HENRY THE EIGHTH DID NOT HAVE 8 WIVES
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HENRY THE EIGHTH I AM, AND 8 WIVES I HAVE NOT AND DID NOT HAVE THEM ALL BEHEADED
Recently, I have developed an interest in Henry the 8th, or to stay true, Henry the VIII. I guess I had always thought him to be an interesting history subject but after watching season one and two of Showtime's hit show The Tudors, I have read every book I could find about him and his wives. I think it is funny how many people think Henry had eight wives and that he beheaded them all. Truth of the matter is Henry had six wives and only had two of them beheaded. Below I will give an account, in chronological order of Henry's six wives and what became of each.
KATHERINE OF ARAGON
Katherine of Aragon, first married to Henry's older brother, Arthur, was Henry's first wife. Henry and Katherine received a dispensation from the pope to be married on grounds that the marriage between Katherine and Arthur was never consummated. Katherine of Aragon was a most beloved Queen. Katherine's only living child with Henry was Mary Tudor. Although Katherine did give birth to sons, they were all stillborn except for one boy child who lived approximately 3 weeks. Katherine was booted out by none other than Anne Boleyn . Henry used her earlier marriage to his brother to get rid of her, saying that even though the pope had blessed the marriage, God had not because he would give them no male heir. Henry said that the marriage between Katherine and Arthur had to be consummated so his marriage to Katherine was null and void. The Roman Catholic church did not agree so Henry seperated himself from the pope and church, declaring himself the head of the Church of England and then declaring his marriage to Katherine null and void. Katherine was sent away, not beheaded.
ANNE BOLEYN
Okay, this is the one we all know about. The very controversial Anne Boleyn. Anne and Henry were married after Henry got rid of Katherine of Aragon. Henry thought for sure this marriage would truly be blessed by God and that he and Anne would have many male heirs. But quite the contrary, He and Anne had one child which would later be a great heir but not the boy Henry had wanted, Which was Queen Elizabeth the I. Anne also had more pregnancies but they resulted in stillbirth and miscarriage. That is when Henry started questioning the legitimacy of his and Anne's marriage and Jane Seymour began catching his eye. Henry decided that Anne must be a witch because of how entranced he was by her and decided to put her aside. Anne was accused of adultery with many men, including her brother, and was charged with high treason and ordered to be beheaded. So, in keeping count, that makes one beheaded wife.
JANE SEYMOUR
Henry's third wife was to be Jane Seymour. Jane is portrayed as very devout, pure woman. Henry and Jane did have a male heir and that was Prince Edward. This time the child lived but the mother did not. Jane died nine days after giving birth to Edward.
ANNE OF CLEVES
After Jane's death, Henry decided to send out for candidates to become his next bride. Painters went around the country painting protraits of young women and sending them to the king for his choices. That is how Henry picked his fourth wife Anne of Cleves. But when Anne arrived in England, she was not quite what Henry had pictured. It is said that Henry thought her very ugly. But, it is also said that Anne insulted Henry and that is why he hated her. Henry liked to show up to balls and such in disguise, thinking to make people love him for him, not just because he was king. By the time Henry was marrying Anne of Cleves, he was becoming old and very fat. When he showed up in disguise at her chambers and kissed her, she is supposed to have spit. This made Henry come to the realization that he was not the Golden Prince he had once been and ruined any relationship he could have with Anne. Henry used and earlier betrothal to get out of this one. Even though the betrothal of Anne to someone else when she was child had to given up, he said it had not and that their marriage like previous ones was null and void. Now this is the curious thing, Henry hated Anne of Cleves from the start but instead of beheading her, he declared her to live as his royal sister and gave her home, lands, and an allowance. So she was not beheaded either or even treated badly, considering.
CATHERINE HOWARD
Being from the same blood and grain as Anne Boleyn, this 5th wife was doomed from the beginning. Henry was becoming old and to help his vanity, I guess, decided to believe that a 15 year old girl was interested in him. When he started giving this 15 year old girl extravagant gifts and telling her he could make her queen, she decided to play along. This would be Catherine Howard. Catherine Howard and Henry had no heirs. And after sometime, Henry realized that Catherine was truly interested in men closer to her own age. This hurt Henry's pride so Catherine Howard was accused of Adultery and charged with treason and was sentenced to being beheaded. That makes two beheaded wives.
