Henry VIII (1491-1547) - Find a Grave Memorial

British Monarch. The son of King Henry VII, he became Prince of Wales upon the death of his elder brother Arthur and, for political reasons, married his brother's wife Katharine of Aragon.

He ruled from 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry was known personally to be attractive, educated, and accomplished, but, as a ruler, to be ruthless and extravagant. He ruled with absolute power, and his wars and expenditures depleted the English treasury.

His obsession with producing a male heir was central to many of his actions. He is best remembered for his six marriages, divorcing two of his wives and executing two more; the separation of the Church of England from papal authority; proclaiming himself Supreme Head of the Church of England; the Dissolution of the Monasteries, whose property and wealth passed to the Crown; and the legal union of Wales and England.

His three children each ruled after him: Edward VI (son of Jane Seymour), Mary I (daughter of Katharine of Aragon), and Elizabeth I (daughter of Anne Boleyn). These listed (Katharine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr) were spouses and wives; his mistresses are not included as there were many.

Bio by: Vincent Astor