So I recently just finished watching the Showtime series The Tudors and was fascinated by their portrayal of Henry VIII. I know that some creative liberties were taken while the show was being filmed and that Jonathan Rhys Meyers definitely cuts a much different form than my rather limited knowledge would expect of the actual man who lived in the mid-16th century. So my questions are: What physical ailments, conditions, or diseases did Henry VIII suffer from? did any of these worsen as he aged or play a major role in his livelihood? How did his political disposition compare to others at the time? Was he really as rash and self-motivated as he is portrayed as being in the show? Were there any advisers that he leaned upon heavily and how did they influence him in his decision-making? And what were the consequences of his rule? (besides the obvious creation of the Anglican Church) The show portrays England as descending into major religious and political strife that seems to be worsening as he ages and dies. What events came between his death and the rule of Elizabeth I that were of major historical relevance? Thanks for your time!
Henry, like most men in the time period dreamed of having sons to continue their legacies and to be great war heroes to bring pride and wealth to their families. Early on in life he became very close with Thomas More who was extremely influential on the young prince. Thomas was a humanist and I believe might have been a sort of Jiminy Cricket to Henry up until he defied the King and refused to sign a document recognizing him as the Supreme Head of the Church of England which resulted in More losing his head. Henry was knocked from his horse during a jousting tournament in 1524 which left him unconscious for 2 hours. This head injury is believed to be what turned Henry into the real tyrant he is remembered for. He became paranoid so none of his other advisors ever came as close to him as Thomas More was able to, rightfully so as some surely had their own agendas.
Henry's rule opened the door for Protestantism in England although he was always a staunch Catholic at heart and many of both religions were still persecuted during his rule. His only living son died at the age of 16, paving the way for his daughters Mary (aka Bloody Mary) and then Elizabeth I to rule. The first women to rule England in their own rights.
In the end he was never remembered for any battles but rather for his mercurial temperament and the wives he accumulated in the hopes of begetting a son.