Henry's world and lifestyle
Discover important things about Henry the VIII and his lifestyle. Here you learn shortly about his early years, how he became the king of England and the fashion at that time.
His accession to the throne
Henrys parents are Elizabeth of York and Henry the VII. Henry the VIII had 3 siblings, an older brother named Arthur and two sisters. When his brother Arthur died in 1502, Henry became the heir to the crown and in 1509 he became the king of England. Shortly after he was crowned king he married his brother widow, Catherine of Aragon.
The fashion
Henry the VIII was a very rich man and was well dressed. Rich men at that time wore white silk shirts that were frilled at the top and wrists. They wore a tight fitting jacket over the shirt and for trousers they wore closed fitting striped ones. However, Henry was known for his broad shoulder silhouettes and made them very popular by wearing them. Women's fashion on the other hand was quite different and it did not matter what class you were, all women had to wear a linen shift. Upper class women would emphasize their class by striking their silhouette and embellished outer layer and headdress.
Establishment of the English Church
Henry VIII inherited a kingdom at the age of 17 and got married to Catherine of Aragon after his older brother, Arthur died. 24 years later he wanted a divorce and sent a letter to the pope. However, the pope denied his request and said that marriage was eternal. Henry was not thrilled with the pope’s response but was eager to divorce Catherine so he went ahead and "divorced" the Catholic Church instead. He made himself the head of the Church of England and was responsible for its independence from the Roman Catholic Church.
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