Henry VIII

Henry VIII is probably the most well known of the Tudor kings. He was a very selfish person and 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 VIII was born at Greenwich Palace, London on 28 June 1491 and was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York (daughter of Edward IV). He became Prince of Wales and heir to the throne on the death of his elder brother, Prince Arthur, in 1502.

Henry VIII 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 against France and Scotland.

Appearance

Tall and thickest, with blue-grey eyes, short auburn hair and a beard.

Henry VIII was handsome in his youth, but became bloated and fat (he had a 54-inch waist when he was 50).

He dressed lavishly, wearing a gold collar with a diamond as big as a walnut and many jewelled rings.

sport/hobbies

Henry VIII was a great athlete in his youth. Henry threw the javelin and enjoyed hunting, archery, jousting and tennis. He spoke French, Spanish, Latin, Greek and some Italian and was a good musician. Henry played the Lute, the harp and the harpsichord well and could sing from sight.

Henry's six wives

Henry had six wives. Henry divorced two of his wives (Catherine of Aragon and Anne of Cleves), he had two of his wives executed (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) and one of his wives (Jane Seymour) died shortly after childbirth. His last wife (Catherine Parr) outlived him.