Catherine Parr
Lots of Katherines, huh? Catherine Parr was to be Henry the 8th, sixth and final wife. Catherine Parr was a widow of the court and her and Henry bcame friends. Henry decided late in life that this was the type of wife that he needed. Henry and Catherine had no heirs, since Henry died no too awful long after marrying her.
So know everyone knows, Henry the VIIIth had 6 wives and only beheaded 2 of them and he also did have one legitimate male heir. If you found this interesting, I would recommend you read some of the books I have read because you will learn so much more than this, and I promise you not all history is boring.
BOOKS I RECOMMEND
The Other Boleyn Sister by Phillipa Gregory
The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory
The Constant Princess by Phillipa Gregory
The Autobiography of Henry the VIIIth ( cannot remember who this is by but that is the title
Also check out The Tudors on Showtime. No Daytime drama could be better and if your a man, believe me there is enough fighting and sex to keep you interested too. You will never believe history could be so exciting!!!!
Below are pictures of Henry's 6 wives in chronological order:
Katherine of Aragon
Anne Boleyn
Jane Seymour
Anne of Cleves
Catherine Howard
Catherine Parr
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Comments
Another interesting piece of info I saw on a programme, and confirmed on the Internet recently, was that actually, technically, Henry Vlll was not "married" 6 times at all, as several of his marriages were technically not valid. In actual fact marriage 1 was annulled, so didn't count, marriage 2 was also anulled, marriage 3 was legitimate, marriage 4 was annulled so didn't exist, marriage 5 was beheaded and marriage 6 survived him. Total, 3 marriages.
But in all actuality, Henry was married six times. He is the one who decided later that his marriages were null and void. When he had a need for them to be. So what I am saying is that Henry decided to marry 6 times legitimately and then decided to make the ones he wanted out of, later, illegitimate.
Also, let's say hypothetically, that we could ask Henry, how many times he was legitimately married? He would probably only consider 2 marriages legitimate because Catherine Howard, who was Henry's 4th wife, whom was beheaded for treason was also considered illegitimate because she was supposedly not a virgin when she married the King. Which would also make her marriage null and void in Henry's time.
So that would leave two, Jane Seymour and Kate Parr.
LOL, at this rate he will have been a lifelong bachelor before much longer :) :)
Very interesting. I really loved the movie the Other Boleyn Girl, I did not read the book. After reading this I might decide to read the book. Great work!
Gwendymom, PLEASE do read the book, if you get a chance because it is 100% better than the movie. There was really too much info to put into a less than two hour movie. EXTREMELY good book. I have to say after reading the book I did not like the movie that much.
I just might have to do that, of course books are always better then the movie, as you say there is too much information to fit into those two hours. Thanks for the recommendation, I was gonna get started on some Nicolas Sparks, but I might pick up the Other Boelyn Girl instead.
Misty, he probably would have been a widower because he has to claim Jane Seymour she gave him a male heir and then died.
Too bad no one ever told Henry that sperm determines the sex of a child.
I am also hooked I read an interesting article somewhere that said that Henry most likely had syphilis. Apperently it was rampant in europe during his time and could account for his wives fertility issues and even his mental state in the end of his life.
I have read that before, too. I guess too much really can drive a man crazy, LOL.
this is sooo cool i think i mite read the books tanks for the info.
You are so welcome. Thanks for the comment!! The books are great!
Very good piece. I was always facinated with this era of history and my teacher delighted in telling of all the exploits. Goes to show what too much power and ego can do! You've got me wanting to pick up a book again.
I am so glad you liked it. Try one of the books I listed above, they are all great. We are almost there in my college history class and I can't wait.
Who said he had 8 wives I have known all along he had 6 and I am 12
What dumb person told you he had 8
Funny comment. I have heard people say 8, I have heard people say 13, etc, etc. I was just clarifying for everyone who didn't know because I find Henry the VIII very interesting.
just a tip from a dummy...if the book you speak of is autobiographical...it means he wrote it himself...your hub is historical and good...thanks for allowing me to read and comment...pylos
Thanks for comment, However I do know what an Autobiography is, That is the title of the book, even though it is not an autobiography. Thanks for compliments also.
