Henry VIII

by L. Du Garde Peach, Frank Humphris (Illustrator)

Henry VIII was very popular with his subjects at the beginning of his reign. He was young, handsome, friendly with everybody, and athletic. But he was selfish, and when unable to get what he wanted, very cruel. He was, however, a patriotic Englishman and we have much to thank him for today.

52 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Lawrence du Garde Peach was an English author and writer of plays for radio, stage and screen. Today he may be best remembered as the author of over 30 books for Ladybird's Adventure from History series of nonfiction children's books, published from 1957 until his death, which was the largest series Ladybird ever produced, and remained in print until 1986.

Reviews

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

These Ladybird books, although for younger readers, provide plenty of good information on their subject and this one on Henry VIII is no exception.

Imagine how the history of England would have been so very different if Henry's elder brother, Prince Arthur, had not died at the age of 16. Henry, who became heir to the throne when he was just 11, may never have aspired to the kingship.

Arthur's widow, Catherine, was married to Henry on the death of his father Henry VII in 1509 but this was not only against all the rules of the Church but it also upset the people of England, who did not care for the Spaniards. However, the Pope, under pressure, was persuaded to sanction the marriage.

Two of Henry's advisors were Cardinal Wolsey, who became equally as powerful as his king, and Thomas Cromwell, who eventually lost his head on Tower Hill. And, while ruling the country in some style, as we all know, Henry had a succession of wives, the fifth of whom, Catherine Howard, must have been either a brave or foolish woman knowing how the previous four had got on!

Henry proclaimed himself head of the Church of England, saw the rise of printing in England, had Holbein as his court painter and, as well as being quick-tempered, he had absolute power. The author suggests, with good evidence, that these last two qualities were a fatal combination. And, stating that power tends towards evil, and the greater the power, the greater the evil, he argues, with good reasoning, that Henry was an example of the truth of this. Great though Henry was, who could argue?

[Andrew Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these little Ladybird books. They rocket by, the artwork is always incredible and there’s a tendency to drop little nuggets into the mix which I hadn’t previously heard or read before. Even silly things like Henry has bright red hair.