Henry VIII and his contribution to the English Reformation

Henry VIII, the notorious King of England, had an exceptionally significant influence on English history. The importance of Henry's eminent reign is typically overshadowed by his six wives, but to discover its true essence one must breach the barriers yielded by the many fallacies concerning his overly publicized liaisons. Although to many he is remembered solely for his hedonistic life style, his malicious attitudes, and of course his six wives, Henry was well-educated and an …

…a lover, a glutton, or a defender of the faith, Henry has been a source of incessant fascination. He reestablished the power of the English crown (done mainly through his ministers Wolsey and Cromwell) and mended the damaged monarchy of the preceding century. Henry's separation from Rome was a crucial step in the evolution of English national identity. Although Henry VIII's presence here on earth has ceased, his legacy will live on for an eternity.