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King Henry VIII of England

By Melissa Snell, About.com

Portrait of Henry at about age 40

Portrait of Henry at about age 40 by Joos van Cleeve.

Public Domain
This profile of Henry VIII is part of
Who's Who in Medieval History

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Henry VIII was also known as:

Prince Hal

Henry VIII was noted for:

Setting off the English Reformation in his all-consuming pursuit of a male heir. He had six wives, two of whom he had executed. Henry also wrote poetry and composed music, and was considered an excellent sportsman until ill health slowed him down.

Occupations:

    King
    Military Leader

Places of Residence and Influence:

    England

Important Dates:

    Born: June 28, 1491
    Married Catherine of Aragon: June 11, 1509
    Proclaimed King: April 23, 1509
    Crowned: June 24, 1509
    Cloth of Gold Meeting Ends: June 24, 1520
    Married Anne Boleyn: Jan. 25, 1533
    Died: Jan. 28, 1547

Wives:


(In chronological order)
    Catherine of Aragon
    Anne Boleyn
    Jane Seymour
    Anne of Cleves
    Catherine Howard
    Catherine Parr

Legitimate Children:

(In order of birth)
    Queen Mary
    Queen Elizabeth I
    King Edward VI

About Henry VIII:

Henry's larger-than-life image is enhanced by his key position in the English Reformation, his stubbornness, his impetuosity and his numerous marriages, all of which make for high drama. He was a sportsman, a devout Christian, something of an intellectual and the embodiment of the high-handed aristocrat. As king, he made strides toward improving the government, the navy, and social reform. He meticulously followed the law, except when his temper led him to execute individuals who'd become a problem. Not a great leader, he is nevertheless a great character in history.For more about Henry, visit The Tudor Dynasty: A History in Portraits.

More Henry VIII Resources:

The Tudor Dynasty: A History in Portraits
Encyclopedia Article about Henry VIII
Henry VIII in Print
Henry VIII on the Web

Henry VIII on Video

The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at merchants across the web. More in-depth info about the film may be found by clicking on to the video's page at one of the online merchants.

    Anne of the Thousand Days
    Intense drama covers Anne's romance, marriage and downfall. Geneviève Bujold is quite effective as Anne, and Richard Burton is a powerful Henry. Nominated for ten Academy Awards®.

    The Private Life of Henry VIII
    This 1933 film begins with the execution of Anne Boleyn and focuses on Henry's domestic affairs. Charles Laughton won an Academy Award® for his performance as Henry.


Medieval & Renaissance Monarchs of England
Medieval Britain
The Reformation


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