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Henry VIII’s strengths and weaknesses
Strengths: Attractive, good musician, capable horseman, jousting, fluent in French, Latin, Spanish and well versed in religion. Close ties to the Yorkist family.
Weaknesses: Not trained to be a King (trained to be a cardinal) or much political experience. Lost his mother and older brother in his early life. More focused on arts and sports than politics.
What problems did Henry face?
Debt, no heir, church is more powerful, threat of war, needs recognition
Aims of Henry VIII
Marriage to establish position in Europe
Abolition of council learned in law
Secure the succession
Execute advisors for treason
Use parliament to pass laws
Reform the church
War with Scotland
War with France
Pursuit of pleasure
How is Henry’s early reign different from his fathers?
Henry didn’t immediately announce the death of his father instead spending that time rounding up and executing his father’s advisors e.g. Empson and Dudley who were in charge of taxes. This gained him popularity as they were hated by the people.
Henry surrounded himself with nobility, joined in with sports and revelries and accompanied them to war.
Henry also befriended Yorkist nobles and was seen as a Yorkist prince.
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