Henry VIII: Reign, Reformation, and Marriages

Study Notes

Henry VIII reigned as King of England from April 22, 1509, to January 28, 1547.
Additionally, he held the title of Lord/King of Ireland.
He was born on June 28, 1491, at the Palace of Placentia in Greenwich, England.
Henry VIII died on January 28, 1547, at the Palace of Whitehall, Westminster, England, at the age of 55.
He was buried on February 16, 1547, in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire.
Henry VIII succeeded Henry VII and was followed by Edward VI.
He was a member of the Tudor dynasty.
His parents were Henry VII of England and Elizabeth of York.
Henry VIII is famous for his six marriages and his quest to annul his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
His conflict with Pope Clement VII regarding the annulment led to the English Reformation.
This resulted in the separation of the Church of England from papal authority.
Henry declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
He dissolved convents and monasteries, leading to his excommunication by the Pope.
His actions brought radical changes to England's constitution, expanding royal power.
He introduced the theory of the divine right of kings, opposing papal supremacy.
Henry VIII used charges of treason and heresy to suppress dissent.
Accused individuals were often executed without formal trials through bills of attainder.
He relied on chief ministers like Thomas Wolsey, Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer.
Some of these ministers were later banished or executed.
Henry VIII was known for extravagant spending, utilizing proceeds from the dissolution of monasteries.
He also used funds from acts of the Reformation Parliament.
He redirected money from Rome into royal revenue.
Despite these revenues, Henry often faced financial difficulties.