History Features

by Laura MacDonald

Henry VIII may be remembered for his rotund shape and his penchant for chopping his wives’ heads off but with the 500th anniversary of his accession to the throne coming up this year, London is gearing up to take another look at one of England’s most memorable monarchs.

On June 28th 1491, Henry Tudor was born at Greenwich Palace in south-east London. He was the second son of the Henry VII and unexpectedly became the heir to the throne when his older brother Arthur died in 1502.

He was just a few days shy of his 18th birthday when he became King on June 24 1509. During his reign he had a huge impact on the nation by breaking ties with the Catholic Church and would become notorious for his six marriages.

The King had strong links to London throughout his life, basing his court at Greenwich Palace. He married first wife Katherine of Aragon there and it later became the birthplace of his daughters Mary and Elizabeth.

In 1547, he died in the same city he had been born, passing away at Whitehall Palace in Westminster. He is buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Inside Henry’s head

Henry VIII’s decisions changed England dramatically and at the British Library in St Pancras, a new exhibition exploring his thought processes will run from April 23 to September 6.

Henry VIII: Man and Monarch will showcase books and letters the king wrote or annotated, as well as offer visitors the chance to watch re-enactments and take part in workshops.

There are plans for a coronation celebration, with late opening and live music, and historian David Starkey is set to give three lectures about Henry.

Historic Royal Palaces, a charity that looks after a number of notable buildings in London, has also organised a range of special events in and around the capital to mark the 500th anniversary of his coronation.

Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill at the Tower of London

Henry’s best known link to the Tower of London is perhaps the fact that two of his wives – Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard – were beheaded there.

© Board of Trustees of the Armouries

Between April 3 and January 17 2010 the Tower is to host a less violent event connected to the king - an exhibition of items from his personal arms and armour collection.

Full suits of armour - some of which are still in full working order - will be on show alongside weapons believed to have been owned by Henry VIII, such as a combination mace and gun. In the 18th century, rumours circulated that he had prowled the streets of the capital carrying this imposing weapon.

Visitors will also be able to take a look at what is believed to be the oldest football in the world. Made using an inflated pig’s bladder and a leather cover, the ball is believed to have been made between 1540 and 1570.

Tudor River pageant

Henry spent money on improving the Tower of London during his reign but splashed out even more on one of his favourite residences, Hampton Court Palace in Surrey. On June 20, the two palaces will join together to celebrate the anniversary of his coronation. 

Henry VIII and first wife Katherine of Aragon will board a boat at the Tower of London at 10am and make their way up the Thames to Hampton Court with a flotilla of traditional oared vessels escorting them.

When they arrive at around 3pm, there will be feasts and games for visitors to enjoy. The next day, June 21, the palace will host boat races and a tug-of-war. 

Hampton Court Palace is planning many more events and exhibitions to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the coronation.

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