Was Henry VIII a Renaissance prince?
Evidence he was
Evidence he was not
Education – learned Latin,
War on and off throughout reign
Mathematics, sport
1512 – 1540 mainly against
Rivalry with France and the
France, occasionally against
Emperor – 1520 Field of the
Charles (bad to fight Charles
Cloth of Gold showcase for the
controlled Netherlands)
posing of Francis and Henry
War not good for the
Ruthless- discarded anyone who Renaissance – detract attention
did not agree with him, Wolsey, away from other things, end of
More, Boleyn Machiavellian But 1530s using up last of the money
More is a Humanist - maybe
from the dissolution – could
better the other side.
have gone a lot further in aiding
Glittering court – composed his the Renaissance
own music, acted, danced,
Dissolution of the monasteries –
masques became set pieces of
which side would they go, end of
propaganda
libraries , end of shrines,
Tournaments, jousts echo
pilgrimage, opportunity and
chivalry
desecration
Patron of the arts – Holbein,
Lay education pro or anti the
Flemish artists, not an English
Renaissance
flowering in portraiture
Reformation - did it end the
Promoter, composer and
Renaissance, will it increase or
performer of music both church decrease the debate
and court.
Promoted translation for the
Built a lot of palaces – depends Bible decorated by Holbein
on style
Interest in theology
Patronised Linacre and More
Supported last wife when she
Refounded Christ Church
was under attack for her
Oxford, and founded Trinity
advanced thoughts in terms of
College Cambridge and several
the reform of the church
schools
Education of his children