The character of Henry VIII (7)

Question 1

When did Henry VIII come to the throne?

Answer 1

Two months before his 18th birthday in 1509.

Question 2

Was Henry brought up to rule England?

Answer 2

Yes, he was well educated for the task, including some acquaintance with the new learning of humanism.

Question 3

What was Henry VIII early impression?

Answer 3

He created a very positive image.

Question 4

What do some historians regard Henry as? (3)

Answer 4

1) Extrovert
2) Affable
3) Charming

Question 5

What was Henry’s accession seen as?

Answer 5

A breath of fresh air after the rather sinister atmosphere created with the influence of Empson and Dudley in the last years of his father’s reign.

Question 6

What did Henry have no experience in?

Answer 6

Government or public affairs.

Question 7

What did Henry dislike when ruling?

Answer 7

He had a profound dislike for the business of government and found the writing and reading of State papers both tedious and painful.

Question 8

What did Henry lack when he was king?

Answer 8

Lacked work ethic which many historians attributed to his father, instead preferring to pass the time with good company.

Question 9

What did Henry enjoy doing? (5)

Answer 9

1) Pageants
2) Revelry
3) Sports
4) Hunting
5) Tournaments

Question 10

How did Henry VIII government differ to Henry VII? (2)

Answer 10

Henry VIII:

1) In the short term, there was a renewed emphasis on governing through the council, which then made two comebacks at later stages of the reign. (1529-31 & 1540-47).
2) For two periods during his reign, Henry relied upon the work of a chief minister who shaped the structures of government to meet his own needs. The first of these was Thomas Wolsey who was particularly adept at using Star Chamber. The second was Thomas Cromwell, who developed his role as principal secretary.