Inside the Body of Henry VIII

Posted by Sarah
I finally got to watch the wonderful documentary "Inside the Body of Henry VIII" last weekend. It was a really interesting watch and quite informative. The presenters were Robert Hutchinson whose writing I greatly enjoy (I am currently reading his book ‘The Six Wives of Henry VIII’), historian Dr Lucy Worlsey who is quirky and funny but extremely knowledgeable about Tudor history, and Dr Catherine Hood, a medical doctor. 

Hutchinson stated that “Henry’s health was the health of England” and this documentary really showed just how powerful and correct this statement was.

To look into the health of Henry VIII, Hutchinson, Worlsey and Hood looked at a range of reports written about Henry VIII. Henry was the King of England and everything concerning his being, from his public appearances right down to his bowel movements, was recorded. The King could barely have any time alone because as Hutchinson said, his health was the health of England. They needed their King and thus it was important to record every tiny little detail about Henry’s health. It was noted that Henry’s doctors spent a lot of time studying his urine, stools, blood and spit to gain an idea of how healthy the King was.

In his younger years Henry was a healthy, strong, very handsome young man. He was tall and his good looks were often spoken about. He enjoyed playing sports including, archery, wrestling, jousting and hunting.  Henry VIII may have contracted smallpox at approximately age twenty three but he recovered. Henry was terribly fearful about catching illnesses, and was very paranoid about his health and trying to keep healthy; which I suppose as the King of England is in some way justified. He had to keep himself healthy and strong so that he could effectively rule his Kingdom. If there was an outbreak of illness or infection Henry would move his court as to reduce the chances of getting sick. 

Henry VIII’s health problems:
Age 23: Catches Smallpox but recovers.
Age 30: Catches Malaria, recovers but continues to suffer bouts throughout his life.
Age 33: Jousting accident, forgets to put the visor down and his hit in the head above right eye with a lance (I believe the Duke of Suffolk was Henry’s jousting partner) After this he suffers from terrible migraines.
Age 36: Suffers a painful wrench foot during a tennis match
Age 36: Varicose Ulcers, used by tight garters
Age 45: Jousting accident: Falls from horse, is squashed by the weight of his armour, the horse falling on him and the weight of his horses armour. He is unconscious for two hours. May have caused frontal lobe damage and seriously worsened the ulcers upon his legs.
Later years: Starts to gain a great deal of weight, over eats, does not eat a balanced diet. Becomes obese and may have had type two diabetes and raised blood pressure.

Hutchinson, Worlsey and Hood then look at the 1536 jousting accident in which Henry fell and was crushed by his horse causing him to be unconscious for two hours. They try to recreate the trauma that Henry would have suffered during his accident. A large pig is used to represent Henry (no comment there!) and a weight is dropped upon it.  The weight represents the weight of Henry’s armour, the weight of his horse and the weight of his horses armour. I have to say I jumped when the weight squished the pig carcass! Truly it was amazing that Henry did survive. Henry’s fall would have been the equivalent of a 40 mile per hour car crash! As well as giving Henry a major head injury the accident also reopens the ulcers in his legs. Henry may have suffered a personality change due to this major head injury, especially if there was injury to the frontal lobe. Suzannah Lipscomb talks more about this in her fantastic book “1536: The Year that Changed Henry VIII” – she talks about how the jousting accident of 1536 may have affected Henry’s mood and personality. I would strong recommend giving it a read as it is very informative and very interesting!

Over the years the ulcers in Henry’s his legs grew worse and when they healed it actually increased the seriousness of the injury. The ulcers were kept open and weeping and therefore were constantly susceptible to infection which could cause the ulcers to become very, very smelly. This instantly reminded me of how Henry VIII complained that Anne of Cleves had bad odours about her! I wonder if it was really just Henry’s leg that smelt and he tried to blame it on poor Anne!

