Five Trivia Facts about Henry VIII of England
Interesting Trivia about Henry's Royal Lifestyle at Hampton Court
Apr 25, 2009
.Henry VIII, while not the most charismatic ruler, is certainly a fascinating historical figure with his six wives and penchant for beheading. The following trivia facts were gleaned from notices, guide books and talks on a tour of Henry’s favourite home, Hampton Court.
Henry VIII 's Music
Henry VIII was an accomplished musician and would often entertain at court. He owned 26 lutes, plus viols, trumpets, harpsichords, rebecks (a pear-shaped 3 stringed instrument), drums, and an organ. Henry liked to show his skill on each instrument in turn. Additionally, it is widely believed and debated that the song Greensleeves was composed by Henry VIII for Anne Bolyn. Dr John Smith of the London Institute of Royal Behavioural Science feels there is now sufficient handwriting and dating evidence from a handwritten manuscript to assign the work to Henry, and in a period where it was possible that it was directed to Ann Bolyn.
Henry VIII 's Food Tastes
It is recorded that Henry had a great liking for artichokes, damsons, plums, apples and pears. He was also fond of cherries and strawberries. Indeed, strawberries and cream were popularized by his court. Meat was heavily consumed at court. Whole pigs, deer and lambs were roasted on long spits. Stranger meats were whale meat, whole roasted peacock and grilled beaver tails.
Henry VIII 's Banquets
Henry had a court of over 600 courtiers who had to be fed. As well, there was a need for conspicuous and lavish consumption to prove to enemies that he was rich enough to waste money on other than armaments. European royalty felt the need to overtop one another. Consequently, some 200 people were employed in the royal kitchens at Hampton Court, alone. In a typical year, the royal kitchen served 8,200 sheep, 2,330 deer, 1,870 pigs, 1240 oxen, 760 calves and 53 wild boar. Before Henry ate, a servant know as the sewer washed his hands with heated, scented water and dried them on a silk towel.
Henry VIII 's Codpiece
The codpiece developed into a fashion accessory from the need to fasten the two legs of the trousers together with a bulky seam. It soon became a symbol of male virility, Henry’s own obsession in his need for a male heir. It was understood at court that no one’s ostentatious codpiece was allowed to be bigger than Henry’s.
Henry VIII 's Death
Henry died at 2 in the morning on 28 January, 1547. He was only 55, but had grown so obese through banqueting that he could barely hobble with gout. His legs were ulcerated, and, according to Hampton Court notes, it is believed he may have died from a deep vein thrombosis. Other sources are not so kind: it has been long believed he died from advanced syphilis. Another possibility given his great size and leg ulcerations was diabetes. Henry’s 1540 suit of armour would suggest that he had a girth of 51” and a chest of 54.5”, which would lead to all manner of health complications. Henry died at the Palace of Whitehall and is buried in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
For further information about what Hampton Court has to offer the tourist, please see the author's Suite101 article, Hampton Court and Gardens. For details of the leisurely boat ride on the Thames to Hampton Court, visit this Suite101 article.
For more interesting information about Henry's many talents, see this Suite101 article.
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