Why Henry VIII wanted a divorce from Catherine of Aragon

Question 1

What were the three motives Henry had for wanting a divorce from Catherine of Aragon?

Answer 1

1. Legitimate (male) heir
2. Love of Anne Boleyn
3. Their marriage against God’s will

Question 2

Over what time period did Henry’s desire for divorce dominate English politics?

Answer 2

1527-33

Question 3

What evidence is there that Henry wanted a divorce because he thought the marriage went against God’s will?

Answer 3

• Doubts over whether Pope had authority to give dispensation - particularly if marriage consumated
• Henry very religious
  
  • Bible heavily annotated
  • Given title ‘Defender of the Faith’ by Pope for attack on Martin Lucther
• Lack of son from marriage - Hebrew of Leviticus on marrying your brother’s wife

POINT is that Henry believed

Question 4

When did Henry take his first, secret steps towards divorcing Catherine?

Answer 4

17 May 1527

Question 5

What evidence is there against Henry wanting a divorce because of the marriage being against God’s will?

Answer 5

• Been married happily to her for over a decade
• Latin transaltion of Leviticus only mentioned children - he had had Mary

Question 6

Overall judgement on Henry wanting a divorce because of the marriage being against God’s will?

Answer 6

Quite significant

Henry believed it, and as a devout Christian once he had realised his mistake would have been adamant to right himself in the eyes of the lord

However also ties into gaining a legitimate heir - most significant

Question 7

What evidence is there that Henry wanted a divorce because of his lack of a legitimate heir?

Answer 7

Possibility of unrest when Henry died

• Problems with Mary
  
  • Illegitimate (as believed marriage was)
  • Female
• Descendants of Edward IV still alive - threat to dynasty
• Henry obviously concerned about this:
  
  • 1525 Henry Fitzroy made Duke of Richmond
  • Sent to run council of north to gain experience of government - possible successor

Evidently deeper than just the marriage - also security concerns

• Catherine
  
  • Over 40
  • Last pregnancy in 1518
  • Henry had stopped sleeping with her in 1524
• Mary’s legitimacy came up when Henry visited France in 1528 and tried to arrange possible marriage to French heir - greater urgency

Question 8

What evidence is there to challenge the view that Henry wanted a divorce because of his worries about having a legitimate (male) heir?

Answer 8

Next to nothing - except perhaps that he was more concerned about his love of Anne Boleyn/ his marriage being against God’s will. I don’t believe this is the case, however

Question 9

Judgement on whether Henry’s main concern for his divorce was the pursuit of a male heir?

Answer 9

Most significant

• Supported by his fear of an illegitimate marriage
• Lots of evidence to support it
• No evidence to disprove it

Question 10

What evidence is there that Henry wanted a divorce for love of Anne Boleyn?

Answer 10

• Cardinal Campeggio: Henry’s life depends on Anne
• His infatuation would surely be needed for the campaign to have lasted 5 1/2 years
• Henry’s love letters to Anne prove this love - reluctant writer
• Anne would not become Henry’s mistress - eyes on the prize (Queen)

Question 11

Evidence that love for Anne Boleyn did not impact Henry’s decision?

Answer 11

Never mentioned as motive in public

BUT

Would have been ‘tactically foolish’ to do so (P. Gwyn)

Campeggio was biased against divorce - would have chosen to believe/ present love of Anne Boleyn as most important motivation as gave Henry’s campaign less credibility

Question 12

Judgement on whether Henry’s main motive for divorce was love of Anne Boleyn?

Answer 12

Significant

Needed this motivation to see him through 5 1/2 years of campaign

BUT also links to heir, as could have thought Anne could provide him with a son - her lack of success one of the main reasons he executed her

Question 13

Overall judgement on Henry’s motivation for pursuing a divorce from Catherine of Aragon?

Answer 13

All strong motives, however desire for a legitimate heir most significant as:

1. Linked with illegitimacy of marriage
2. Might have threatened collapse of dynasty
3. Campeggio biased against divorce, would have chosen Anne as main factor

HOWEVER might also argue that Henry very impulsive and immediate - more concerned about love of Anne Boleyn than future of kingdom - Campeggio: ‘on it [Anne] depends his [Henry’s] life, and indeed the destruction or survival of this kingdom.’

Also kept Henry’s with motivation over 5 1/2 years