Persian Realm

History essentially remembers King Henry VIII and his 6 wives two of whom he beheaded. Yet there is Much more to this gargantuesque royal persona who greatly shaped the British Monarchy as we know it today. Amongst other enduring legacies of his long reign one can conclude that without Him North America would probably Not Speak English ...

King Henry VIII - despot or cultural icon? David Starkey on Al Jazeera :

Monarchy by David Starkey - The Imperial King, Henry VIII:

Part I:

Part II:

Part III:

Part IV:

Party V:

Part VI:

A Lighter Look at Henry VIII :

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - The Wives of Henry VIII (Terrible Tudors)

About Henry VIII:

Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was also Lord of Ireland (later King of Ireland) and claimant to the Kingdom of France. Henry was the second monarch of the House of Tudor, succeeding his father, Henry VII.

Henry VIII was a significant figure in the history of the English monarchy. Although in the great part of his reign he brutally suppressed the influence of the Protestant Reformation in England, a movement having some roots with John Wycliffe in the 14th century, he is more popularly known for his role in the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church. Henry's struggles with Rome ultimately led to the separation of the Church of England from papal authority, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and establishing himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. He changed religious ceremonies and rituals and closed down the monasteries, while remaining a fervent believer in core Catholic theological teachings, even after his excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church following the annulment of his marriage to first wife Catherine of Aragon and the marriage to his second wife, Anne Boleyn.Royal support for the English Reformation began with his heirs, the devout Edward VI and the renowned Elizabeth I, whilst daughter Mary I temporarily reinstated papal authority over England. Henry also oversaw the legal union of England and Wales with the Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542. He is also noted for his six wives, two of whom were beheaded. More Here

Recommended Watching:

HISTORY FORUM:The Monarchy with David Starkey (Cambridge University)

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