JUST STARTED RESEARCHING AFTER WATCHING "THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL". MY HEART BREAKS FOR ALL HIS WIVES, AND I HAVE SYMPOTHY FOR ATLEAST SOME OF HIS MISTRESSES AS WELL. IT CERTAINLY SEEMS THEY MAY NOT HAVE HAD MUCH OF A CHOICE. IT IT IS ALSO VERY APPARENT THAT WOMEN WERE DISPOSABLE ITEMS. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FACSINATED BY THAT TIME PERIOD, AND WONDERED WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO BE A LADY OF THE COURT AND WEAR ALL THOSE EXTRAVEGANT GOWNS. IT ALL SEEMED SO ROMANTIC. AFTER RESEARCHING THE SUBJECT, I FOUND THE REALITY FAR LESS APPEALING AND I AM GLAD I WAS BORN IN A TIME WHERE WOMAN HAVE A VOICE AND IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF A DIVORCE, OTHERWISE I AM CERTAIN MY HEAD WOULDV'E BEEN ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK. ALSO THANKS FOR THE INFO. ON HIS ACTUAL NUMBER OF WIVES.I WILL BE SENDING MY SISTER TO VIEW THIS, SINCE SHE ARGUES THAT HE HAD 8 WIVES ALL EXECUTED.
Hi, glad you enjoyed my hub. I also am very fascinated with this era. And I definitely would have been beside you on the chopping block, LOL.
to bad no 1 told henrry that
Loler ?
Maybe an attempt at turning it into an innuendo.....Poor effort. lol
Very interesting. I have studied him a lot over the years. His marriages are only a small portion of what is interesting about him. Great job.
Thanks for your comment and compliment!! Yes, Henry brought about religious revolution!! and much more, but seems to be best known for his wives, which are pretty much the reason for the things he did.
Hello everyone. I have reasently watched the film the othere Boleyn Girl and I have found that it is very interesting film i was so hooked on the film that i have now seen it 3 times i am watching the film as i am writing now. After watching the film i went onto the internet to find more information about henry the 8th and came acroos this sight, and i would like to thank you people for posting the information i have found it both intresting and very helpful but i would like to know more please could you help. I have also started to read the book and have found that mary had another child a girl where as in the film she only had the one child but any way the book and the film are very good and i recomend that people should read the book thanks for you help in advance luv suzie xxxxxx ps sorry about the spelling xx
HI, thanks for your comment, I wrote this hub because I am fascinated with Henry the Eighth also. To tell you the truth, I didn't like the movie that much but that is probably because I read the book first. However, what got me hooked was the Showtime series The Tudors. You should try to catch it sometime. However, I will warn you there are some adult scenes in case you are sensitive or have children in the same room. Also, I have listed above some of the other books I have read concerning this above, you should try one of them.
While the Gregory books are interesting, they aren't very accurate in historical terms, so don't take them as gospel!
Thanks for letting me know. I have finely finished the book it was very intresting i am now reading the sixth wife by suzannah dunn its not that good at the moment but i am hoping it will get better its about katherine she survived Henry vlll i just hope it gets a bit better is there any other book that you can recomend i have ordered the book The Boleyn Inheritance by Phillipa Gregory which i cant waite to read.
Try "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" by Antonia Fraser - very easy to read, and accurate.
Thanks for comments and tips. That's one I haven't read yet.
what happend to bloody marry?
so make this clear henry 8 had 6 wives?
Bloody Mary, AKA Mary I, was the eldest daughter of Henry VIII by his first wife, the Spanish Catherine of Aragon. She was born in 1516, and reigned after the death of her half-brother, Edward VI, from 1553 to 1558. She was followed by her half-sister, Elizabeth I.
I loved this hub! Sadly I feel so sorry for Mary Boelyn ( WHO IS NOT MENTIONED IN THIS) ..She wasn't good enough to be QUEEN yet good enough to lay with him and bear him a child....As far as the 6 Queens I think that it is a shame.
I think the King became a sell out so to speak and after sucumbing to his desires instead of wisdom and logic, he paid the price, LOSING HIMSELF. Thus he never trusted women. Its a shame that two of the 6th that were beheaded were related. maybe that was his way of payback to the family that pretty much ruined him. After Anne Boelyn seduced him and he severed his ties with the Catholic Church ( ridding himself of his 1st wife katherine) England was never the same........Karma
"She wasn't good enough to be QUEEN yet good enough to lay with him and bear him a child."
The historical evidence that Mary's children were also Henry's is weak. He cheerfully acknowledged his bastard son by Bessie Blount, but never Mary's.
why are there stories of her bearing a son of his?
it was rumoured, but the general consensus is that she was a mistress, not mother of his child(ren)
that is quite interesting. I still wonder though why they would say such a thing and even put it in a movie. Perhaps to make the story more interesting? Anyhow- they are all but past history. Still it is sad how he allowed Anne to seduce him.
