Henry VIII (reigned 1509–1547) is one of the most-tested monarchs in the Life in the UK exam. He had six wives, broke with the Catholic Church and founded the Church of England — and you may be asked about all three.
The break with Rome
When Pope Clement VII refused to grant Henry an annulment from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Henry passed the Act of Supremacy in 1534 declaring himself "Supreme Head of the Church of England". This severed England's allegiance to the Pope and began the English Reformation.
The six wives
- Catherine of Aragon — divorced.
- Anne Boleyn — beheaded.
- Jane Seymour — died.
- Anne of Cleves — divorced.
- Catherine Howard — beheaded.
- Catherine Parr — survived.
A common mnemonic in British schools is "divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived". You may be asked the order or the fate of a specific wife.
Further reading: a related editorial guide on this topic opens in a new window for additional context.
The dissolution of the monasteries
Between 1536 and 1541 Henry closed every monastery, priory and convent in England and Wales, seized their property and sold most of it. The proceeds funded his wars and rewarded loyal courtiers. The ruins of great abbeys such as Tintern, Fountains and Glastonbury date from this period.
After Henry
Henry was succeeded by his son Edward VI (Protestant), then his daughter Mary I (Catholic, who briefly restored the link with Rome and earned the nickname "Bloody Mary") and finally his daughter Elizabeth I, who established the Protestant settlement that still defines the Church of England today.
Keep going
- Read the full study notes for British History.
- Try a practice test on this chapter.
- Sit a full 24-question timed mock.
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