Henry derives from two Germanic elements, haim meaning "home" and ric meaning "power ruler". It was introduced to Britain by the Normans and has been borne by eight kings of England. In its various forms, it has also been a popular royal name in many European countries.
Henry Tudor was born on June 28, 1491 in Greenwich Palace the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Upon the death of his brother Arthur in 1502, Henry became the next in line to the thrown. On April 22, 1509 King Henry VII died and his son became King Henry VIII reigning until his death in 1547.
In his youth, Henry was a slim, tall, intelligent, charismatic, highly educated and accomplished man. He spoke many languages, wrote books (including a highly popular book attacking Martin Luther) and was fond of hunting and tennis. He was also an accomplished musician and composer and an enthusiastic patron of the arts. This is a far cry from his later years, and how he tends to be remembered, morbidly obese, ill of health, egotistical, brutal and lustful.
Henry III was one of the most influential monarchs in English history.
Henry was only the second monarch of the House of Tudor as the Tudor dynasty had only been established in 1485. Because of this, he desired a male heir in order to maintain power. He believed the dynasty was not secure enough to have a female successor. His desire for a male heir, led to the two things that he is most remembered for today, his six wives including the beheading of two, and the English Reformation which led to the separation from the Roman Catholic Church and papal authority and the formation of the Church of England.
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