Henry VIII
Occupation: Royalty
Best known as: King of England who had 6 wives
Also known as: Henry Tudor
Nationality: English
Religion: Anglican
Born: June 28, 1491 in London, England
Died: January 28, 1547 in London, England
Reign: 1509-1547
Short biography:
Henry VIII was the second son of King Henry VII and became heir to the throne upon the death of his older brother. He was interested in hunting, art, music, and writing. When Henry VIII ascended the throne, England was relatively peaceful and prosperous. He increased the size of the navy, along with Spain, fought unsuccessfully against France. Henry is probably best known, however, for splitting from the Catholic Church so he could divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Because the Catholic Church does not recognize divorce, the Pope declared Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn invalid and excommunicated Henry after Anne was crowned queen. In response, Henry created the Church of England and declared himself its leader. When Anne Boleyn failed to produce a male heir, Henry had her executed for treason. His third wife, Jane Seymour, finally had a son, but she died in childbirth. Henry then married Anne of Cleves, whom he divorced, Catherine Howard, whom he executed for adultery, and Catherine Parr, who outlived him.
Wife: Catherine of Aragon (1509-1533), Anne Boleyn (1533-1536), Jane Seymour (1536-1537), Anne of Cleves (1540), Catherine Howard (1540-1542), Catherine Parr (1543-1547)
Parents: Henry VII and Elizabeth of York
Children: Mary I (born in 1516), Elizabeth I (born in 1533), Edward VI (born in 1537)
