We all think we know Henry VIII. A huge man in cloth of gold, hands on hips, staring down from a Holbein portrait. Six wives. Two beheaded. Monasteries destroyed. Rome defied. But the real Henry is far more complex — and far more frightening. In this Beginner’s Guide to Henry VIII, I take you from his birth in 1491 to his death in 1547, exploring the rise of a charming Renaissance prince… and the fall into tyranny that changed England forever. You’ll discover:
- How Henry went from second son to king at 17
- His early talents — theology, music, languages, sport
- His achievements: the navy, Parliament, the English Bible, the break with Rome
- Why he didn’t die a Protestant
- The truth behind the six wives and the politics of each marriage
- His darker side — executions, rebellions, monasteries destroyed, and the terror of the 1530s
- Why historians still argue about his legacy today
Henry VIII’s reign was a turning point in English history: religiously, politically, culturally. He is both a state-builder and a tyrant, a man of dazzling intelligence and devastating brutality. So… was Henry VIII a great king, a monster, or both? Let me know what you think in the comments. If you enjoyed this beginner’s guide, please like the video, subscribe, and ring the bell for more Tudor history every week. You can view other videos about him in my Henry VIII playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLepqWJ7TpkrI08JG1cwz7UqUYNxFHsPRv
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