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Henry VIII: A Tyrant, a Reformer, or Both?

Holden Bell

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Published in Henry VIII (Routledge Historical Biographies)

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Henry VIII was one of the most complex and fascinating monarchs in English history. He was a ruthless tyrant who had six wives executed, but he was also a devout Catholic who reformed the English Church. This biography explores the many contradictions of Henry VIII and provides a balanced assessment of his character and reign.

Henry VIII (Routledge Historical Biographies)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Early Life and Accession

Henry VIII was born on June 28, 1491, at Greenwich Palace. He was the third of four children born to King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Henry was a sickly child, but he survived to become a strong and athletic young man. He was educated by the best tutors available, and he became fluent in several languages. In 1509, Henry's older brother, Arthur, died suddenly, and Henry became heir to the throne. He succeeded his father as king in 1509 at the age of 17.

Reign

Henry VIII's reign was marked by both great achievements and great failures. He was a successful military leader who won several wars against France and Scotland. He also reformed the English Church, breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church and establishing the Church of England. However, Henry was also a ruthless tyrant who had six wives executed. His personal life was a source of great scandal, and he became increasingly paranoid and unstable in his later years.

The Six Wives

Henry VIII's six wives were Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. Catherine of Aragon was Henry's first wife, and they were married for 24 years. However, Henry divorced Catherine in 1533 so that he could marry Anne Boleyn. Anne was executed for treason in 1536, and Henry married Jane Seymour. Jane died in childbirth in 1537, and Henry married Anne of Cleves. Henry divorced Anne of Cleves in 1540 and married Catherine Howard. Catherine was executed for treason in 1542, and Henry married Catherine Parr. Catherine survived Henry and outlived him by several years.

The Reformation

Henry VIII's break with the Roman Catholic Church was one of the most significant events in English history. Henry had been a devout Catholic, but he became increasingly disillusioned with the Church after his divorce from Catherine of Aragon. In 1534, Henry passed the Act of Supremacy, which declared the English monarch to be the supreme head of the Church of England. This act broke the English Church away from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England as an independent church.

Later Years and Death

Henry VIII's later years were marked by paranoia and instability. He became increasingly suspicious of his courtiers, and he had several of them executed. Henry also became increasingly obese and unhealthy. He died on January 28, 1547, at the age of 55. He was succeeded by his son, Edward VI.

Legacy

Henry VIII was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a ruthless tyrant and a devout Catholic, a military leader and a reformer. His legacy is a mixed one, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most significant monarchs in English history.

Henry VIII was a fascinating and complex monarch. He was a ruthless tyrant who had six wives executed, but he was also a devout Catholic who reformed the English Church. This biography has explored the many contradictions of Henry VIII and provided a balanced assessment of his character and reign.

Henry VIII (Routledge Historical Biographies)

4.4 out of 5