Henry Vlll, Tudor King

Henry Vlll, Tudor King
* Age: 18-56.
* Second son of Henry VII.
* Married Catherine of Aragon (Spanish), Anne Boleyn (English), Jane Seymore (English), Anne of Cleves (Flemish-Belgian),Catherine Howard (English), Catherine Parr (English).
* Three children
* Buried in Windsor Castle

Henry Vlll is probably the most well known of the Tudor kings. He was a very selfish personand by the end of his life everyone was afraid of him, mainly because of his ruthless behaviour toward anyone who didn't agree with him.

Henry Vlll was born at Greenwich Palace, London on 28 June1491 and was the second son of Henry Vll and Elizabeth of York (daughter of Edward lV). He became Prince of Wales and heir to the throne on the death of his elder brother, Prince Arthur, in 1502.* When did Henry become king?

He succeeded to the throne after his father's death on 21 April 1509. He was 17 years old when he became king. Henry built fine palaces, and fought wars againstFrance and Scotland.

* Appearance

Tall and thickset, with blue-grey eyes, short auburn hair and a beard. Henry Vlll was handsome in his youth, but became bloated and fat (he had a 54-inch waistwhen he was 50). He dressed lavishly, wearing a gold collar with a diamond as big as a walnut and many jewelled rings.

* Religion

Henry Vlll brought religious upheaval to England. When hebecame king, most people belonged to the Catholic Church, which was headed by the Pope, in Rome. In 1534, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church and proclaimed himself head of the Church of England. Theland and riches of the church became Henry's property and he sold off most of this land to dukes, barons and other noblemen.

* Sport / Hobbies

Henry Vlll was a great athlete in his youth.Henry threw the javelin and enjoyed hunting, archery, jousting and tennis. He spoke French, Spanish, Latin and some Italian and was a good musician. Henry played the lute and harpsichord well and...