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The Great British Collection

Henry VIII

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

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.

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