The Last Days of Henry VIII: Conspiracies, Treason and Heresy at the Court of the Dying Tyrant

by Robert Hutchinson

A blazing narrative history that boldly captures the end of England's most despotic ruler and his court -- a time of murderous conspiracies, terrifying betrayals, and sordid intrigue

Henry VIII's crimes against his wives are well documented and have become historical lore. But much less attention has been paid to his monarchy, especially the closing years of his reign.

Rich with information including details from new archival material and written with the nail-biting suspense of a modern thriller, The Last Days of Henry VIII offers a superb fresh look at this fascinating figure and new insight into an intriguing chapter in history.

Robert Hutchinson paints a brilliant portrait of this egotistical tyrant who governed with a ruthlessness that rivals that of modern dictators; a monarch who had "no respect or fear of anyone in this world," according to the Spanish ambassador to his court. Henry VIII pioneered the modern "show trial": cynical propaganda exercises in which the victims were condemned before the proceedings even opened, proving the most powerful men in the land could be brought down overnight.

After thirty-five years in power, Henry was a bloated, hideously obese, black-humored old recluse. And despite his having had six wives, the Tudor dynasty rested on the slight shoulders of his only male heir, the nine-year-old Prince Edward -- a situation that spurred rival factions into a deadly conflict to control the throne.

The Last Days of Henry VIII is a gripping and compelling history as fascinating and remarkable as its subject.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Tudor Period, Biography Memoir, British Literature, Historical

368 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2005

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written and engrossing book about Henry VIII and his decline. It's strange though, while Hutchison keeps telling and to a degree showing the reader the trynnay and cruelty of Henry VIII, he also seems to be very much a fan. It is almost as if he is seperating Herny VIII from his actions.

The attempt to get rid of Katherine Parr by the conseratives at court is an example of this, where it Hutchsinon argues that Henry VIII seemed to set up a test of his queen, or perhaps to teach her a lesson. At some point, Hutchison implies that it was to teach his minsters a lesson as well. He could have gone into slightly more depth here.

Speaking of Katherine Parr, Hutchinson seems to be an admirer of her as well. In many ways, this excellent, short book, helps the reader prepare for the mercurical changes that occur under Edward and Mary, before the calm of Elizabeth.

In particular, Hutchison examines the question of the will as well as the cause of death of Great Harry. He doesn't seem to take a stand, which is understandable, and really does examine the various arguements, even in some cases dismissing some.

An engaging book.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Henry VIII, who ruled as a tyrant for almost 40 years, is dying. He caused mayhem and mischief by marrying six wives, killing two of them, with the dissolution of the monasteries, the creation of the Church of England, and his international policies. In short, it was a hot mess towards the end of his reign. So how did the last few months of King Henry VIII play out and how was he honored by those closest to the throne? Robert Hutchinson takes an in-depth look into this tumultuous period in history in his book, “The Last Days of Henry VIII: Conspiracies, Treason, and Heresy at the Court of the Dying Tyrant.”

I found this particular book in a used bookstore one day and decided to try it. I have heard of Robert Hutchinson, but I have never read any of his books.

Hutchinson begins with the day that King Henry VIII breathed his last breath on January 28, 1547. He is no longer the glamorous Renaissance prince, but rather he is a hugely obese man with festering wounds on his legs. The years have taken their toll on the king, but no one feels sympathy for the man. He has made so many around him live in abject terror for decades. Now, it is time for a fresh start with the reign of King Edward VI, his beloved son.

We then jump back in time so that Hutchinson can show his readers exactly why King Henry VIII was feared towards the end of his life. He starts with the last three marriages of Henry VIII, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Katherine Parr. The way that Hutchinson characterized Anne of Cleves and Catherine Howard in this book irked me quite a bit, even though I know this book is older and there is new research about both queens that contradicts Hutchinson’s perspective.

Multiple marriages were not the only concern during the last years of Henry VIII’s life as he had to deal with heretics, international politics, and how the country should be run after his death. What I found truly fascinating about this book is the sources that Hutchinson used to tell the tale of the last years of Henry VIII’s life. They show how chaotically terrifying Henry’s court was towards the end. Hutchinson shows how the ambitious men around Edward VI tried to take control, but failed miserably as Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I ruled with just as much vigor as their powerful father. Finally, we see what happened to Henry VIII’s earthly remains and why his marvelous tomb vanished, leaving a simple marker to indicate where he and his beloved Jane Seymour were buried.