Due to Henry’s bad legs he was increasingly unable to participate in exercise and sports. He started to binge eat and was often constipated and suffered from terrible mood swings. The documentary looked at how much Henry actually ate in his later years. They suggest that Henry ate around 5000 calories a day, which is twice the average for a man of today’s times. Henry ate all the wrong types of foods, including too much ale and red wine, far too much bread and meat and not enough vegetables and fruits. They did a weekly shop for Henry and oh my gosh it made me shudder to think one man could eat so much in a single week! (Not to mention the cost of all the food that Henry consumed each week! I’m amazed his coffers weren’t even more bankrupt than they already were!) Of course back in the Tudor period they did not have anywhere as much knowledge or understanding about the types of foods and the appropriate amounts of foods required to keep the body functioning in a healthy manner. But still, Henry VIII did eat to the extreme!

We also got to see the other very serious problems that Henry’s body would have suffered from. We were told about how fat he became and that he would have had very poor circulation. His heart would have grown very large and would have had to pump very hard to try and circulate the blood around his body. His liver would have become very fatty and he probably would have had high blood pressure and possibly type two diabetes.

Henry VIII would have been in a lot of pain and the treatments the doctors gave him would not have helped since they did not have the medical knowledge and understand we have in today’s times. Henry would have became a massively overweight, comfort eating, paranoid, cruel, tyrannical man with mood swings. What a sad decline for a once handsome, athletic, influential young man.

This documentary was fascinating and was presented in an entertaining, easy to understand format. Dr Lucy Worsley and Robert Hutchinson are extraordinarily knowledgeable in Tudor history and it was wonderful to hear their thoughts and views regarding the health of Henry VIII. I really enjoyed this documentary and it was just so interesting to see all the physical changes and health problems that Henry VIII, one of England’s most famous Kings, would have suffered with.




Dr Lucy Worsley, Robert Hutchinson and Dr Catherine Wood
National Geographic Website
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Anne Boleyn By Norah Lofts

Posted by Sarah
Anne Boleyn By Norah Lofts
Ever since she first appeared in the Tudor court, Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second Queen, has been a mystery and a source of controversy. Even her birth is shrouded in obscurity; both year and place are the subject of debate. Was she beautiful, as those who fell under her spell believed, or was she a rather plain girl blessed with striking eyes and a wealth of black hair? More mysterious still is the nature of her role in one of the most turbulent times of British history, The King, who wrote her impassioned love-letters and composed songs in her praise, honoured her as no woman has ever honoured before, and finally defied the Pope in order to marry her. Her enemies at the time believed she owed her success to witch-craft, and indeed she bore two ‘devil’s marks’. But was she, in fact, only a hapless pawn, subject to the passions of a notoriously mercurial autocrat? There is even some question over whether Anne was ever Henry’s wife at all. He married her while his first wife was still alive and two successive Popes, over a period of ten years, had refused the annulment which would have made a second marriage legal. Why was her fall from favour so sudden and complete? Henry’s love changed to a hatred so vicious that he conspired with his chief minister to have her accused of adultery with five men – one her own brother. Four of them went to the block protesting her innocence – and their own. Finally, what happened after she was dead? Why should the story of her secret burial in a remote Norfolk church, under a blank slab of black marble, persist until the present day? And what truth is there behind the many claimed sightings of her ghost? Norah Lofts takes a fresh look at these and many other of the questions that surround the tragic love affair between Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. A fine selection of pictures of the people and places of the story and of Tudor life combines with Norah Lofts’ gripping narrative to make this a vivid and compelling biography.

While I quite enjoyed this book and the detail and attention that Norah Lofts payed to Anne Boleyn’s life, there seemed to be an underlying current running through the book which really made me scratch my head at times.  While reading it appeared to me that Lofts actually believed that Anne Boleyn was a witch – or at least had some knowledge of and involvement with witchcraft. This idea really shocked me as I thought that we as learners and researchers of Anne Boleyn’s life had moved past this ridiculous idea. I will explain Lofts thoughts on this idea a little more in the next paragraph.

