This children’s article, Henry VIII: England’s Most Famous King, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about one of England’s most powerful rulers, and explore how he changed history. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A royal beginning
Henry VIII (pronounced Henry the eighth) was born in 1491, the second son of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. His older brother Arthur was supposed to be king, but Arthur died young, which meant Henry suddenly became heir to the throne.
As a boy, Henry loved music, hunting, sports, and learning. He was strong, clever, and full of energy, not the image of the overweight king people often picture today!
A young king
Henry became king in 1509 when he was just 17 years old. At first, he was very popular, known for his charm, love of tournaments, and his big smile.
He enjoyed jousting, playing instruments, and showing off his strength and power. The young Henry looked like the perfect king from a storybook. But as time went on, he became much more serious and much more stubborn.
Six wives, one rhyme
Henry VIII is most famous for his six wives. He wanted a son to carry on his family line, but this quest led to drama, divorces, and worse. To remember what happened to them, children often learn a short rhyme: “Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived.”
Here’s what that means: Catherine of Aragon (divorced), Anne Boleyn (beheaded), Jane Seymour (died), Anne of Cleves (divorced), Catherine Howard (beheaded), and Catherine Parr (survived him). Quite a list!
Death and legacy
Henry VIII died in 1547 at the age of 55. By then, he was very overweight and often sick, a far cry from the handsome young king he once was.
His only son, Edward VI, became the next king. He was only nine years old when he became king. He ruled for just six years before dying when he was only 15. Henry left behind a kingdom that had broken away from the Catholic Church, making England a Protestant country. That was one of his biggest legacies, along with all of the wives!
Article vocabulary list
- Heir – The person who is next in line to become king or queen.
- Jousting – A sport where knights on horses try to knock each other off with lances.
- Divorced – When a marriage is legally ended.
- Beheaded – Having someone’s head cut off as punishment.
- Legacy – What someone is remembered for after they die.
- Protestant – A type of Christian that is not Catholic.
- Overweight – Weighing more than is healthy or usual.
- Stubborn – Refusing to change your mind, even when others disagree.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Who were Henry VIII’s parents?
A) King Edward VI and Elizabeth I
B) King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York
C) King Arthur and Catherine of Aragon
Answer: B) King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York
2. At what age did Henry VIII become king?
A) 17
B) 21
C) 25
Answer: A) 17
3. What sport did Henry VIII enjoy as a young king?
A) Football
B) Jousting
C) Tennis
Answer: B) Jousting
4. What rhyme helps people remember Henry’s six wives?
A) Beheaded, divorced, survived
B) Died, survived, married again
C) Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived
Answer: C) Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived
5. Which wife gave Henry a son?
A) Anne Boleyn
B) Jane Seymour
C) Catherine Parr
Answer: B) Jane Seymour
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
