The Wounded King: Henry VIII's Ulcerated Leg

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.