Biography of Henry VIII for Kids: Famous Kings from History for Children - FreeSchool

Summary

King Henry VIII, the second monarch of the Tudor dynasty, ruled England from 1509 to 1547. Known for his six marriages, Henry's reign brought significant changes that shaped both England and the world. Born in 1491, he unexpectedly became king after the death of his older brother. His desperate quest for a male heir led to a series of marriages and dramatic political and religious shifts, including the break from the Catholic Church. His legacy left an indelible mark on England, influencing the future of the monarchy and religious practices, and his son, Edward, succeeded him after his death in 1547.

Takeaways

• 😀 Henry VIII was the King of England from 1509 to 1547 and is known for his six marriages.
• 😀 He was the second monarch of the Tudor dynasty and had a significant impact on England and the world.
• 😀 Henry VIII became king at just 17 years old after the death of his older brother Arthur.
• 😀 Henry married Catherine of Aragon to strengthen England's alliance with Spain, but their marriage had no male heir.
• 😀 His desperate need for a male heir led him to break away from the Catholic Church and form the Church of England.
• 😀 Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn resulted in the birth of Elizabeth, though Henry was disappointed as she didn't provide a son.
• 😀 Anne Boleyn was executed for adultery and treason, and her daughter Elizabeth was declared illegitimate.
• 😀 Henry’s third wife, Jane Seymour, gave birth to his long-desired son, Edward, but tragically died shortly after the birth.
• 😀 Henry married Anne of Cleves for political reasons, but annulled the marriage after only six months due to dissatisfaction.
• 😀 His fifth wife, Catherine Howard, was executed for infidelity, while his sixth wife, Catherine Parr, provided support and helped reconcile him with his daughters.
• 😀 Henry VIII died on January 28, 1547, leaving the throne to his son, Edward, and changing England’s history forever.

Q & A

What is King Henry VIII most famous for?

King Henry VIII is most famous for his six marriages and the significant changes he made during his reign, which had a profound impact on England and the world.

How did King Henry VIII become king of England?

Henry VIII became king in 1509 at the age of 17 after the death of his father, King Henry VII. He was not initially expected to be king, but his older brother Arthur's early death made him the heir to the throne.

Why did Henry VIII marry Catherine of Aragon?

Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon to strengthen England's political alliance with Spain. Catherine had previously been married to Henry's brother Arthur, who died shortly after their marriage.

Why did Henry VIII divorce Catherine of Aragon?

Henry VIII divorced Catherine of Aragon because she was unable to provide him with a male heir. After 24 years of marriage and the birth of only one surviving child, a daughter named Mary, Henry sought to marry someone younger in hopes of having a son.

What major religious decision did Henry VIII make regarding the Catholic Church?

When the Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII declared himself the head of the Church in England, breaking away from the Catholic Church. This led to the establishment of the Church of England.

What happened to Anne Boleyn after her marriage to Henry VIII?

Anne Boleyn, who gave birth to Elizabeth, Henry's second daughter, was executed in 1536 after being accused of adultery and treason. Her daughter was also declared illegitimate and could not inherit the throne.

Who was Henry VIII's third wife, and what was significant about their marriage?

Henry VIII's third wife was Jane Seymour, who gave birth to his long-desired son, Edward. Unfortunately, Jane died just 12 days after childbirth, but she was given a queen's funeral, and Henry mourned her loss deeply.

Why did Henry VIII marry Anne of Cleves, and what happened to their marriage?

Henry VIII married Anne of Cleves to form a political alliance with a powerful German family. However, upon meeting her, he found her less attractive than he had expected from her portrait and annulled the marriage after only six months.

How did Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, end up?

Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife, was executed in 1542 after being accused of adultery and infidelity, which led to her downfall despite being young and attractive.

What role did Catherine Parr play during Henry VIII's later years?

Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife, was a supportive figure who helped reconcile Henry with his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, and played a role in their return to the line of succession. She outlived Henry and remained a widow after his death.