Described as ‘a golden prince’, Henry wrote music and poetry when he was a young man.Henry was not born to be king – he became the heir to the throne at age 11 when his older brother Arthur died.He died in 1547, and is buried at Windsor Castle next to his favourite wife, Jane Seymour.Henry loved luxury – he was very well dressed, and wore velvet robes with gold trim and jewels, and rebuilt and redecorated his rooms at Hampton Court Palace at least six times! In 1540, Hampton Court was the most modern and magnificent palace in the world.
He also loved eating, and became very fat as he got older and couldn’t exercise as much. He loved hunting, playing games like tennis, dancing and reading.
Henry became the King of England at age 17 in 1509, when his father, Henry VII, died.
Henry VIII was born on 28 June 1491 in London, at Greenwich Palace.He began the English Reformation that established the Church of England, he united England and Wales and he had three children who each went on to rule England after he died. Henry VIII had many interests – he loved sports and music, he was a good fighter in a battle, and he was well educated. Most people remember him for having six different wives.