set the stage for the golden age of his daughter, Elizabeth I.

Key Events of Henry VIII's Reign:

  • 1509

    Accession to the Throne

    Becomes King of England at 17.

  • 1513

    Battle of the Spurs

    Brief military campaign in France.

  • 1521

    Defence of the Seven Sacraments

    Earns the title "Defender of the Faith" from Pope Leo X.

  • 1527

    Seeks Annulment

    Begins efforts to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

  • 1533

    Act of Supremacy

    Declares the King the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

  • 1536

    Dissolution of the Monasteries Begins

    Seizure of monastic lands and wealth by the Crown.

  • 1536 & 1542

    Executions of Wives

    Anne Boleyn (1536) and Catherine Howard (1542) are executed.

  • 1547

    Death

    Henry VIII dies, succeeded by his son, Edward VI.