Character and Aims

• Henry VIII character and aims- Prepared for kingship?

  • His brother Arthur had been brought up to be king and trained, Henry did have a well rounded education, but was assumed to take on a role in the Church.
  • Henry had very little experience in Government, and wasn't particularly interested in it either.
  • He was an intellectual, well read, knew English and Latin from his tutor, John Skeleton. As well as French, Spanish and Greek.
  • He composed music and loved art and culture, as well as sports e.g hunting and tennis.
• Death of Henry VII

  • Died of tuberculosis in April 1509, aged 52
• Aims of Henry VIII coming into kingship

  • To consolidate and extend his personal power
  • Ensure the succession and continue the Tudor dynasty
  • Pursue glory and victory abroad rather than peace like his father
• Weaknesses upon succession, Henry VIII

  • No successor or heir to the throne.
  • Very little experience within government, only 18 y/o, and little interest in day-to-day government, happy to delegate.
  • Was keen upon spending money on wars in order to gain more influence and land, heroic views on kingship rather than realistic.
  • Egotistical and over-confident man
  • Stubborn in his decisions to an extent, not very considerable of advice.
• Strengths upon succession, Henry VIII

  • Henry VII left him financially secure, left him around £1.5 million in inheritance.
  • He was attractive and charismatic, popular too , he looked and acted like a king. Fit the role.
  • He had a team of advisors around him to aid in ruling the country. E.g Wolsey until 1529.
  • England was stable, had an established system of government, little threat of war. Maintained peace.
  • Fresh and new, people e.g nobles, had begun to resent Henry VII due to his control through bonds and recognizances.
• Problems upon succession


  • Not married, no children
  • Issue of continuing peace with Scotland and France or not?.
  • Exploration of the New World?
  • Henry had inherited his father's councillors, he often disagreed with them.
  • Enclosures caused poverty, arguments etc during Henry VII.
  • Financial control, use of Council Learned caused resentment.
  • Securing Succession.