In history, some figures create impacts on their respective societies that develop because of their efforts. From charisma, assurance, and persistence, a true leader rises and becomes celebrated.
Here, the life of King Henry VIII: A Tudor Dynasty paragon gains the spotlight into becoming recognized!
Early Life
On a summer’s day on the twenty-eight of June fourteen ninety-one, Henry Tudor arrives in the world. Taking place at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, Kent, he becomes the third child of Elizabeth York/Henry VII.
Interestingly, out of all his seven siblings, only three survive adulthood. In the year fourteen ninety-three, the young prince found himself experiencing a degree of power that was yet to come.
To illustrate, two-year-old Henry became appointed with the titles “Constable of Dover Castle” and “Lord Warden of Cinque Ports”. Moreover, as years passed, he continued to experience more official titles bestowed upon himself.
While this may appear rather odd for an extremely young child, this served the purpose of his father to retain influence. Apart from this, the young prince’s entire aspects of early life remain obscure apart from these titles gifted to him.
In sum, this marked the beginning of a series of events that would create a lasting mark in England’s history.
Unexpected Rise to the Tudor Dynasty Throne
Furthermore, young Henry VIII’s life became filled with great care and elegance. For example, he takes part in receiving a top-rated education from the best tutors in the land.
Additionally, from this experience, he learns how to communicate fluently in French, Latin, and Italian on an intermediate level. Even though the prince receives a good start in his early years, he does not become expected to be king.
One can see this example in November 1501 when he supports his elder brother Arthur’s marriage to Spain’s Catherine (Aragon). Moreover, prince Henry implemented his father’s Coat of arms design in this event to properly represent his family’s heritage.
With an official union made between the kingdoms of Spain and England, the countries can find mutual peace politically. Although Arthur became set to rule the English throne next, he sadly succumbs to the “Sweating sickness” at age fifteen.
In short, the young prince suddenly found himself inheriting the role of a king after this tragic turn of events.
Catherine of Aragon
Additionally, arrives the purpose of Catherine of Aragon with the Tudor Dynasty. Catalina (Catherine) of Aragon became known as the youngest child of Spain‘s power couple Ferdinand II and Isabella I.
While her initial role was to marry Arthur Tudor and ensure a line of succession for both kingdoms, this idea plunged. To illustrate, for some time after Arthur’s death, the widowed princess stayed in England on her family’s wishes to succeed.
On the twenty-first of April in 1509, Henry VII dies and leaves the official throne to his seventeen-year-old son. With this at hand, Henry VIII decides to take Catherine as his wife and they marry in June of the same year.
In time, the princess struggled to provide a stable heir to the English royal house as there came early fatalities. However, by 1516, she gave birth to a girl named Mary that survived into adulthood.
Even though things went well, for the most part, Catherine and the king’s marriage became annulled in 1533. In brief, a new chapter began to commence for the English throne.
Further Detail on the Spanish Princess
While Catherine became separated from her former husband, she gained a legacy in English history. For example, she gains celebration and recognition for being the earliest known European female ambassador to represent her country abroad.
Aside from this, she also survived Henry’s erratic and notorious reign of beheadings to his future wives. In her later days, Catherine lived in Kimbolton Castle until she succumbed to cancer in 1536.
Moreover, her reputation remains positive and admirable in English history as there came a great period of mourning in her death. In essence, she becomes the most esteemed wife of King Henry VIII and creates a lasting impression in Tudor history.
Reign of a King
Next, King Henry VIII’s thirty-eight-year reign becomes known for his mainly personal and political manners that set the country astonished. One example can be his disagreement with Pope Clement VII where this figure refused to annul his first marriage.
With this at hand, the events of the English Reformation commenced which served the purpose to separate religious influence and power. Furthermore, England’s church became separated from this dominant influence in the main continent of Europe.
Another aspect that gained praise for the Tudor Dynasty’s paragon is his becoming known as “The Father of Royal Navy”. With great investments put into this element, England’s navy size grew which created the official “Navy Board”.
Aside from this, he also changes the face of the English Constitution which results in him exercising additional royal power. While these events in the King’s reign shape the nation, there comes the last facet of his six unstable marriages.
Altogether, the Tudor Dynasty’s most notorious member’s life becomes highlighted.
Romantic Relationships/Infidelities
Apart from innocent beginnings and further develop the nation of England, comes the infamous romantic relationships/infidelities of King Henry Tudor. During his rule, the King became recognized as promiscuous as he had many lovers both known and obscure.
For example, his mistress Elizabeth Blount of three years provided an illegitimate heir Henry FitzRoy in 1519. Besides this instance, there are also the accounts of Henry becoming involved with either Elizabeth or Anne Hastings.
Moreover, as he was fronted with the constant disappointment of having his heirs die prematurely, he finds solace in affairs. Indeed, this caused a large portion of damage to his first marriage as these events coincided.
While these known figures in the king’s reign become recognized as mistresses, there are believed to be many more. For this reason, his officially recognized future relationships fail in a domino-like cycle.
In summary, Henry VIII’s carnal weakness plays a large role in his eventual downfall.
Anne Boleyn
Moreover, comes the case of Anne Boleyn’s role in the Tudor Dynasty’s house. In the year 1532, King Henry gains the approval of the French King to support his new marriage after divorce.
