Henry the VIII may be known for his thick stature, his multiple wives and the search for an heir at all cost, but there is more to be known for the King of England and the time during his reign. Thanks to author Alison Weir who goes in to great detail of King Henry’s life, from how he decorated, what he ate, how he ruled, to his famous wives, and children. There was much more to King Henry, whom seemed to not have a dull moment. It was not just the fact that he ruled with an iron fist, but Henry VIII was also was intelligent, enjoyed the arts, and physically gifted. By understanding some of Henry childhood, hobbies, and his court. We might be able know why he was able to rule for almost forty years successfully, and why he arguably is one of
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Henry was the second son of King Henry VII. His elder brother, Arthur, passed away in 1502, when Henry VIII was only eleven years old. This set Henry up to be the heir to the throne someday and giving him his newest title Prince of Wales. Only a year later, he will now go through the passing of his mother Elizabeth of York. Growing up Henry VIII was seemed to be a great student and enjoyed learning. Erasmus, Henrys tutor, calls Henry “a universal genius” and “he never neglected his studies”. Henry hard work and ability to see detail further Erasmus to say “a lively mentality which reached for the stars, and he was able beyond measure to bring perfection whichever task he undertook” (Erasmus, Epistles). Henry’s academic accomplishments are not only what sets him apart from most, but he enjoyed creating and inventing. He was known for tinkering with new technology and mechanics. He designed weapons and fortification, and looked over building plans. Henry also loved the stars or “Heavens”. Phillip Melanchthon said about young Henry “Most learned, especially in the study of the movement of the heavens” (L&P). Prince Henry also enjoyed maps, there are stories of rolled up maps that flooded the cupboards, and Venetian mapmaker Girolamo Verrazano, presented him a world map which he hung at Whitehall along with Thirty-four other
Henry was the second son of King Henry VII. His elder brother, Arthur, passed away in 1502, when Henry VIII was only eleven years old. This set Henry up to be the heir to the throne someday and giving him his newest title Prince of Wales. Only a year later, he will now go through the passing of his mother Elizabeth of York. Growing up Henry VIII was seemed to be a great student and enjoyed learning. Erasmus, Henrys tutor, calls Henry “a universal genius” and “he never neglected his studies”. Henry hard work and ability to see detail further Erasmus to say “a lively mentality which reached for the stars, and he was able beyond measure to bring perfection whichever task he undertook” (Erasmus, Epistles). Henry’s academic accomplishments are not only what sets him apart from most, but he enjoyed creating and inventing. He was known for tinkering with new technology and mechanics. He designed weapons and fortification, and looked over building plans. Henry also loved the stars or “Heavens”. Phillip Melanchthon said about young Henry “Most learned, especially in the study of the movement of the heavens” (L&P). Prince Henry also enjoyed maps, there are stories of rolled up maps that flooded the cupboards, and Venetian mapmaker Girolamo Verrazano, presented him a world map which he hung at Whitehall along with Thirty-four other