Henry VIII was the King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547. He is perhaps most famously known for his six marriages and his role in the English Reformation.
- Catherine of Aragon (m. 1509–1533): Catherine was initially married to Henry’s older brother, Arthur, who died young. Henry married her after becoming king. Their marriage produced one surviving child, Mary I, but Henry sought an annulment due to Catherine’s inability to produce a male heir. The Pope’s refusal led Henry to break with the Catholic Church.
- Anne Boleyn (m. 1533–1536): Anne Boleyn, one of Catherine’s ladies-in-waiting, became Henry’s second wife. Their marriage resulted in one child, Elizabeth I. Anne fell out of favor with Henry, who had her executed on charges of adultery, incest, and treason.
- Jane Seymour (m. 1536–1537): Jane Seymour was Henry’s third wife. She gave birth to his only male heir, Edward VI, but died shortly after childbirth due to complications.
- Anne of Cleves (m. 1540–1540): Henry’s marriage to Anne of Cleves was arranged for political reasons but was quickly annulled because Henry found her unattractive.
- Catherine Howard (m. 1540–1542): Catherine Howard, a cousin of Anne Boleyn, became Henry’s fifth wife. She was executed on charges of adultery and treason.
- Catherine Parr (m. 1543–1547): Catherine Parr was Henry’s sixth and final wife. She outlived him and played a role in the upbringing of Henry’s children.
Here’s a brief overview of his marriages:
Henry’s marriages were not only significant for his personal life but also had profound effects on English history, particularly in the realm of religion due to his break with the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England.