Soon after, he and Anne Boleyn marry and she becomes pregnant quickly. Although this seems like a fast-moving relationship, the King and Anne have known each other for some time.
To illustrate, during the dark patches of his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry confided in Anne. Furthermore, their controversial time spent resulted in his long-time pursuit of keeping her as his next bride.
Back to their marriage, Anne and the King give birth to a daughter named Elizabeth. While their marriage experienced a brief era of calmness, there came many issues that overlapped.
For example, Anne did not fit the role of the ideal queen as she became too opinionated and created more enemies. Apart from this, further issues to providing a male heir created a divide.
Overall, Anne’s role in this royal house played a large part, at the beginning, which also ignited the English Reformation.
Beheadings of King Henry VIII Wives
After a second marriage was destroyed because of failure to successfully provide a male heir, Henry VIII ends his union. While this topic remains open-ended and debated throughout time, instances of witchcraft, adultery, and conspiracy run rampant.
This causes the Tudor king to order the execution of his second wife and those closest to her. For example, during the spring of 1536, five men including Annes Brother become condemned to death.
Furthermore, with another marriage annulled, Anne Boleyn finds herself beheaded in Tower Green during this same period. Four marriages later, things take a dark turn as (Fifth Wife) Catherine Howard becomes the next queen to become beheaded.
Interestingly, the rest of Henry’s marriages either end in tragedy or they are simply not compatible. This aspect of the reign of the King brings extra notoriety in history because of his violent and erratic ways.
In essence, this serves as a dark era of the Tudor Dynasty’s history.
Law of Wales Act 1535
Besides the dark aspects of Henry VIII’s reign, there comes a brighter period. For example, he becomes responsible for passing the Law of Wales Act in 1535 which sought to unify kingdoms.
Indeed, Wales and England became bonded under the reign of the Tudor Dynasty. Moreover, the purpose of this event was to create a single state of jurisdiction.
Meaning that the king can exercise his power freely in the area without limitations. With this at hand, many can now find remnants of this royal house’s influence in historical buildings.
As shown above, this serves as another great accomplishment the king performed in his time spent ruling.
Tudor King’s Artistic Success
Moreover, in the public eye, the Tudor king found prominence in the arts. For example, he gains praise and admiration for creating a vast number of musical and literary works.
One of his most famous musical pieces is “Pastime with Good Company”. Interestingly, the king also earns praise for being proficient in playing the organ and lute.
Furthermore, he also gained underrated attention for his renowned singing abilities. Apart from this, he also took part in annotating many books in addition to publishing one.
Another detail of his intellectual pursuits was becoming part of establishing the buildings such as Cambridge and King College’s Chapel. Indeed, Henry gains recognition for also being one of the first kings to possess a contemporary humanist education.
In short, this represents a compelling side and contribution to the charisma the king implemented in history.
Jousting Accident and Decline of Health
Near the later years of King Henry’s reign, he finds himself in a life-changing event. For example, as an athletic man in active sports, he eventually becomes hurt in a jousting match in 1536.
At first, appearing to be a small scratch, ends up becoming a life-long health challenge to overcome. After this event, the Tudor King does not partake in his former active lifestyle which makes him obese in time.
Moreover, his body got covered with painful boils and gout. This condition caused him to require mechanical assistance to maneuver physically.
Interestingly, with recent studies conducted, he is believed to have suffered from McLeod syndrome as this affects miscarriages in pregnancies. While his physical health was falling, so did his mental side as erratic mood swings follow.
Sadly, by the winter of 1547, King Henry VIII succumbs to his deteriorating health issues at age fifty-five. In turn, this marked the end of a wonderful era in England.
Final Thoughts of King Henry VIII
Finally, comes a final reflection of the royal paragon in England. While the king had three surviving heirs, the throne officially goes to his son Edward VI from Jane Seymour.
For the most part, Henry VIII’s reign brought a new light to the English throne. He becomes celebrated in history for being the most influential, charismatic, and famous Tudor kings of the royal house.
As seen above, his reign has phased through a wheel of emotions and events that have shaped him well. Without a doubt, he earns recognition for his accomplishments and for successfully providing an artistic example for future rulers.
All in all, the Tudor Dynasty continues to shine through the ages with prestige and respect.
Significance of the Tudor Dynasty
In conclusion, from charisma, assurance, and persistence, a true leader has risen in English history. King Henry VIII serves as a prime image to royalty because he proves everyone wrong despite being human.
For the most part, an era of intellectual pursuits, arts, literature, and sports proceed to develop because of him. With this said, England has come a long way from establishing its first reign with William the Conquer.
While William catalyzes a modern nation to becoming recognized, Henry VIII plays a pivotal to developing culture. For this reason, the Tudor Dynasty earns praise and celebration.
Works Cited:
MacLeod, Kevin. Angevin. 2016
Bull, John Melancholy Pavan. 1995
Bull, John Chromatic Pavan. 1995
Jonathan Rhys Meyers | The Tudors Wiki | Fandom
McLeod neuroacanthocytosis syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics
Catherine of Aragon – Children, & Queen – Biography
Anne Boleyn – Children, Death & Tudors – Biography
Family tree of the British royal family – Wikipedia
