Henry VIII; Power Through An Iron Fist and a Poet's Hand

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Chalea Evans – Period 5

Henry VIII; Power Through

An Iron Fist and a Poet’s Hand

Chalea Evans, 5th Period Government

Never in English history had another king so drastically changed the way monarchy was ran, nor wooed so many wives in the span of 38 years. The son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, young Henry VIII looked to be a shining example of what all royalty should have been. Not many expected Henry to ever rise into much power, as his older brother Arthur was named the Heir to England’s throne. However patience proved it’s self to be rewarded.

        “Henry VIII was a very accomplished youth, seeing the values of power a man had when educated. He spoke 4 different languages, was very well versed in his letters, as well as grew to know a great deal about religion.”

        He often could be found out hunting, riding, shooting bows or hawking with the nobility and some commoners, making him seem graceful, athletic and fit. He additionally practiced with sword and with lance, taking upon the ancient weapons of the Knights of the realm. At home he took great joy in dance and feasting, interacting with the court on a daily basis.         

        By knowing to speak different languages, it made him a more powerful tool for gaining alliances with other countries. Foreigners were more comfortable with trusting in the English crown knowing that they were comfortable with their homeland language. Henry VII, Henry VIII’s father, used him as well as his daughters to better political standing of England with the rest of the world. His daughters were given to other countries though radical marriages, to form alliances throughout Europe. He even married his eldest son, Arthur away to Catherine of Aragon, as a political move to ally England to Spain against the French.  Henry VIII was very alert to how his father handled his realm, taking in a lot of valuable information that would help him later in life.

        Henry VIII took a genuine interest in writing, capturing the court’s hearts and attentions with his light words. He learned to bend the right words to capture feelings and emotions, even using them to later manipulate people:

“My Mistress and friend, I and my heart put ourselves in your hands, begging you to recommend us to your favor, and not to let absence lessen your affection for us. …Seeing I cannot be present in person with you, I send you the nearest thing to that possible, that is, my picture set in bracelets…wishing myself in their place, when it shall please you.”

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        As well as writing he also had a great love and passion for music. It was said that he owned 10 trombones, 14 trumpets, 5 bagpipes, 76 recorders, as well as 78 flutes! He’s also accredited for creating “Helas Madame and Greensleeves.” His interests in those areas made him widely accepted among the Musicians, Scholars and High Nobility, gaining admires and loyalists among the court from an early age.

        After his brother’s sudden death, he was placed as heir, and engaged to the widow Catherine until he was old enough to wed. In 1509 upon the age of 17 he was hurried ...

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