Initially Lofts presented the reader with the idea that Anne Boleyn had a sixth finger or at least an extra nail on the side of her finger. She also stated that Anne had a large mole on the side of her neck. While not openly stating the fact, Lofts seems to suggest that Anne had some knowledge of witchcraft and magic and this may have been the reason why she managed to hold Henry’s attention for so long without physically giving into his desire to sleep with her. Lofts also goes on to state that the marks on Anne’s body, the mole on her neck and extra finger, were associated with witchcraft during the Tudor period. During the Tudor times women were often associated with witchcraft as they were believed to be the weaker of the sexes. Any unusual markings or disfigurements were thought to be related to witchcraft, either by the person being born of a witch or being a witch themselves.

There is no evidence at all to suggest that Anne Boleyn had an extra finger, or finger nail or a large mole on her neck. I believe these suggestions are nothing more than ridiculous lies given by those who wished to see her downfall. If she did have an extra finger or a large mole on her neck Henry VIII would have certainly noticed. Henry was a very intelligent, well read man who knew a lot about religion and other matters. Since witchcraft was a strong belief in the Tudor times I would be seriously surprised if Henry would want to marry a woman who would appear ‘deformed’ or at least physically carrying the signs of a witch. And there would have been no way Anne could have hid an extra finger or an ugly mole from a man whom she spent so much time with and desired her so completely and wholly. I think the whole witch thing is a complete farce, lies spread to make Anne Boleyn’s image look terrible and to give a reason why Henry VIII was seduced by her. (Because let us not forget that Henry was not accountable for anything!)

I was really disappointed that Lofts carried on with this idea right throughout her book and even at the end she suggested that Anne Boleyn did come back after her death. Instead of appearing as a ghost she appeared as a large hare, an animal in which witches were reportedly able to change into. This whole concept of witchcraft really frustrated me as personally I do not believe there is any evidence to suggest Anne was a witch. I also think this idea takes away from the talent, wit and natural charm that Anne did have and used to her advantage. Anne had natural flair, allure and abilities and it saddens me that Loft did not give Anne the true credit she was due, instead she tried to label her as a witch.

There were several other mistakes which stood out that I feel should be noted. The first is that Lofts claims that Anne Boleyn went across the ocean for the first time as a lady in waiting or a maid to Mary Tudor. Of course history tells us that this is not true. Anne Boleyn first went to be educated under the Archduchess Margaret of Austria. After some time when Mary Tudor did go to France to Marry King Lois, Anne was transferred into Mary Tudor’s services. After the French King’s death Anne Boleyn stayed at the French court and was educated by the new King’s wife, Queen Claude. Although it is not a huge issue mixing up the details of Anne Boleyn’s early life (as there is not a great deal of information on these years) it does frustrate me that such a mistake could be made. While the evidence is thin there is still enough research out there to tell us at least the places and the order of places that Anne Boleyn travelled in her younger years.

Lofts also suggests that Henry VIII and Anne’s relationship started sometime in 1523 and that it was Henry, not Wolsey behind the order to break up Henry Percy and Anne Boleyn.  Other historians (for example Alison Weir and Eric Ives) would suggest that Henry did not meet and start showing interest in Anne until around 1526/1527.

Lastly Lofts claims that Anne miscarried twice in 1534, in January and June yet there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case, nor does Loft provide any research to back up her statement.  While the evidence we do have is a little sketchy it would still seem to suggest that yes Anne did indeed miscarry sometime in 1534 and again in January 1636. Besides Elizabeth I’s birth it would appear that Anne was only pregnant three times.

While there were several inaccuracies (I believe) I will give Norah Lofts credit as her book was beautiful written. It was very easy to read and her writing style is fluid and approachable. I also greatly enjoyed the inclusion of many beautiful images related to Anne Boleyn and other people, places and objects of the Tudor age. This for me was the real highlight of the book as at least every second page had a wonderful portrait or picture which captured my attention. While many of the images are in black and white they are still extremely detailed and quite beautiful to look at. The portraits included helped the reader to visualise all the people in and around Anne Boleyn’s life, including Anne, Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, King Francis, Cranmer, Cromwell and other important people. There were also some beautiful sketches and drawings of what life would have been like during Anne’s time. The images included, I believe, were the real stand out.  

