Henry The VIII (Born 1491, Ruled 1509-1547)

One of England's strongest and least popular monarchs was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. - He was born at Greenwich on June 28, 1491. The first ruler to be educated under the influence of the Renaissance, he was a gifted scholar, linguist, composer, and musician.- He was gay and handsome, skilled in all manner of athletic games as a youth, but in later life he became fat.- In 1502, when his elder brother, Arthur, died, he became heir apparent.- Soon after he succeeded his father on the throne, he married Arthur's young widow, Catherine of Aragon.
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