When was henry viii born

How old was henry the 8th when he died

He famously married a series of six wives in his search for political alliance, marital bliss and a healthy male heir. His desire to annul his first marriage without papal approval led to the creation of a separate Church of England. While his older brother Arthur was being prepared for the throne, Henry was steered toward a church career, with a broad education in theology, music, languages, poetry and sports.

Did you know? As a young man, Henry displayed an admirable degree of intellectual curiosity, religious devotion and athletic achievement. He is extremely fond of hunting, and never takes that diversion without tiring eight or ten horses He is also fond of tennis.

Henry viii spouse

In November of , the teenage couple were married. Months later, however, Arthur died of a sudden illness. Over the next 15 years, while Henry fought three wars with France, Catherine bore him three sons and three daughters, all but one of whom died in infancy. The sole survivor was Mary later Mary I , born in Henry was an active king ruling over a prosperous realm in those years, and a leader in the English Renaissance.

He lorded over a festive court while hunting, jousting, writing and playing music. He made a significant investment in the Royal Navy , increasing its size from a mere 5 ships up to But the lack of a male heir—especially after he fathered a healthy illegitimate son, Henry FitzRoy, in —gnawed at the young king.