King Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547 and became one of history’s most famous monarchs. He is best known for his six wives, married in his desperate quest for a male heir. His marriages led England to break from the Catholic Church, creating the Church of England. Henry was powerful, intelligent, and ruthless. He executed close allies, reshaped religion, and ruled as an absolute monarch. Though he finally had a son, Edward VI, it was his daughters Mary I and Elizabeth I who would defin