Portrait of Henry VIII, 1537–1547, by the workshop of Hans Holbein theYounger
Henry VIII is one of the most easily recognized figures in English history. But what’s the story behind the image of the king? Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd Stanger explores the complexities of how Henry changed the political and religious landscape of Europe and created a new world order—and why a young, charismatic ruler turned into an obese tyrant who struck out at those closest to him and left a trail of blood and horror.
Who is the “real” Henry? Tyrant? Reformer? Egomaniacal misogynist? A man searching for true love who put his kingdom’s need for an heir ahead of his own desires? Stanger explores how he was all of these—a monarch who seized the challenges and opportunities of a changing world who fascinates us more than 500 years after he took the throne.
9:30–10:45 a.m. A New Century, a New Reign
At the beginning of his monarchy, Henry VIII represented youth, vigor, and a new beginning for England. Examine the reality of a complicated man who cultivated an image of a pious, scholarly, talented king with absolute power who was driven by the need to secure his own reign and the future of the dynasty.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. All the King’s Men
Throughout his reign, Henry surrounded himself with men he depended on to enforce his political, religious, and social goals. Lord chancellors Thomas Wolsey and Thomas More, chief Minister Thomas Cromwell, archbishop Thomas Cranmer, court jester Will Somers, and others used their positions at court and access to the King to exercise power, but were always subject to royal whims.
12:15–1:30 p.m. Lunch (participants provide their own).
1:30–2:45 p.m. A Much-Married Monarch
Henry VIII is known for being the most-married king in history. But he didn’t see himself that way. Stanger looks at his approach to marriage and why he considered (at least for a moment) each wife to be his one true companion. She considers which of these women made the most difference and which (if any!) truly made the king happy.
3–4:15 p.m. Larger Than Life: The Legacy
It’s no surprise that the man who became a gigantic king considered himself to have made a huge impact on history. Review the complicated legacy of Henry VIII, including the Royal Navy and England’s place in the world, the Reformation and publication of the first Bible in English, and the reigns of his three children—culminating in the much- beloved Elizabeth I.
Smithsonian Connections
The Mary Rose sank almost 500 years ago, but following more than 30 years of restoration, the remains of Henry VIII's flagship opened to the public in July 2016. Smithsonian.com reports on the ship’s resurfacing as an exhibition.
Other Connections
The ship’s dog on the Mary Rose was long believed to be the only female onboard the doomed warship. DNA testing on the skeleton of the cross-breed the research team working on the vessel’s remains named “Hatch” reveals he was actually a four-legged seaman.