Do you mean the Other Boleyn Girl?
It's historical fiction, rather than fact.
I reckon Henry VIII did as much seducing as he was seduced.
Kyeesha, yes, 6 wives. Thanks for all the comments, glad you like my hub, JJrubio. I too, find it very interesting that Henry did in fact aknowledge Bessy Blount's son. If he had in fact, had a son by Mary he probably would have claimed it also, if not for any reason, at the time, to prove that he COULD HAVE male children. However, since we only know things in history because someone recorded them, that means history is open to personal bias. With all the controversy surrounding the Boleyn and Howard family, this could have been crossed out of history. We will really never know but books like the Other Boleyn Girl make for very interesting history, be it fiction or not.
"With all the controversy surrounding the Boleyn and Howard family, this could have been crossed out of history."
Yes, and also no. Because it wasn't all English reporting - there are volumes of material in the Vatican, Spanish, French etc archives. The Catholics would have loved another slur to throw at first Henry and Anne, and later Elizabeth.
Henry VIII had only 4 wives. His first marriage was illegal by civil and religious law at the time as he married his older brother Arthurs widow, Katherine of Aragon. Anne of Cleves was betrothed to another man at the time of her "marriage" to Henry and it was agreed by all involved that a marriage hadnt infact taken place. It is clear that by the law of the time that Henry only had 4 legitimate wives, but did like to bend the law to suit himself, using it to annul his first marriage and later to reinstate it!
As a student of the life of Elizabeth I, I have had studied her father and siblings too, and am now extending my studies to include her sister "Bloody" Mary. The Tudors are fascinating and can recommend many books if anyone wants them!
I understand which marriage were later annuled, however Henry was married 6 times. So at one time Katherine of Aragon and Anne of Cleves were his wives. And if you really want to go into it, He also said his marriage to Anne Boleyn was null and voided. Because she wasn't a virgin, was a witch, so on and so forth
Funny article
29036
"Henry VIII had only 4 wives. His first marriage was illegal by civil and religious law at the time as he married his older brother Arthurs widow, Katherine of Aragon"
Not that clear cut! There were conflicting biblical verses about the situation, in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. And religious scholars all over CHristendom were divided.
To any of you whom are as addicted as I am. REMINDER that The Tudors season premiere is this Sunday, April 5th @ 9:00 on Showtime. This season will play out Henry's marriage with Jane Seymour. And also Monday is my birthday!!!! Just wanted to tell it, LOL.
i too have become really interested in henry since watching the tudors. can you recommend a book that is generally easy to read, more factual than fiction toget an idea of henry and his life. I may then move on to more complex books.
loved your hub.
Good you did your home work, But to my knowledge no one has ever said that he had 8 wives.
thank you very much for your article.
it is really very interesting, not bouring,and as for me useful.
i study and english lections and for my subject about british monarchy, it is very good information, i'll add it to my brain)
thank you
thanks this is good info i have used it to help me with my uni project its good to know that people still think about the past
the book is titled, "the autobiography of henry VIII, with notes by his fool, will sommers." it's a novel by margaret george.
i'm reading it now and it's a very interesting take on what may have been going thru henry's mind during his kingship.
Enjoyed the article!! Just wanted to add an interesting fact..everything I have read about Anne Boleyn says that she was actually very unattractive. She was said to have some sort of growth on her neck and one of her hands had six fingers. She obviously knew how to use her personality to her advantage!!
The real answer is three or four wives. Henry's fourth marriage to Anne of Cleves was annulled on two grounds: It was never consummated, and she was already betrothed to Francis, Duke of Lorraine. This was, correct in law, at the time, and all parties agreed that no legal marriage had ever taken place. That leaves five wives. The Pope declared Henry's second marriage, to Anne Boleyn, void, because Henry was still married to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. And the king himself, as head of the new Church of England, declared that, his first marriage was invalid on the correct legal ground that a man could not marry his brother's wife, and Catherine of Aragon had been married to his brother Arthur. So depending on how you look at it there is only three or four legal marriages. Six weddings but not the same amount of wives.
cristinab says:
14 months ago
You are correct! I cannot believe I did that. It is definitely VIII (8th) not IIIV which would be the second. Thanks for bringing my attention to this matter.