Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him

A Look into the Life of England's Most Notorious Monarch

Henry VIII, the King of England from 1509 to 1547, is known for his larger-than-life persona, tumultuous reign, and transformative impact on English history. His six marriages, his break from the Roman Catholic Church, and his establishment of the Church of England are among the many events that define his legacy. However, behind the seemingly solitary figure of Henry VIII stood several influential men who shaped his reign and decisions.

1. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey: The King's Chief Minister

Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him

by Tracy Borman (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16365 KB
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One of Henry VIII's most trusted advisers was Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey served as the chief minister of England from 1515 to 1529 and was instrumental in obtaining the title of "Defender of the Faith" for Henry VIII. He played a key role in strengthening the monarchy's power and implemented significant reforms within the Church.

Wolsey was known for his intellect, ambition, and skills of diplomacy, which allowed him to negotiate with foreign powers and ensure England's position on the world stage. He initiated efforts for peace treaties and alliances, thereby minimizing the chances of England being invaded.

2. Sir Thomas More: The Lord Chancellor

Sir Thomas More, a renowned statesman, was appointed as Henry VIII's Lord Chancellor in 1529. More was known for his sharp legal mind and deep commitment to his Catholic faith. He became a close confidant of the king and offered him valuable advice on matters of politics and religion.

More's most notable contribution was his refusal to endorse Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon, which led to his famous stand against the king. Despite their differences, Henry VIII respected More's integrity and his role in the government. However, as the rift between the king and the Catholic Church grew wider, More's position became increasingly challenging, ultimately resulting in his execution.

3. Thomas Cranmer: The Archbishop of Canterbury

Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1556, played a pivotal role in the English Reformation under Henry VIII. He was tasked with facilitating the annulment of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon and granting him a divorce, thus fueling the king's transformation into the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

Cranmer's reforms included creating the first Book of Common Prayer, which became the foundation of Anglican worship. He also supervised the dissolution of the monasteries and the redistribution of their wealth, ensuring the king's financial gain while diminishing the influence of the Catholic Church in England.

4. Thomas Cromwell: The King's Chief Minister and Enforcer

Thomas Cromwell, often referred to as the "The King's Hammer," was a key figure in centralizing power within the Crown during Henry VIII's reign. Serving as the chief minister from 1532 to 1540, Cromwell was responsible for implementing the king's policies, enforcing laws, and supervising the dissolution of monasteries.

Cromwell's influence extended to matters of state, religion, and even foreign policy. He played an essential role in arranging Henry VIII's marriage to Anne of Cleves, which ended in an annulment, leading to Cromwell's fall from grace and eventual execution.

5. Edward Seymour: The Duke of Somerset

Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, served as the Lord Protector of England during the minority of Henry VIII's son, Edward VI. As the older half-brother of Edward VI, he wielded a significant influence over the young king's decisions and policies.

Seymour was responsible for introducing various religious reforms, and his tenure saw England move towards Protestantism. However, his inability to effectively manage the economy and his autocratic rule led to numerous uprisings, ultimately resulting in his overthrow and execution.

In

Henry VIII's reign was shaped not only by his personal desires and ambitions but also by the men who surrounded him. Cardinal Wolsey, Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cranmer, Thomas Cromwell, and Edward Seymour were instrumental in carrying out his policies and decisions, influencing the course of English history.

Understanding the contribution of these influential individuals allows us to grasp the complexities of Henry VIII's reign and gain insight into the profound transformations that occurred during his time as king. Their stories reveal the intricate web of power, loyalty, religion, and politics that shaped the Tudor dynasty and continue to captivate our imagination to this day.

Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him

by Tracy Borman (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16365 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	744 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The acclaimed historian presents a “beautifully perceptive and dynamic reassessment of Henry VIII…in this highly engrossing biography” (Booklist, starred review).
 
Henry VIII is best known for his tempestuous marriages and the fates of his six wives. But his reign and reputation were hugely influenced by his confidants, ministers, and even occasional rivals—many of whom have been underplayed in previous biographies. Exploring these relationships in depth, Tracy Borman offers a fresh perspective on the legendary king, revealing surprising contradictions in his beliefs and behavior.
Henry was capable of fierce but seldom abiding loyalty, of raising men up only to destroy them later. He loved to be attended by boisterous young men like his friend Charles Brandon, who shared his passion for sport. But the king could also be diverted by men of intellect, culture, and wit, as his longstanding interplay with Cardinal Wolsey and his reluctant abandonment of Thomas More attest.
Eager to escape the shadow of his father, Henry was easily led by male advisors early in his reign. In time, though, he matured into a profoundly paranoid and ruthless king. Recounting the great Tudor’s life and signal moments through the lens of his male relationships, Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him sheds fresh light on this fascinating figure.