King Henry VIII (1491-1547), Reigned 1509-47

Sitter associated with 90 portraits
Henry VIII succeeded his father Henry VII in 1509. He is well known for his six marriages and for ordering the dissolution of religious houses which took place between 1535 and 1539. Aided by his ministers, Cardinal Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell, his reign was characterised by ambition abroad and ruthlessness at home. His quest for a male heir and a divorce from his first wife Catherine of Aragon led to his establishing himself as head of the Church in England in place of the Pope in 1535.