2. Key Facts
• Henry VIII was born in 1491 to King Henry
VII and his wife Elizabeth of York.
• Henry VIII was the second son and so
second in line to the throne behind his
brother Arthur. Arthur died before his father
and this is why Henry VIII was made King.
• Henry VIII came to the throne in 1509.
• Henry VIII died in 1547.
• He reigned for 38 years.
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3. Henry VIII Hobbies
• Henry enjoyed music. He played the
recorder, harp and the virginal (a small
piano). It is believed that he wrote the
music, Greensleeves.
• Henry liked to hunt, wrestle and joust. It is
believed that he would wear a disguise
when jousting but did forget once.
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4. Henry VIII at War
• Henry ruled over England, Wales and part of
Ireland and France. He wanted to rule the
whole of France and also Scotland so he
went to war. He attacked France in 1513 and
Scotland in 1530.
• Henry had many war ships and a big army
and navy but he did not defeat France or
Scotland.
• Henry’s war ship The Mary Rose, armed with
900 guns and over 500 men sunk after
leaving for battle. All the men were killed and
the ship lay buried at the bottom of the sea
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5. Henry’s 6 Wives
• Catherine of Aragon, who had been married to his brother, Arthur,
before his death. They had one child Mary together. Henry wanted a
son and Catherine was unable to have more children and so he
divorced her.
• Anne Boleyn, was a lady in waiting to the Queen and Henry took her
as his mistress and later his wife. He hoped that she would be able
to give him a son but she did not. They had one daughter, Elizabeth.
Henry accused Anne of adultery and had her beheaded.
• Jane Seymour was also a lady in waiting and she and Henry were
married two weeks after Anne Boleyn was executed. They had a son
together, Edward. However, shortly afterwards Jane died.
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6. Henry’s 6 Wives
• Anne of Cleves was a German Princess and Henry felt forced
into marrying her so that an alliance was formed between the
two countries. He divorced her after 6 months.
• Catherine Howard was a lady in waiting to the Queen. Henry
liked her and married her shortly after his divorce. She was
beheaded after Henry accused her of treason.
• Catherine Parr married Henry when he was unwell and she
acted more like his nurse rather than a wife. She outlived
Henry.
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8. Henry VIII’s Death
• Henry was very ill in his last years. He was
very fat and had to be carried up and
down stairs by a hoist or by his servants.
He suffered from headaches, small pox
and ulcers in his legs.
• Henry was 56 years old when he died in
1547.
• Henry’s son, Edward VI, succeeded him
as King.
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