Lofts also makes a very good statement of Henry VIII that really stuck out to me. She says that, “he could be brutal, give brutal orders, but he could not bear to face his victims, or to watch the orders being carried out” (p. 81). I think this is a perfect summary of what Henry VIII was like with his victims (many of which did not deserve the cruel fate they received). Henry VIII could be a very cruel, spiteful man; he could quite easily hand out punishments but he was unable, or unwilling to see them carried out. This in itself gives us some insight into the type of man Henry VIII really was.

While I strongly disagree with the idea that Lofts presents that Anne Boleyn could have been a witch, or at least have some knowledge of witchcraft – I still did enjoy this book. As I mentioned Lofts has a beautiful and simple writing style which appealed to me. She did give a lot of detailed information on Anne’s life and the inclusion of such stunning portraits and pictures was a wonderful addition to this book.




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The Last Days of Henry VIII By Robert Hutchinson

Posted by Sarah
The Last Days of Henry VIII By Robert Hutchinson
After 35 years in power, Henry VIII was a bloated, hideously obese, black-humoured old man, rarely seen in public. He had striven all his life to ensure the survival of his dynasty by siring legitimate sons, yet his only male heir was eight-year-old Prince Edward. It was increasingly obvious that when Henry died, real power in England would be exercised by a regent. The prospect of that prize spurred the rival court factions into deadly conflict. Robert Hutchinson spent several years in original archival research. He advances a genuinely new theory of Henry's medical history and the cause of his death; he has unearthed some fabulous eyewitness material and papers from death warrants, confessions and even love letters between Katherine Parr and the Lord High Admiral.

Right from the start I will say this is one of the best books about Henry VIII that I have ever read. I have always been interested in learning more about the famous King of England who had six wives and this book provided me with a wealth of information that I never knew before. This book focuses on the last few years of Henry VIII’s life, specifically from 1543 until Henry’s death. What I loved about this book is the detail that Hutchinson went into as he looked at all the different events that happened to Henry over the last four years of his life.

I have always thought of Henry as quite a tyrant in his final years, an aging man who was grossly overweight, unable to participate in the lively sports of his younger years, losing his youth, his moods swinging back and forth wildly. Hutchinson also puts forward this image of Henry, but what he does is look at the different reasons why Henry turned into an overweight tyrant obsessed with his image and power.

Hutchinson looks at Henry’s son, Prince Edward and how important this beloved son and future heir was to the King. Having only one son in a time where many children often did not live to adulthood must have been a very worrying thing for Henry. If anything happened to Edward, Henry would have no male heir to carry on the Tudor line. While Henry was a distant father Hutchinson showed the reader that Henry loved and treasured his son greatly.

Next Hutchinson looks at Henry’s religious beliefs and although he was now the Supreme Head of the English Church he believed quite strongly in the Catholic practices and beliefs. Hutchinson talks about how those around Henry were very influential in coercing the King to different religious reforms. It seems as though those within the Privy chamber had a great influence on the aging King and whispered a great deal into his ear about their own personal beliefs and ideas for England. Hutchinson goes into some detail about all the people who were influential in Henry’s political and religious decisions. He speaks about their own personal motives and how they used their influence and friendliness with the King to try and gain many advantages for the reformist religion.

Of course one cannot forget that in his final years Henry went to France looking for military glory. Hutchinson explores Henry’s passion for glory and how he nearly bankrupted England in an attempt to gain a great military reputation. All in all it really did not seem worth the expenses. Henry gained a town and claimed it as a great victory but the people of England were the ones that paid the price having to pay extra taxes and expenditures to fund Henry’s campaign.

There is a lovely section where Hutchinson talks about Henry’s marriage to Katherine Parr and their relationship. It really does seem as though Katherine became something of a friend and nurse to Henry in his final years. She was a very intelligent woman and unfortunately some people at court thought she had overstepped her status as a woman and there was at one stage an investigation to see if she was a heretic. Henry in his ever changing mood swings authorised the arrest of Katherine, but went back on his decision once she came to him and humbly submitted herself to his will. From what Hutchinson wrote it does seem as though Henry did care about his last wife and saw her as a very good and loving friend.

