He played a significant role in the English Reformation, instigating the Church of England's break from Rome in 1532 in order to marry his second wife, Anne Boleyn. The subject of countless stories, TV programs, and movies, Henry VIII is most famous for being hugely fat, having a fixation with beheadings, and for having no fewer than six wives during the course of his nearly 38-year reign.. Henry’s harsh treatment of his first wife continued even after her death. Was Henry VIII the Worst Monarch of All Time? In 1509 Henry became king at the age of 17. Other Facts About Henry VIII. 5 things you (probably) didn’t know about Henry VIII Henry VIII (1491–1547), son of Henry VII, was the second king in the Tudor dynasty. Henry VIII facts Who was Henry VIII? Don’t Wake the Dragon. His reign was increasingly autocratic and frequently tumultuous — it’s fair to say that the popular image of him as an obese, bloodthirsty control freak isn’t much of … 7 Surprising Facts About King Henry VIII. Search "good things about Henry VIII". Henry enjoyed music and he could play the lute and the organ. Henry VIII was King of England and Ireland from 21 April 1509 until 28 January 1547, and is perhaps one of the most famous monarchs in English history.. Born on 28 June 1491 at Greenwich Palace in London, Henry was the second eldest son to Henry … King Henry VIII is probably the best-known English ruler of all time. Admittedly, he was also kind of a jackass, so this is a somewhat charitable perspective. He was, in fact, one of the most cultured and sophisticated monarchs ever to sit on the throne. Henry VII is the only Welsh-born king to rule England. ... Well, he was tall (over six feet), in good shape (thanks to his love of hunting and jousting) and had beautiful reddish-gold hair. This is the cartoon Henry of legend, a Henry who doesn't do the real king justice. A GOOD KING Think "Henry VIII" and a swollen, cantankerous tyrant comes to mind. 2. Henry VIII inherited many advantages from his father’s reign as king. 8 Things You May Not Know About Henry VIII 1. Henry was at school he was a very clever young man then because he obviously liked education so then he founded Christ college which is now a boarding school that people all over the world go to. 3. I did on Google and i found the things i put in here. He did many horrible things. This is the cartoon Henry of legend, a Henry who doesn't do the real king justice. 40. He also wrote “En vray amoure” and “Helas Madam”. 4. . Henry wasn’t expected to become King of England, but when his brother Arthur died in 1502 at the age of 15, Henry was next in line for the throne. Five Good Things About Henry VIII 3 Mar Henry VIII might not have been the best husband ever (he wasn’t) and he might have been crabby (he was) and morbidly obese in his later years (a true fact), but he did accomplish some neat stuff. He was constantly taking his country to war—and he wasn’t very good at it. Descended from a Welsh butler’s son named Owen Tudor and born at Pembroke Castle, Henry VII was a contender for the famous “Y Mab Darogan” or “The Son of Prophecy”—a messiah in Celtic legend who was destined to free the Welsh people from their long oppression. He had 2 of his wives beheaded. Henry VIII introduced a tax on beards, which varied with the beard wearer’s social status. Henry’s mother, Elizabeth of York, died when he was eleven years old. In his youth, Henry VIII was one of the Catholic Church’s staunchest supporters. A GOOD KING. He wrote a beloved popular song—but not the one you think. Think "Henry VIII" and a swollen, cantankerous tyrant comes to mind. Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547. Meet one of the most infamous Tudors in our Henry VIII facts!. Henry VIII is undoubtedly one of the most colourful figures in the history of the English monarchy.