David Starkey has produced an unforgettable biography of a Renaissance prince who turned tyrant—to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession on 21 April 1509. His reign altered the course of British history and a lasting legacy.
Henry: Virtuous Prince is the first of two books celebrating his life. (The second is due for release in April.) It reveals the authenticity and integrity of young Henry during the first few years of his reign.
It is a “must-have” for anyone interested in Tudor History.
However, Starkey resorts to some toilet humour to grab his reader’s attention, before he outlines Henry’s family history during very turbulent times in England’s history.
Did the Wars of the Roses actually end with Henry’s accession, as Starkey claims? What about the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, or his parents’ marriage? (Henry VII married Elizabeth of York in 1486.)
Henry was not destined to become King. He was raised and educated with his two sisters at Eltham Palace. His mother taught Henry to read and write. Starkey believes female company civilised and softened Henry.
The young Henry read books and learnt the manly arts to become a gifted athlete and a lavish arts patron. He excelled in Latin and Mathematics, and he was an accomplished musician. Jousting was a favourite sport.
Henry also enjoyed a very close relationship with his mother—unusual for a royal prince during these times.
Henry’s early years were insecure as his father’s throne was threatened by pretenders’ claims. Perkin Warbeck claimed he was Richard, Duke of York, the younger of the Princes in the Tower. Lambert Simnel announced he was actually the Earl of Warwick, Edward IV’s nephew, who had a legitimate claim to the throne. (Henry VII successfully defeated both pretenders.)
Henry VII prepared his eldest son, Arthur, for kingship. He arranged a marriage between Arthur and a Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon, to strengthen the alliance between the two countries.
Arthur married Catherine in a magnificent ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral on 14 November 1501 where Henry was given a starring role.
However Henry VII’s plans were dashed when Arthur suddenly died, probably from tuberculosis, on 2 April 1502, leaving his young bride a widow.
Henry was now the surviving heir. Nevertheless, Henry VII was reluctant to leave the Tudor dynasty solely dependant on his only surviving son—even one in robust health Elizabeth of York was soon pregnant, but she died from childbirth.
Starkey examines Henry’s life prior to his accession, learning the art of kingship from his father, his relationship with Archduke Philip of Burgundy and personal religious devotions.
Henry’s life changes when he becomes king on 21 April 1509, ushering in a fresh start. (Some hailed Henry’s reign as the start of a new “golden age”.) He married Catherine of Aragon on 11 June, with the coronation two weeks later.
Cardinal Wolsey handled administration matters, leaving Henry to follow his own pursuits. Was this the beginning of the end of Henry’s authenticity and integrity?
© 2009 Carolyn Cash
David Starkey’s Henry: Virtuous Prince is published by HarperCollins.
Carolyn M Cash - Carolyn M Cash is a freelance writer residing in the Sutherland Shire (aka God's Own Country), Sydney, Australia, whilst studying ...
Join the Conversation