I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter that Hutchinson wrote about Henry’s decline in physical health. He talked a great deal about how Henry was very much invested in medicines and remedies to heal the body. The King made many medicines and concoctions which he believed would heal various illnesses and diseases. What alarmed me greatly was when Hutchinson talked about the regular enemas that Henry needed in his later life due to being extremely constipated! This of course was probably caused by his excessive over eating, and eating of foods such as meats which were not very good for the digestive system. This was another interesting (if perhaps a little gross) fact that I never knew before. Hutchinson also talked about the ulcer on Henry’s leg and how over time it grew worse and the pain increased in both legs making it very difficult for Henry to walk. By the end of his life Henry was grossly overweight, having difficulties walking, standing on his own and even at times breathing. Apparently his doctors tried to get him to eat healthier but clearly Henry did not heed this advice.

Hutchinson’s proposes the idea that Henry suffered from Cushings Syndrome, which symptoms include gross obesity around the trunk and neck of the body. People with this syndrome also have rather fat faces, with fat deposits under their eyes; their skin can be fragile and thin and take some time for wounds to heal. Bones become weaker, blood pressure rises and they also may suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia and mood swings. Certainly reading through these symptoms they do sound quite a lot like Henry VIII!  Henry was well known for his massive bulk, his bouts of depression, his anxiety and mood swings – he was known to lash out at his courtiers and strike them in anger! Hutchinson does add that there cannot be any affirmative diagnoses because we have no way of testing for this disease five hundred years after Henry’s death.

I am not completely sure I agree with Hutchinson’s theory – much of what he says does sound like Henry and his behaviour and physical appearance. But on the other hand, he could have simply been a man who had a great deal of pressure and responsibility upon his shoulders, a man who suffered many significant blows not only to his person but to his status, his manhood and his mental state. (Please read Suzannah Lipscombs book “1536 The Year that Changed Henry VIII” for more detail about the events that greatly impacted Henry’s personality). Henry VIII could simply have turned into a tyrant and with absolute, unquestioning power he had the ability to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted and no one dare question him for fear of their lives. I do not know if we can always lay the blame for his behaviour and actions on a medical illness. Nonetheless Hutchinson does put forward a very valuable and quite possible theory for Henry’s physical, mental and emotional state towards the end of his life.

Hutchinson looks at Henry’s final days and hours, his death and the controversy surrounding his will. Apparently there may have been some additions to the King’s will after Henry was dead. The use of a dry stamp was issued during Henry’s final few years so that the King would not have to read and sign every single document. Members of his Privy chamber were authorized to use the stamp in his name and then record the usage and show this to the King which he would sign at the end of each month. It is proposed that perhaps the dry stamp was used to alter the will somewhat to give a little extra benefits and power to those members of the reformist faction at court.

Henry’s funeral is also written about in great deal and as a reader I was able to create a detailed, and at times a rather chilling image of Henry’s great coffin and effigy moving through the streets to its final resting place at St George’s chapel where it was placed in a great vault next to Jane Seymour’s coffin. I also found it very interesting and informative that Hutchinson went into a some detail about what happened to all the major people who played a role in Henry VIII’s life during his final years. Giving a little information about what happened to Henry’s children, Katherine Parr and the members of his council gave the reader a nice conclusion to the life of Henry and what happened to everyone after the King had died and his son declared the next King of England.

In the end I felt quite sad for dear Henry. Perhaps he was a tyrant; or maybe he was just a pawn in all the political and personal battling at court. Perhaps he was a victim of the many tragedies and personal blows he suffered throughout the years. Or maybe he was just a mean, overweight, power hungry man facing his death. Whatever the case, I felt as though Hutchinson provided such a wealth of detail and information that the reader was able to make up their own mind about Henry VIII and the type of man he was in his final years. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe it is one of the best I have ever read about Henry VIII. Hutchinson has an easy and personal writing style where I felt as though instead of reading an information heavy book with lots and lots of details, I was reading a novel about a powerful King and his final years of life. I was captivated from the start and would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in Henry VIII.




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