Hutchinson does his due diligence to show how maniacal Henry VIII was, especially towards the end of his life. He does not mince words in his opinions about Henry and his court, which I may not agree with completely, but he makes strong arguments for his opinions. Overall, a very well-written and informative book. If you want a book that explores the final years of the infamous king, I would suggest you check out, “The Last Days of Henry VIII: Conspiracies, Treason, and Heresy at the Court of the Dying Tyrant” by Robert Hutchinson.

[Henry The VIII · Rating 5 out of 5]

ah, a tale of mine own end, not of mine pathetic wives, how refreshing indeed. my final days were bliss, free of catherine of aragon’s endless whining, of anne boleyn’s ghostly accusations, of jane seymour’s tearful wails. no more anne of cleves neighing like a horse, nor katherine howard’s dreadful screeching masquerading as song. peace at last!

[Pete daPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Hutchinson's 'The Last Days of Henry VIII-Conspiracies,Treason and Heresy at the Court of the Dying Tyrant', published 2005, is a well researched and fact packed read that covers the later years, more than the last days, of Henry's reign.
Like all good historical tomes, this one is crammed with Notes, around forty pages, as well as a good bibliography of primary sources, and short biographical paragraphs on the leading players.
Hutchinson's time span predominantly covers Henry's last ten years, from the rise of the house of Seymour to 1547. Therefore the author misses out Cromwell's conspiracy against Anne Boleyn. He is also quite lenient in matters dealing with the King's love life, when compared with the opinions of Alison Weir and Antonia Fraser. As for olde Henry's medical ailments, not easy to diagnose when the patient has been dead for almost five hundred years, this author presents interesting facts and a diagnosis of an endocrine abnormality called Cushing's syndrome.
It is the heavy leaning on primary sources that greatly supports Hutchinson's work and brings to light those little treats, such like, recent research has revealed the purchase of a pair of boots for playing football early on in his reign. Or the history of Henry's tomb in Windsor Castle, which was never fully completed, then desecrated by those vandals of English history the Roundheads, pillaged for scrap metal by the Commonwealth government (Cromwell's revenge!) and finally the sarcophagus and it's base were re-used at St.Paul's for Nelson's monument in 1808.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great comprehensive look at the last few years of Henry VIII’s life, which is often overlooked due to the scandals of his earlier years. It explores in depth his last three marriages, the conspiracies and rivalries abounding in his inner circle, the religious climate, his volatile temper, his waning heath and final illness, and his majestic funeral. We see some familiar characters like Cromwell exit the scene in Henry’s familiar tyrant fashion, and we become more familiar with others who filled large rolls behind the scene. I would recommend this as a great supplement to the collection of any Tudor enthusiast as a readable and straightforward account of Henry’s final, tumultuous years.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book looking at the end of Henry VIII's reign, a period often overlooked in favour of the Anne Boleyn years and the issues of religion and divorce. Hutchinson explores the role of Katherine Parr which was not as straightforward as her merely caring for him in his last years. There were plots to get rid of her and she worked hard to bring his children together with him as a family. Henry remained in control almost to the very end of his illness, playing factions against each other as he had done throughout his reign. The details and questions aroused by his will are fascinating and Hutchinson explores the politics of the time without making it a dry and heavy-going book. A good edition to the literature of Tudor England and a very interesting read.

[Cindy Bishop · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made the mistake of assuming that this book would be about the last few years of Henry VIII's life. I figured there would be a chunk in the beginning for those who dont know much about him to explain how he came to be at the end of his life. But in the first page of the forward, the author starts by stating that Henry killed up to 150,000 of his country men. While this is accurate (only due to semantics) it is a HUGELY GROSS assumption that Henry VIII had 6% of the population of his country beheaded. Seriously? Also, it was well past the halfway mark of the book until he really got into the later years of his life. I'm giving it two stars because it was well written, but under researched and misleading.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henry VIII is often spoken about in terms of his wives, mistresses, and children. There was a lot more to this monarch that his appetite for women, though we know what a profound impact one particular relationship had on religion in England. This book discusses the last years of Henry VIII's life and the activities/legislation that he had part in during that time. That is often overlooked due to his romantic entanglements, as well as his staggering weight and illnesses in the last part of his life.

The description of this book said that it read like a nail-biting suspense...not for me. It did give a lot of insight into the ruthlessness of Henry VIII and how he went after his enemies. Court life was also presented in a more vicious and intriguing light than what I am typically confronted with, which I did enjoy. There are always people in proximity to leaders who are up to shady doings to further their own interests, and this certainly proved that about some of them. I did think the book was a bit one-sided, because it really portrayed Henry VIII as an absolute evil monster. While he did a lot of questionable and downright terrible things, I'm not sure that I would take it quite that far. The research was well done, and the book was well-written, but I found it underwhelming compared to the description and other highly praising reviews.

[Ricardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. Bastante informativo apesar de ser sucinto.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply interesting book on the last days and death of Henry VIII.

If you think you know all there is to know about England's most notorious monarch, then think again.

Robert Hutchinson's book delves very deeply into the character of the man (as provable by both his actions and correspondence) and also those around him. Some, like Sir Anthony Denny, whom the eye of history has gently slid over, should really have historians taking a much closer look at this interesting and manipulative man.

Hutchinson speculates on the cause of Henry's disabilities and death, steering away from the done to death idea of syphilis and coming up with a much more plausible illness Cushings syndrome .

I recommend "The Last Days of Henry VIII" to anyone with an interest in Tudor England in general and Henry himself in particular.

[Susan Paxton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eminently readable history of the latter part of Henry VIII's reign, beginning around his brief marriage to Anne of Cleves. Hutchinson's speculation that Henry suffered from Cushing's Disease is interesting and plausible and explains a number of his symptoms. There's enough of an epilogue following Henry's death to find out what happened to the dramatis personae; the tag chapter about the fate of Henry's tomb is fascinating. Good stuff for anyone interested in the period; more evidence for arguing that in fact the Tudors were England's most successful crime family rather than royalty.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched and fascinating book, giving a real insight into Henry VIII's life from the time when Ann of Cleves became his bride. It describes policy, personalities, intrigues, allegiances, conspiracies, religion and politics in a thoroughly readable way. Even Henry's medical history is discussed, and his failed attempts to have a tomb for posterity to remember him by. This is an illuminating, detailed and involving book which makes sense of this somewhat turbulent period of English history.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly detailed and informative book. As ever - a joy to read. Katherine Parr is one of Henry VIII's most interesting wives - a clever and complex woman with a passionate beating heart. Henry's last days - riven by domestic strife and religious upheaval and a personal deterioration in his health. He was the bloated monster of legend.

Hutchinson makes history a joy to read - because he has a flair with words.

Highly recommended

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really at least 3.5 stars. The most enjoyable of Hutchinson's books yet! Many Tudor historians romanticise the reign of Henry VIII, much to my annoyance, but he does not. Rather, the author has a tendency to meticulously look at gory detail which I very much find enjoyable. A light read yet well sourced and referenced.

[Richard Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book depicting the horrific end of Henry VIII and its effects on English history afterwards.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Hutchinson’s book offers a bright and unwavering investigation of the concluding years of one of England’s most notorious monarchs. While many books walk around Henry VIII’s reign, vis-a-vis political disturbances, his six marriages, or the English Reformation, Hutchinson tapers his emphasis to the king's fading health, deteriorating power, and the courtly machinations that defined his sunset years. Hutchinson shades an arresting representation of a once-daunting ruler withered by ill health, paranoia, and a cracked court. The tome delves into Henry’s physical illnesses, such as his ulcerated leg and suspected diabetes, and examines how these conditions influenced his disposition and authority. The narrative shows how a monarch who once inspired fear and admiration became progressively reliant on his advisors, some of whom sought to manipulate him for their gain. One of Hutchinson’s strengths lies in his aptitude to intertwine ironic, comprehensive descriptions of the Tudor court. The plotting, betrayals, and shifting associations among Henry’s councilors are brought to life, providing us with a front-row seat to the political gamesmanship of the time. Cinematic almost!! Hutchinson also highlights lesser-known figures and proceedings, adding complexity to the historical narrative. Hutchinson uses a forensic approach, drawing on a wealth of ‘primary sources’, including letters, legal documents, and current accounts. His scrupulous research allows him to challenge conventional narratives, presenting a nuanced view of Henry as both a ruthless despot and a man undone by his own body and courtly environment. While the book is richly informative, its focus on granular details and its sometimes clinical tone may not appeal to all readers. Those unacquainted with Tudor history might find the mesh of characters and events prodigious. Furthermore, the book’s narrower opportunity means it assumes some prior information of Henry’s earlier life and wider milieu. In fine, we can safely conclude that this is a compelling read for those who enjoy detailed, character-driven historical accounts. Hutchinson’s sharp analysis and vivid prose provide an unvarnished look at the final chapter of a monarch whose life shaped England’s history. For Tudor aficionados and history buffs, this book offers an intensely engaging exploration of power, transience, and the encumbrances of kingship. Give it a go by all means.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the first chance I've had to read a book I've known about for a while and I really enjoyed it despite some flaws and irritations: is it necessary to refer each time to Charles V as "the Imperial Emperor" for instance?

