Henry VIII

    

     Henry VII ruled England for almost four decades. His reign began in 1509 and ended with his death in 1547. This period was one of the most colorful in British history, in a large part due to Henry's matrimonial adventure. In addition, a great deal of religious, political and social change occurred during this time. 

    Henry VIII was a true Renaissance prince. He was intelligent, handsome, artistic, adventurous, athletic and devoted to learning. He also wanted absolute power. He was a complex man, ruled by his conscience, which he conveniently flexed to suit his needs. Henry's reign saw relative stability and prosperity. Henry's ministers guided the country through the dangerous web of European politics. With the exception of Scotland, England was never invaded by an outside force during Henry VIII's rule. 

    Unlike his father, Henry VIII enjoyed immense popularity with his subjects.  The English people had always loved glamorous, outgoing larger-than-life characters, and preferred  a ruler with those attributes that they could look up to and admire. Henry fit the bill to a tee. He created a brilliant, exciting Court. He loved elaborate tournaments and athletic competitions, and strove hard to win. To support his lifestyle, Henry depleted most of his fatjer's treasury. However, he made up for his lavish spending be confiscating the immense wealth of various English religious houses, in the name of religious reform. 

    Henry was an enthusiastic patron of the arts, and became an accomplished musician and songwriter. He loved to dance, and was very fond of pageants and theatrics. He particularly like to dress up in disguise and "surprise" people by pretending to be someone else. Masquerades became very popular in King henry's time. 

    One of the major driving forces of Henry VIII's rule was the desire for a son to succeed him. This  obsession was to play a major role in the history of the world, and was largely responsible for Henry's marriages to a multitude of wives. It was not until the third marriage that Henry's dream of a son and heir came true.