Henry VIII

Henry VIII ( 1491 – 1547 )
King of England ( 1509 – 47 ). The second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York , he succeeded to the throne aged 18 and began his reign by executing Dudley and Empson, two of his father's financial officers. From 1513 to 1529 Thomas Wolsey managed affairs of state and diplomacy while Henry played the part of the Renaissance prince, preferring hunting and dancing to government.

From 1525 he turned against his wife Catherine of Aragon...

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