Who was Henry VIII?
Henry VIII was King of England from 1509 to 1547. He is famous for marrying six times and for breaking with the Catholic Church to create the Church of England, one of the most significant events in English history.
Henry was born in 1491, the second son of Henry VII. He became heir after his older brother, Arthur, died in 1502.
As a young king, Henry was known for his athleticism, music and learning. He composed music and enjoyed jousting and hunting.
Break with Rome
Desperate for a male heir, Henry sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. When the Pope refused, Henry broke with Rome. The Act of Supremacy of 1534 made him head of the Church of England.
He ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, closing hundreds of religious houses and seizing their wealth.
Henry built up the navy and his warship, the Mary Rose, sank in 1545. In later life, he became overweight and suffered from health problems.
He died in 1547 and was succeeded by his son, Edward VI. Henry is buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.