Top-rated
Mon, Apr 6, 2009
On Bosworth field, Henry Tudor seized the crown from the dead Richard III and became the first Tudor King, (Henry VII), and ended the War of the Roses. When his first born son Arthur died at the age of 17, Henry VIII was first in line for the crown. His father made him marry Arthur's widow Princess Catherine of Aragon, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella, the most powerful Royals in Europe.
Top-rated
Mon, Apr 13, 2009
When he became King, he replaced all of his fathers advisers and hired Thomas Cromwell (who would become his life long friend) a very clever lawyer. He was victorious at the Battle of the Spurs and the Field of the Cloth of Gold. He earned his crown. A 20 year marriage had only produced princess Mary, no heir. So what he was about to do would change England forever, in the form of Anne Boleyn.
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Mon, Apr 20, 2009
Henry could not divorce Catherine under Catholic law. With Anne's help, he broke from Rome. He felt the bible should be read by all, in English, not Latin, and that he was the God's voice on earth, not the Pope. He got his divorce and married his mistress Anne. She hated the friendship he had with Thomas Cromwell, and pushed to break it up. Thomas was clever, he told the king she was having many affairs, even with her own brother. The Church of England was born, and Anne Boleyn was dead.
Top-rated
Mon, Apr 27, 2009
Henry's advisers who had helped Thomas dispatch Anne hoped the religion would go back to Catholicism, but no. Henry had his armies loot every church and monastery in England. All rebel leaders were murdered. His marriages were not successful, but he did get his heir in Edward VI, the son of Jane Seymour, and Anne had given him a daughter Elizabeth 1. He made England stronger and independent and had the best navy in the world.