It's somber learning, which is why, I suppose, people tend to focus on the glitzier part of history, if you can call it that. I mean, if you remember Henry as the guy with six wives (which, to be fair, everyone seems to), you get to obviate other aspects of his reign, his actions as sovereign, his relationship with the Church that was much more intricate and interesting than simple getting a divorce, and so on.
We stick to these things because it keeps things exciting, and keeps us blind (by our own accord).
I think it's cyclical in some ways, and that there are patterns. And that those patterns can, in turn, help us keep a steadier boat than most once we understand them.
I would love to hear what podcasts you're digging into. Been looking for a good historical one for ages. (Fantastic write-up.)
Yes, his relationship with the church was quite interesting. I don't think he ever really wanted to leave Catholicism, but he also felt such a need for a male heir and the church wasn't allowing the divorce.
I'm enjoying Eva Schubert's podcasts because she likes to weave it as a story focusing on the actual people. She also investigates the evidence to check the validity of viewpoints from others and will put things in context with the times so will give reasons why certain accounts might not be entirely reliable.
This exactly. It's certainly helped me take a step back from a lot of the tensions we have today.
@topcomment
Thanks so much! I've drifted a bit from history in the past few years and miss it acutely - I will definitely check her out!!
I don't think so either. I think people tend to tell the story in terms of how Anne turned his head, only that's a skewed way to look at it and shows ignorance. I very much doubt he would've left Catholicism if it wasn't, for one, advantageous financially (in some ways, the broader consequences are another can of worms), and if there had been a way for him to secure the line, as you said. We can't forget who his father was and the complicated history that came before that famous schism, a history that must've been very glaring in Henry's mind (and with it the importance of securing his line on the throne).
The schism is on my list to listen to. I'm currently on a diversion with Boudica, though.
I haven't looked into Henry's father yet. Eva is currently releasing a series on Eleanor of Aquitaine with the latest being about Henry II and Thomas Becket, so I've jumped back to an even earlier Henry.
Ohhh both of those (Boudica and Eleanor) should be really fun!! Can't wait.
Her Boudica series is called Warrior Queen 😁
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