Henry VIII's Leg Ulcer: The King's Painful Affliction Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What accident caused King Henry VIII to suffer from horrible leg ulcers?

jousting accident in 1536

How many people did Henry VIII execute during his reign?

over 57,000 people

What issue led to the fracture of the Catholic Church and a Broadway musical?

Henry's revolving door of wives

What was the 'King's Great Matter'?

The issue of Henry's wife Catherine of Aragon not being able to give him a son Signup and view all the answers

How was Henry VIII perceived as a young king?

Highly regarded Signup and view all the answers

Why did Henry VIII's behavior change?

When he became convinced his wife, Catherine of Aragon, wouldn't be able to give him a son Signup and view all the answers

What is King Henry VIII known as in history?

One of history's most infamous kings Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Henry's behavior over a decade?

His body was ravaged Signup and view all the answers

Why did Henry's clothing choices contribute to his health problems?

Tight garters around his calves led to blood clots, varicose veins, and thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary causes of Henry's leg ulcers?

The many fractures he sustained during a jousting accident Signup and view all the answers

What was the theory that emerged about Henry's severe ulcers, but was later rejected by historians?

That he had syphilis Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry's doctors attempt to manage his pain from the leg ulcers?

By cauterizing the ulcers with burning hot irons Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of discussing Henry's leg ulcers during his reign?

It could have been a death sentence Signup and view all the answers

What led to Anne Boleyn's miscarriage, which ultimately sealed her fate?

The shock of Henry's injury and the worry that he would likely not make it out alive after the jousting accident. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Henry's jousting accident in 1536?

He suffered multiple fractures in his legs and developed excruciating ulcers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the alleged attempt to overthrow Henry VII that led to the execution of Henry Courtenay and Henry Pole?

The Exeter Conspiracy Signup and view all the answers

How did Henry's behavior change after the accident and development of leg ulcers?

He became worse, and his personality changed for the worse. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Jane Seymour, Henry's third wife?

She gave Henry a son but perished during complications from birth. Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to Henry's significant weight gain later in life?

His inability to exercise due to leg ulcers and his subsequent indulgence in eating and drinking. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Ordinances of Eltham, and what did it entail?

It was a description of Henry's daily food expectations, which included large quantities of food and drink. Signup and view all the answers

What did Henry reveal to Thomas Howard, Third Duke of Norfolk, in a private letter?

He confided that he had a 'humor' in his legs and was advised not to exert himself in the heat of the day. Signup and view all the answers

What event is believed to have inspired the would-be coup against Henry VIII?

Henry's admonishing of the Catholic Church and seizure of the Church of England's power Signup and view all the answers

What did the two men discuss that led to their beheading?

The king's health, specifically his sore leg and predicted short lifespan Signup and view all the answers

How many calories did King Henry VIII consume daily?

Roughly 5,000 calories Signup and view all the answers

What did the royal court joke about regarding Henry's behavior?

That he was often of a different opinion in the morning than after dinner Signup and view all the answers

What are the high risks associated with Henry's extreme overeating?

Obesity, diabetes, and hypertension Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory about Henry's health problems and their impact on his leg ulcers?

That they may have worsened his leg ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What was the cause of King Henry VIII's death?

Renal failure Signup and view all the answers

What did the French physician say about the nobles in England?

That you will not meet with any great nobles whose relations have not had their heads cut off. Signup and view all the answers

What was the king's response to his doctors' advice to cut back on eating and drinking?

He adamantly refused Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

King Henry VIII's Annulment and Accident

Henry VIII fell in love with Anne Boleyn and declared his marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled, which led to a series of conflicts with Catholicism and key figures like Pope Clement VII, Martin Luther, and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, finally ruled in favor of the annulment in 1533.

The Jousting Accident

In 1536, Henry VIII participated in a jousting tournament, where he fell off his horse and was trampled by it, knocking him unconscious.
Anne Boleyn, who was pregnant at the time, saw the whole incident and may have suffered a miscarriage as a result of the shock.

Henry's Health Problems

Henry VIII suffered multiple fractures in his legs from the accident and developed excruciating ulcers all over his legs.
The doctors tried to treat the wounds, but their medical knowledge was limited, and the king's condition worsened over time.
The ulcers led to a change in Henry's personality, and those close to him began referring to 1536 as his "annus horribilis" (horrible year).

The Consequences of Henry's Accident

Six months after the accident, Henry ordered the execution of Anne Boleyn, citing treason and incest.
He then married Jane Seymour, who gave him a son but died shortly after childbirth.
Henry's health continued to deteriorate, and he started to gain weight, which led to other health problems.

Henry's Eating Habits

Henry VIII developed a habit of overeating and drinking, which worsened his health problems.
He wrote the Ordinances of Eltham, which listed his daily food requirements, including around 20 gallons of beer and wine, and a wide range of edible birds and dairy products.
His eating habits were likely inspired by his health problems and his inability to exercise due to his leg ulcers.

Henry's Leg Ulcers and Health Problems

Historians believe that Henry's leg ulcers may have contributed to his diabetes and hypertension, as well as his vascular disease.
The ulcers made it difficult for him to walk, and he eventually became unable to lift himself, requiring a hoist to be lifted onto his horse.
Henry's final suit of armor showed he weighed over 300 pounds and had a 52-inch waistline.

Henry's Clothing Choices

Henry's clothing choices, including tight garters around his calves, may have contributed to his leg problems.
The tight garters could have led to blood clots, varicose veins, and thrombosis.

Theories About Henry's Health

Some historians have suggested that Henry VIII may have had syphilis, but this theory is generally rejected by modern historians.
There is no record of Henry receiving mercury treatments or being out of the public eye for a long period, and none of his wives showed symptoms of the disease.

Pain Management

Henry's doctors used cauterization to treat his ulcers, which involved burning hot irons to sear the pain away.
The treatment was not effective, and the king's condition only worsened over time.

Death Sentence

Discussing Henry's leg ulcers or health problems during his reign was a dangerous topic, as it could have been seen as a sign of weakness.
Henry was known to behead nobles, wives, and subjects who were perceived as a threat to his power.

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Explore the lesser-known story of King Henry VIII's leg ulcers and their possible impact on his notorious behavior. Take this quiz to discover the surprising facts about the infamous king's painful decade. From jousting accidents to coffee table etiquette, test your knowledge of Henry VIII's troubled times.

The Wounded King: Henry VIII's Ulcerated Leg

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