To examine Henry VIII and The English Reformation.

Today’s lesson Today we are going to learn about Henry VIII. We will find out what kind of a man he was, and how he liked other people to see him. We will examine how his decisions changed the face of religion in England. We will use a range of sources in our investigation. Remember to think about how reliable these sources are, and how we could check their accuracy.

Henry as a young man

Skills and Talents Henry was England’s most tireless horseman, foremost wrestler and a first class archer. Written by a historian in 1999 He is very talented: a good musician who composes well. He speaks good French, Latin and Spanish. He is fond of hunting, and never takes his sport without tiring eight or ten horses. Written by a close friend of Henry VIII

Religion Henry is very religious. He hears three masses daily when he hunts and sometimes five on other days. Written by a close friend of Henry VIII

Appearance He wore a cap of crimson and velvet the French way. The brim was tied with loops that had gold tags. Around his neck was a gold collar from which hung a diamond, the size of the largest walnut I have ever seen. From this hung a beautiful and very round pearl. His cloak was of pure velvet with a train almost six feet long. Written by a visitor to Henry VIII’s court.

Henry’s armour in 1515 Henry’s armour in 1540

Old age Henry VIII was so fat that three men had to haul him out of bed in the morning. His legs had oozing scabs on them. He was almost bald. Written by a historian in 2005

How would you describe Henry VIII in this portrait? Do you think he looked exactly like this in real life? What might have been exaggerated, and why?

Catherine of Aragon Catherine had been married to Henry’s brother, Arthur. She married Henry in 1509 after Arthur died. The pope gave them special permission to do this. She was daughter to the king of Spain. She had a daughter, Mary, but no sons. She was too old for more children. In 1533, Henry divorced her as he wanted a son. She died of a broken heart in 1536

Anne Boleyn Married 1533 She was young, pretty and witty She had one daughter, Elizabeth She was beheaded for being unfaithful in 1536

Jane Seymour Married 1536 (11 days after execution of Anne) She had a son, Edward, but died soon after (1537) Henry probably loved her best of all his wives

Anne of Cleves Married 1540 The marriage made a link between England and Germany Henry thought she was ugly Divorced 1540 – the same year!

Catherine Howard Married 1540 She was 20, Henry was 49 She was unfaithful Executed in 1542

Catherine Parr Married 1543 She liked family life and looked after Henry’s children She also nursed Henry as he was very unwell at this point She outlived Henry he died in 1547

Why did Henry leave the Catholic Church? It was important for Henry to have a son, as a male child would be his heir and succeed him as king. When his first marriage only resulted in the birth of a daughter, Mary, Henry wanted to divorce, Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. When the pope refused, Henry cut his links with Rome. He made himself head of the Church of England. Again, Anne only produced a daughter, Elizabeth, Anne was later accused of adultery and was beheaded. His third wife, Jane Seymour produced a son, Edward, but she died shortly after giving birth. Henry later married three more wives but had no more children.

England becomes Protestant Read page 57. Answer exercise 29 on page 67.

So what was Henry VIII really like? Based on the sources we have studied today, what words would you use to describe Henry VIII? Do you think that Henry worried about what other people thought about him? If so, why? How do you think Henry VIII would have liked to be remembered?

The Reformation in Ireland Henry's full title as king was: Henry, by the Grace of God, King of England, France and Lord of Ireland. What do you think this meant for religion in Ireland?

Use these key words to summaries the reformation in Ireland: Garret Og Fitzgerald Oath of Supremacy Silken Thomas Church of Ireland Tower of London