Early Intentions

Question 1

When did Henry VIII come to the throne and how old was he?

Answer 1

He came to the throne in 1509 aged 17

Question 2

What were some differences between Henry VIII and his father?

Answer 2

Henry was younger and more accessible than his father, he had money to spend as the royal treasury was in a good state, along with having come to the throne peacefully

Question 3

What impact did Henry’s upbringing have on his ruling style?

Answer 3

He was viewed as a renaissance man and was open to new ideas, and he wasn’t raised to be king as Arthur had been, and it wasn’t until Arthur’s death that he became heir

Question 4

What was Henry’s most important aim?

Answer 4

He wanted to be seen as a warrior king and gain land on the continent - he looked to emulate Henry V, who famously defeated the French at the battle of Agincourt

Question 5

What were Henry’s early aims?

Answer 5

To be a warrior king, to assert his authority as a king, gain popularity with the nobles and secure his succession

Question 6

What did Henry do on the second day of his rule?

Answer 6

He had Empson and Dudley arrested and executed, which was popular with the nobles

Question 7

Who did Henry marry and why?

Answer 7

He announced he would marry Catherine of Aragon, who had been kept in court since Arthur’s death in 1502 in political limbo, and the announcement maintained the strong link with Spain and put right the wrongs of the past