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Full name: Henry VIII
Born: 28th June 1491
Place of Birth: Greenwich Palace,
Greenwich
Ascended to the throne: 21st April 1509, aged
17 years
Crowned: 24th June 1509, at Westminster
Abbey
Reign: 37 years
Died: 28th January 1547
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Henry was born on 28th June 1491, to Henry VII.
He became heir to the English throne in 1502 after the death of
his elder brother, and became king in 1509.
Henry relied on Thomas Wolsey during his early years, and gave
Wolsey the highest position in government.
Henry VIII is one of the best known Tudor rulers, and is often
remembered for his obsession with securing a male heir to the
throne.
From six marriages, Henry only produced three children; Edward,
Mary, and Elizabeth.
His first marriage, to Catherine of Aragon, his brother's widow,
produced only one child, Mary (who would later take the throne).
The marriage was later annulled, and Mary declared
illegitimate.
In 1533, Henry was excommunicated because he married Anne Boleyn
in a secret ceremony. Anne only gave him another girl,
Elizabeth.
His third marriage to Jane Seymour, finally produced him a male
heir, Edward, in 1537.
Henry was also known as 'father of the Royal Navy' because
during his reign the number of Royal Warships substantially
increased.
Henry's father left him a fortune when he died, but in Henrys
bid to appear all powerful he wasted money on fruitless campaigns
during his later years.
Henry VIII died on 28th January 1547, and was buried next to
Jane Seymour, the only woman to bear him a son.