Please write down information on your chart about each of Henry VIII’s six wives. Pay close attention as to how the marriages were used not just for an heir, but also for political gain. You have questions to answer, both on the bottom of your chart and posted on the board.

Married: Child: Mary I Fate: Annulment “Theirs would be a marriage whose repercussions would send shockwaves throughout Europe and forever change the course of English history.” From the age of 11, Henry VIII's bridal prospects had focused on one woman: Catherine of Aragon. In 1501 this Spanish princess had come to England to marry Henry's elder brother, Arthur. When Arthur died a year later, Catherine was betrothed to the handsome new heir to the throne, Henry, six years her junior. “Theirs would be a marriage whose repercussions would send shockwaves throughout Europe and forever change the course of English history.”

Had only one surviving child, Mary Tudor. Henry felt that his kingdom could only be stable if he had a male heir. He wanted to marry Anne Boleyn….but Henry was Catholic. Pope says, ! NO DIVORCE! Acts of Supremacy made him the Head of the Church of England. Henry could now have his divorce/annulment.

What was it that drew the king to Anne Boleyn and made him renounce his wife of 24 years? It was not her beauty, but her wit and grace that attracted the attention of the king and many other men. She was sophisticated, knowledgeable about the ways of court life, and knew how to manipulate a situation to get what she wanted. And she wanted to be queen. Married: Fate: Conspiracy to murder the king….off with her head!

Throughout their six-year courtship, Anne had always had the advantage over the king. She knew well how to play the role of mistress and secure Henry's interest. But once married, Anne Boleyn failed to become the obedient wife the king expected and ignore his infidelities -- as had Catherine of Aragon. Instead, the three affairs Henry had during their marriage sparked wild fits of jealousy. Relationships with Anne's maid-of-honor, Jane Seymour, soon followed. Ironically, Anne now found herself in the same position as the queen she herself had replaced as maid-of-honor. Their child: ELIZABETH I

Catherine of Aragon– annulment Act of Supremacy 1534 Henry VIII now world- wide head of the CHURCH of ENGLAND “DEFENDER OF THE FAITH”….. Yeah right??

Married: Child: Edward VI Fate: Dies in childbirth of Edward VI Maid of Honor to Catherine and to Anne.

It's not surprising that Henry, tired of the belligerent Queen Anne, would fall for the 27-year-old Jane Seymour. In contrast to Anne, Jane was amiable, gentle and quiet. It also helped that Jane's mother had given birth to six sons -- a sign that Jane would be capable of producing heirs. Jane had already been in court for six years as maid-of honor to Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn when the king began to court her.

Married: 1540 – 1540 long time Fate: Annulment Children: ZERO Struck by Anne’s beauty he had seen in a picture. This marriage allied England with the German state. **NO FIREWORKS** “Homely and Plain”

Marriage: Children: ZERO Fate: Death, by execution Henry, no longer active and nearly 50, fell for the youthful and 19-year-old Catherine Howard in the last days of his failed marriage to Anne of Cleves. This maid-of-honor to the queen was everything Henry VIII ever wanted in a wife -- or so he thought….. Catherine Age: 19 Henry Age: 49

Catherine was charged with counts of infidelity (cheating). She was not honest to the king. Henry, in contrast, was completely devoted to Catherine and so in love with her that he never suspected his unfaithful wife. In the end, sadly, she was executed by the guillotine

There was little drama in Henry VIII's selection of Catherine Parr. The execution of Catherine Howard had sunk the king into a deep depression. A sensible widow was just the thing. She was pious, she was dependable, she had a love of music and learning and the gouty king was tired of adventures of the heart. The pair would be married on July 14, 1543

When Henry VIII died on January 28, 1547, Catherine was free to shape her own future. She played no role in the regency for nine-year-old King Edward VI. Marriage: Child: Mary Seymour, not Henry’s child though.

The Bloodline Henry VIII’s “Will of Succession” --- The Bloodline 1. Edward VI King: Mary IQueen: Elizabeth IQueen: Golden Age of Elizabeth 4. Jane Grey (Cousin to Mary, Edward and Elizabeth)  Queen: 1553 Ruled for Just over a week!!  EXECUTED. Shortest rule in England’s history

Seized land to help Church grow Anglican Church English Bible Similar to Catholic beliefs Edward VI yrs. old, others help him rule Mary Tudor --- CATHOLIC! Attacks Protestants Elizabeth I --- Compromise of Cath’s & Prot.’s. Rules for over 45 years.

Questions: 5, 6 & 7 on Page 355 Please answer them on the back of your SIX WIVES chart. **If not completed by the bell…. HOMEWORK**