Birth of King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII was born on June 28, 1491, at Greenwich Palace, England. He was the second son of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.
1491
1509
Ascension to the Throne
King Henry VIII ascended to the throne on April 21, 1509, following the death of his father, King Henry VII. He was crowned king on June 24, 1509.
1509
Marriage to Catherine of Aragon
King Henry VIII married Catherine of Aragon, the widow of his older brother Arthur, on June 11, 1509.
1513
Battle of the Spurs
King Henry VIII led English forces to victory against France at the Battle of the Spurs in August 1513.
1521
Defense of the Seven Sacraments
King Henry VIII was awarded the title "Defender of the Faith" by Pope Leo X for his pamphlet defending the seven sacraments against Martin Luther's teachings.
1527
Request for Annulment
King Henry VIII sought an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, which led to a protracted conflict with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church.
1533
Marriage to Anne Boleyn
King Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn in January 1533, and their marriage was officially declared valid by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in May 1533.
1534
Act of Supremacy
King Henry VIII declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy, effectively establishing the Anglican Church and breaking from the Roman Catholic Church.
1536
Execution of Anne Boleyn
King Henry VIII ordered the execution of Anne Boleyn on charges of adultery, incest, and treason on May 19, 1536.
1536
Marriage to Jane Seymour
King Henry VIII married Jane Seymour on May 30, 1536. She gave birth to his only male heir, Edward VI, in 1537.
1540
Marriage to Anne of Cleves
King Henry VIII married Anne of Cleves on January 6, 1540, but the marriage was annulled six months later.
1540
Marriage to Catherine Howard
King Henry VIII married Catherine Howard on July 28, 1540. She was executed for adultery in 1542.
1543
Marriage to Catherine Parr
King Henry VIII married his sixth and final wife, Catherine Parr, on July 12, 1543.
1547
Death of King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII died on January 28, 1547, at the age of 55. He was succeeded by his son, Edward VI.
1547
Burial at St George's Chapel
King Henry VIII was buried in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside his third wife, Jane Seymour.
