Henry the Eighth

When it comes to European history, there are many historical facts pertaining the people and events that are always brought up in the discussion. Throughout the many different discussion factors that come up, Henry the Eighth is one that is always one for a popular debate. One thing, however, that people can bring into light about the this King's life is his love life, involving all six of his wives.

Born June 28th, 1491, Henry the Eighth was the son of Henry the Seventh and Elizabeth of York. Through his years, Henry was quickly in the royal spotlight by the age of 2 when he was made the Constable of Dover Castle and Lord Warden of Cinque Ports. Through his childhood, he was receiving the top education that any royal member of the family could receive, allowing young Henry to become fluent in French, Latin, and Spanish. It is said that Henry was preparing himself for the church life, while his older brother, Arthur was preparing himself for the throne as King. These plans changed with the death of Arthur at the age of 15, upon which, all preparation of kingly duties and preparation would then fall upon Henry. Of his first marriage, it was arranged for Henry to wed his brother's wife, Catherine of Aragon. This was the King's efforts in attempting to continue and maintain an alliance with Spain. With his marriage to Catherine of Aragon underway, there was some slight religious and political issues that arose while the marriage was underway, as Henry VII had lost interest in any alliance with Spain. Soon after Henry VII's death, Catherine of Aragon and Henry the Eighth were married and crowned King and Queen of England.

As time would go on between their marriage, Henry the Eighth would have other mistresses for his personal bedroom affairs. According to reports, there are a few misstresses accurately reported, Elizabeth Blount, and Mary Boleyn. For now, there are other speculations of other undocumented mistresses, however, it's believed that he had more than just the two. For it's said that Henry the Eighth was a man of attractive physique and personality. Women of the kingdom found him attractive whenever he would ride through the towns, or when he'd be seen on the court.

Henry's second marriage arose with the sister of Mary Boleyn, Anne Boleyn. Henry was in favor of women who were submissive to his order and personality, and Anne did not fit this description by any means. It's been said that Anne Boleyn was quite educated and intelligent for a woman of that age, and her persistent resistance of the King's advances only encouraged him further to pursue her. Finally, Anne decided that she would give the King herself upon one condition, that he make her the Queen of England. Of this notion, the King became motivated to remove Catherine of Aragon from her position as Queen, by convincing the church to grant him a divorce, which was something that was never allowed, even among the royal family. Among their marriage, Catherine produced their one daughter, Mary, but Henry the Eighth was more concerned with sealing the protection of the throne with a male heir, same as his father. Through royal power, the King was able to gain the divorce that he so desperately wanted, and banished Catherine, a wife that did survive his reign. Anne would be made Queen of England through her marriage with Henry the Eighth, and Anne was officially made Queen in June 1st of 1533. She gave birth to their daughter, Elizabeth, who was born prematurely.

Through a series of miscarriages, Anne Boleyn was not able to produce the son heir that Henry the Eighth had so desired. He also found Anne's temperment to be to his disliking, she was strong willed, opinionated, and by no means submissive to him, finding her too independent, the same traits that drove him to want to marry her in the first place, would now be her undoing. In an accused act that was beleived to be surfaced by a member of the court, Anne Boleyn and her brother, George Boleyn were accused of incest, treason, and five others were accused of having sexual relationships with the queen as well. Upon this time, the King accused Anne of bewitching him into marrying him in attempts to have the marriage annulled. During some time, however, Henry the Eighth was already onto his new mistress Jane Seymour. With this charges, Anne Boleyn and her brother were executed by being beheaded.

Just a little over a week after the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry the Eighth was engaged to Jane Seymour. This would be his third marriage and it was said that Jane was his one and "true" wife. This notion of Jane being his "true" wife was brought on by the fact that she gave birth to his only son, Prince Edward, who would later become Edward VI. Through their marriage, Henry put forth an act that allowed him to decide who would be his successor. In result, his children, Elizabeth and Mary would be considered illegitimate. During the child-birthing of Edward, Jane Seymour died of birthing complications, as well as an infection. Upon his death, he would be buried in the cemetery next to Jane.

Soon, Henry the Eighth married Anne of Cleves, whom of which Henry found to be quite distasteful to what he would have preferred. She was also one that carried strong religious feelings for the Protestant Church. Because of his lack of feelings for Anne, Henry had the marriage annuled, and because Anne did not want to get in any cross fire, she did not protest. In this form of submission, she was instead granted title, "The King's Sister", and given the land that once belonged to the Boleyn family.

In July of 1580, Henry the Eighth married the first cousin of Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard. Just shortly after their engagement however, it was reported by court members that she was having an affair with two other gentlemen, Thomas Culpeper and Francis Dereham. The King originally denied all accusations, but allowed an investigation to be carried forth. Catherine said that it was the fault of Dereham, whom forced into the marriage, however, Dereham rebutted by telling the King about her relationship with Thomas Culpeper. She was executed in February of 1542 around the age of 17 to 22.

Later, Henry the Eighth would marry his last wife, Catherine Parr. She was strong in her religion, and it caused many arguments among the two. However, she did help with the reconciliation between Henry and his two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, which allowed the two to be put back into lines of succession by Parliament. This wife, he did not put to death.

Henry the Eighth died at the age of 55 in January of 1547. It is said that because of his newly acclaimed physique of being overweight was the main cause of his death, along with other infections that he had accrued, one of which being gout. He was remembered for his wives, being one of the most intellectual Kings of England, as well as, most educated, and his image of a man of power who knew what he wanted, and took it.