Like many people during Tudor times, Henry VIII believed that men should rule the country. One of the most famous of these summits was the Field of Cloth of Gold. Alongside his minister, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, he organised peace summits between these royal families. The king thought that one way to do this was to try to bring the royal families of Europe together. Īs well as fighting in France, Henry also wanted to increase England’s reputation in Europe as a peacemaker. He fell into debt, and needed to raise more and more taxes. Henry’s successive wars were very expensive, and he became desperate for more money. He also fought wars against Scotland, which was a traditional enemy of England, and France’s ally. Henry’s wars with France continued throughout his reign. Henry commissioned large paintings of this campaign, which can be seen today at Hampton Court Palace. They also took the towns of Thérouanne and Tournai. The support never arrived, and many of Henry’s troops became ill while waiting.Ī second invasion, in 1513, saw Henry’s army defeat a band of French soldiers at the Battle of the Spurs. He had been promised support by his father-in-law, Ferdinand II of Aragon. Henry’s initial invasion of France, in 1512, was a failure. Henry wanted to be like a previous king of England, Henry V, and conquer France. He quickly set about establishing a glittering court with his new wife, Catherine of Aragon, who had previously been married to his older brother, Arthur. We know that, during these years, the prince rarely appeared in public and was supervised constantly.įollowing the death of his father in 1509, Henry VIII became King of England. Following their deaths, Henry was made to live with his father. In 1502, Henry’s brother Arthur died, followed a year later by their mother, Elizabeth of York.

Erasmus found Henry to be very well educated and regal in his behaviour, even though the prince was only nine years old when they met. His learning earned him the praise of one of the most well-known thinkers of the time, Erasmus, who was a Dutch scholar and philosopher.

He was a good musician, enjoyed jousting, and, like many royals, spoke several languages. Prince Henry was brought up in a separate palace, alongside his mother and sisters. This meant that Henry’s older brother Prince Arthur was raised as a future ruler, because it was expected that, as the eldest, he would be king. The future Henry VIII was the second son of Henry VII.

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