Henry VIII and His Six Wives

Catherine of Aragon:

Was first married to Henry’s brother Arthur who died. They were married for 20 years. When Henry was in France the Scottish King attacked England. Catherine raised an army and defeated him. She bore Henry several children only Mary survived. Henry needed the Popes permission to divorce Catherine. He refused so Henry became head of the church instead of the Pope. Henry divorced Catherine because she was too old to give him a son. His excuse was she was spending more time praying and less time dancing.

Anne Boleyn:

Henry fell in love with Anne because she was young and pretty with flowing hair and black eyes. The marriage lasted for three years. 1533 – 1536. She gave Henry one child a daughter called Elizabeth. She is accused of having lovers and put on trial. The trail is not fair as people do what the king tells them. She is executed

Jane Seymour:

Henry marries Jane because she is a plain and simple girl. They were married for one year 1536 – 1537. She gives Henry a child. Edward the son he so wants. Jane becomes ill and dies. Henry is heartbroken at her death.

Anne of Cleves:

Henry marries Anne in 1540 to from a friendship (alliance) with Germany. Anne is ugly and Henry does not like her. The marriage only lasts for seven months.

Catherine Howard:

Catherine was young and pretty and the King was old and fat. They were married for two years 1540 – 1542. The King liked young and pretty women around him. Catherine soon had a lover. She is executed.

Catherine Parr:

Henry and Catherine are married for four years 1543 – 1547. The king is old and sick and needs somebody to look after him and his children. In January 1547 Henry dies.

Facts PDF Worksheet:

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