Henry VIII Character and Aims

Question 1

When did he become King?

Answer 1

April 1509

Question 2

How well prepared was he?

Answer 2

• Came to throne at 18
• Seven years since death of his brother, had been taught to be King since
• Well read and familiar with humanism

Question 3

Henry’s assent to throne

Answer 3

• Henry VII’s death concealed while council secured Henry VIII’s position
• Fox, Lovell and Weston established themselves in power
• Imprisoned Empson and Dudley

Question 4

Henry’s approach to ruling

Answer 4

• Lacked work ethic
• Enjoyed pageants, jousting, hunting and revelry
• Could act decisively when he chose
• Relied heavily on his Council (Wolsey and Cromwell)

Question 5

Henry’s traits

Answer 5

• Ruthlessness and cynicism (execution of Empson and Dudley)
• Insecurity (willingness to resort to execution for treason on excuses)
• Impulsiveness (speed at which he married and execution of Cromwell which he later regretted)

Question 6

Henry VII’s legacy

Answer 6

• Left £300,000
• Left a peaceful kingdom in which nobility were secure as well as the dynasty
• Peaceful foreign policy and efficient government provided stability

Question 7

Aims of Henry VIII’s government

Answer 7

• Early aims: establish himself, preserving what his father had left, marking out new course as King
• After consolidation, became more eager to pursue glory and secure succession. Showed little interest in policy making
• Parliament grew in importance, traditional religion was destroyed, Church wealth was plundered