On the other hand the level of detailed research is extremely impressive particularly in regard to Henry's medical care (Hutchinson offering a speculative diagnosis as to what may have been underlying the king's problems) and the arrangements for his funeral.

Hutchinson also offers great insight into some of the personalities of Henry's later years: 3 queens (most especially Katherine Parr), bishops, nobles, courtiers, doctors and servants many of whom have been overlooked in the past, as well as Henry himself of course. The interplay between these personalities through various conspiracies and the endless factional strife of Henry's later years is also brought to the fore.

The book also contains extensive notes and bibliography as well as a fascinating if somewhat grisly appendix on the fate of Henry's corpse and tomb.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Od knihy jsem (vzhledem k názvu) očekávala vylíčení posledních dnů (či měsíců) Jindřichova života, ale autor (místy velmi podrobně) popisuje rozličné události a části Jindřichovy vlády a několikrát jsem si nebyla tak docela jistá, jak to má souviset s jeho odcházením.
Hutchinsonův styl psaní mi nepřijde příliš poutavý, Jindřicha (i mnohé další osobnosti té doby) líčí vskutku nelichotivě - nehodnotím, zda právem, ale místy se mi příznivska, kterými Jindřicha, Howarda či další tituloval přišly opravdu tvrdé.

Zajímavá je každopádně kapitola o Jindřichově závěti i ta, která se věnuje Kateřině Parrové a Thomasi Seymourovi - byť ta mi do celkového konceptu knihy vůbec nezapadala, tak tam byly zajímavé informace včetně citovaných dopisů, které mezi nimi proudily.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hugely interesting and entertaining look at Henry's last years on the throne and the various shenanigans that he got up too. There is plenty of interesting stories of various plots and intrigues as well as going beyond his reign into those of Edward VI and Mary. Also, it was interesting to find out what Henry wanted to have left to commemorate him (think along the lines of what Stalin would have done had he been around in the 16th century) and what actually occurred to his tomb. A fascinating read.

[Bobby24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering he is probable the most famous King that there has ever been there are very few recent books on him.

I have read both this authors books on Henry and both are incredibly well researched. As an aside i grew up in mid Bedfordshire where he once owned a castle, Ampthill (there is not a brick left now), many many times as a youngster me and my mates found ourselves in that park at night camping and night fishing and i can say it is a spooky place to find yourself at night just the cracking of twiggs caused by deer and the shrill of birds on the lake, there is nothing around for miles and when i consider what happened here it would have sent a chill up my spine if i'd have known, you would not want to find yourself alone up there at night. Trust me, the ghost of Henry and Katherine are still there.

[Anne Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a great subject—-it’s just too bad the author chose to insert his prejudice and bias, on how Edward VI’s being raised by women contributed to his priggishness, and repeatedly in the first two chapters, his opinion of how silly or ugly some of the subjects of the book were.

It really took me out of what could have been a very interesting book.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written and factual. An insight into a perilous time and the greed of a rapacious King. Henry was viscious, vindictive, and vain. His ill health plagued him in his later years and this book highlights what other histories of Henry's reign overlook. It is an easy read and a window into a time that even in today's political world seems all too familiar. Robert Hutchinson has captured the essence of the man, his politicians, wives, and his overpowering need to perpetuate his line.

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

De schrijfstijl viel me een beetje tegen. Het is niet omdat het non-fictie is dat het niet actief en meeslepend kan geschreven worden (kijk maar naar de Bourgondiërs!). Te veel feitelijke opsomming en te weinig een verhaal. Maar, de Tudors blijven me wel intrigreren☺️

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very good. Being a Tudor reader since I was 8 (I am 59) not much is new information for me. I did, however, discover many things about the last few years of Henry's life, death and funeral. Excellent addition to any Tudor fan's shelves.

[Clint Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is truly superb. It vividly narrates the events and intriguingly describes the characters in Henry VIII's Court.

[Alberto Tebaldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

an engrossing, over-detailed historical book, epilogue was unreadable though

[christine lees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly research

This was an excellent piece of research into the final days of Henry VIII. It is meticulously referenced and well written

[Maria]

Lido em novembro 2020

[Anne Of Cleves · Rating 3 out of 5]

the lasteth days of henry viii were hath spent fully unable to moveth due to his shear horizontal mass

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful