Historical Context

Picture
Inheriting a kingdom that had recently suffered from a civil war, Henry VIII’s reign was a time of political and economic turmoil. Henry VIII’s predecessor, Henry VII, had lavishly spent the royal budget, increasing the navy from 5 ships to over 40 in just a few years. To pay this debt, Henry VII relied on taxes from wealthy aristocrats, creating tension and unrest.  Having just emerged from a civil war, Henry VII’s position was not entirely stable and could be usurped at anytime.

When Henry VIII inherited the throne from his father in 1509, he understood the need to solidify the Tudor throne and produce a male heir. However, after being married to Catherine of Aragon for over 10 years and only having one surviving daughter, Henry VIII was becoming frustrated with the lack of a successor. In 1525, Henry VIII turned his attention to the young, beautiful and exotic woman in the Queen’s entourage, Anne Boleyn.