Why did Henry VIII marry six times?

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Why did Henry VIII marry six times?
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Henry VIII

• He was big and handsome and wore fine clothes
• He loved games, horse-riding and hunting
• He spoke four languages, wrote poetry and played
  music

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But most important to him

• He wanted to be a strong king, with a firm hold
  on the throne
• He most wanted a son to succeed him

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Catherine of Aragon

• Married 1509
• She was daughter to the king of Spain
• She had a daughter, Mary, but no sons
• She was too old for more children
• In 1533, Henry divorced her

5
Anne Boleyn

• Married 1533
• She was young, pretty and witty
• She had one daughter, Elizabeth
• She was beheaded for being unfaithful in 1536

6
Jane Seymour

• Married 1536 (11 days after execution of Anne)
• She had a son, Edward, but died soon after (1537)
• Henry probably loved her best of all his wives

7
Anne of Cleves

• Married 1540
• The marriage made a link between England and
  Germany
• Henry thought she was ugly
• Divorced 1540 the same year!

8
Catherine Howard

• Married 1540
• She was 20, Henry was 49
• She was unfaithful
• Executed in 1542

9
Catherine Parr

• Married 1543
• She liked family life and looked after Henrys
  children
• She outlived Henry