1534 - Henry VIII and the Break with Rome 

Henry VIII was married to Catherine of Aragon from 1509 until 1533. Shortly before, she was married to his elder brother Arthur as the princess of wales but eventually he died and so she became queen of England next to Henry VIII.
Even though, Henry VIII was married to Catherine of Aragon over two decades, he wanted a divorce because they did not manage to have a son.


The Pope refused to allow the divorce. As a result, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church and created the Church of England. This caused major religious changes in England and became reformation of England itself.


Henry VIII also wanted a divorce because he believed the marriage was wrong and because he loved Anne Boleyn. He originally started to show interest in her in 1526. She soon became the second wife out of six, after the annulment of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

 

1509-1547 - Henry VIII‘s Marriage Drama 

Henry VIII had six wives, and his marriages had a major impact on English history, especially the break with the Catholic Church.

His first wife was Catherine of Aragon. They were married for many years, but the marriage was annulled because she did not produce a surviving male heir. This led to a major political and religious conflict.

 

His second wife, Anne Boleyn, was executed in 1536 after being accused of treason and adultery. Their marriage produced one daughter, the future Queen Elizabeth I.

His third wife, Jane Seymour, gave him his only legitimate son, Edward VI, but she died shortly after childbirth.

His fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, was married to Henry briefly; the marriage was annulled, and they separated peacefully.

His fifth wife, Catherine Howard, was executed after being accused of adultery.

His sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr, outlived Henry and played a role in reconciling him with his daughters Mary and Elizabeth.

These marriages were not only personal but also politically important, and they contributed to Henry VIII’s decision to establish the Church of England.

Listen to this song to hear about Henry VIII’s wives!