2017-01-25 Wed

“Of all losses, time is the most irrecoverable for it can never be redeemed.”
- King Henry VIII of England

King Henry VIII ruled England for 36 years; his reign brought the nation under Protestant reformation. Henry VIII was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth, daughter of Edward IV of England. He became heir to the throne after the death of his elder brother Arthur.

The starting years of his reign were effectively dependent on Thomas Wolsey who was later appointed as Lord Chancellor: the highest role in Government. He began his military campaigns with Pope Julius II against France in 1511. In 1512 he defeated Scots and was known as the father of the Royal Navy when he built five royal warships. He even built the first naval dock in Britain and established a naval board.

Henry VIII is known for his six marriages for Political alliances, marital affection, and male heir. Today he married Anne Boleyn and his first marriage was annulled by him. This event leads to the creation of separate Church of England. Amongst his marriages two were ended in annulment, two of his wives were executed for adultery and treason and the other two died a natural death.

King Henry VII died on 28th January 1547; his children Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I each took their turn to rule the Throne of England.

To remember this great Monarch of the Tudor line Royal mail issued this stamp in 2009. It features the portrait image of King Henry VIII of England.