Henry VIII Takes the Crown: England Transformed
Henry VIII became King of England on April 22, 1509, at age 17, following the death of his father Henry VII. He was athletic, intelligent, and popular, a stark contrast to his miserly father. His early reign was marked by lavish spending, jousting tournaments, and a genuine interest in theology that earned him the papal title "Defender of the Faith." His desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, who had failed to produce a male heir, led to the English Reformation when Pope Clement VII refused to grant the divorce. Henry broke with Rome in 1534, declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England, dissolved the monasteries, and seized their wealth. He married six times, executed two wives, and left England permanently divided between Protestant and Catholic factions.
April 22, 1509
517 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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