THE HENRY VIII PAGE

Henry VIII has been a subject of interest and study for centuries. One of Britain's most powerful rulers, he came to the throne at eighteen and left it at fifty-six. He married six times and left three children, only one of whom was considered his legitimate heir at the time of Henry's death.

Henry VIII has worn many faces since he came to the throne in 1509.

Bluff King Hal. The Defender of the Faith. Lecher. Despot.
Poet. Musician. Theologian. Insane. Ruthless.
One of the authors of the Reformation. Statesman. Murderer.
Diabetic. Suffering from terminal syphilis.
Glutton. Athlete. Boy King.
Vicious Oppressor of Protestants and Catholics alike.
Composer. Writer. Lover.

Which mask reveals the real Henry?

Short of getting into a time machine, it is impossible to tell, of course. Even during his reign, Henry presented many different faces to many different people. Ambassadors to his court were puzzled by him, finding him mercurial of mood. It might be useful to remember that it is nearly impossible to view a historical figure without filtering him through the mores and values of our own time. Though many of Henry's actions seem brutal and repulsive to us now, it should be remembered that he lived in a time when rulers were absolute, and a bear baiting or execution involving drawing and quartering was considered an afternoon's entertainment for the average Englishman.

More about Henry VIII and his six wives.

Frequently asked questions about Henry VIII

Henry VIII Links

Some advice (and a lecture) for those of you doing research, homework, whatever.

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Unfortunately, I have received so many requests that I do other people's research for them, and even to write their research papers for them, that I have been forced to remove the guestbook and my email address from the website. Please use my Henry VIII Links Page to go to other sites that are more definitive and complete than this one, and the best of luck with your research.