Henry VIII: man or monster? VICTORIA HOWARD INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS – 11TH AUGUST 2017
Henry’s hildhood
• Born 1491 at Palace of Placentia, Greenwich • Third child and second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York • Studied Latin, French, Italian, scripture, music; he was good at sports, but was probably destined for the church • Da gerousl i dulged spare – whipping boy • In 1502, he became heir apparent aged 10 Life as heir apparent
• Eras us des ri ed hi as a ge ius • Papal dispensation given for betrothal to Katherine in 1503; he refused her • Already showed traits of wilfulness, tenacity and righteousness – a stickler for the rules • Father kept him away from any duties for protection as the only male heir
Accession to the throne
• Henry took the throne at 17 in 1509 • Quickly decided to marry Katherine of Aragon - announced it was his father s d i g wish • Demonstrated himself to be moral and fair, but little interest in governance • Tall, good looking, charming and athletic – antithesis of his father: