Henry Viii

• Years of his reign

  1509 - 1547
• One of his first decisions

  Arrest Richard Epsom and Edward Dudley
• June 11th 1509


  Marriage of Henry Viii and Cathreine of Aragon
• Henry Viii and Government 


  Believed his trusted men could govern on their own.
• First French War 1511-1514


  England joined Holy League and supported Ferdinand in an attack on France. Spain double crossed England and made peace with France. Henry led 25,000 men into battle with France. Defeated James IV at Battle of Flodden. Made peace with France keeping Therouanne and Thornai.
• Aim in foreign policy 


  Pursue glory through war
• Second French War


  1519 - Charles and Francis fought to control Holy Roman Empire

  1524 - Wolsey went behind Henry's back to negotiate peace

  1524 - Charles defeated Francis in Battle of Pavia. He challenged Henry to raise an army. He failed ; Francis as king of France and Charle's ally
• Treaty of London 1518

  Universal peace treaty with over 20 European countries. An attempt to create lasting peace among the major powers of Europe, forming a collective security agreement. Made by Wolsey.
• The Field of Cloth of Gold 1520

  The summit between Henry and Francis 1 of France. Expensive display of the wealth of both kings. It aimed to strengthen the bond between the Kings and promote peace between their nations. The summit however did not end the rivalry between the countries.
• Calais Peace Conference 1521

  An attempt by Wosley to mediate between Francis 1 of France and Charles v of Holy Roman Empire. The conference did not result in lasting peace. But Wolsey secured an agreement with Charles committing England to War against France.
• Treaty of More 1525 France

  • England agreed to give up some territorial gains in France
  • France would pay an annual pension of £22,000 per year
  • England would work on the release of Francis 1 from Charles V
  • France would prevent the Scottish Duke of Albany from returning to Scotland to address the 'auld alliance'

  Significantly eased tensions temporarily between England and France
• Treaty of Westminster 1527 France

  An agreement of 'enteral peace' between Henry and Francis. It aimed to end hostilities between the two countries and establish a lasting peace.
• The Great Matter 1527

  Henry's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. He wanted to marry Anne Bolyen in hopes of producing a male heir.
• Papal Refusal 


  The Pope refused to grant to annulment partly due to political pressures from Charles V.
• Act of Supremacy 1534

  Henry pushed through this act, declaring himself Supreme Head of the Church of England, effectively removing the Pope's authority in England.
• The Act in Restraint of Appeals 1533


  Made by Cromwell this act forbade all appeals to the Pope on all matters, declaring England was an Empire making the King the final legal authority.

  • Allowed Crammer to give a ruling on Henry's marriage which can't be appealed
  • Intimidate the Pope and assert England's independence from Papal authority.
• Dissolution of the Monasteries 1536-1541 


  1. Valor Ecclesiasticus - Survey to assess the wealth of these lands
  2. Act of Suppression 1535 targeted smaller monasteries, and Act of Suppression 1539 extended to all monasteries.

  • The removal of monsatic lands loyal to the Pope and could sell this land to nobles and gentry who were loyal to him.
• Pilgrimage of Grace 1536-1537

  Took place in Northern Countries primarily due to the dissolution of the monasteries, the Break with Rome and Cromwell's policies.

  They demanded the restoration of monasteries as well as papal obedience. The rebels were crushed by the government and many were executed.
• Legal Reforms

  • Court of the Star Chamber - strengthened to deal with law and order issues holding landowners accountable for their crimes
  • Court of Chancery and Court of Requests -improved access to justice for the poor.
• Financial Policies

  Subsidy Act 1512 - more efficient tax system

  Amicable Grant 1525 - An unpopular tax that raised significant revenue for war with France but led to widespread resistance.
• Henry's Wives 


  1509-1533 Catherine of Aragon Divorced mother of Mary 1

  1533-1536 Anne Boylen Beheaded mother of Elizabeth 1

  1536-1537 Jane Seymour Died mother of Edward VI

  1540 Anne of Cleves Divorced

  1540-1542 Katherine Howard Beheaded

  1542- 1547 Katherine Parr Survived