Henry VIII of England was recognised as the supreme head of the Church of England in February 1534.

Henry VIII was one of the most famous English kings. His father was Henry VII, the first of the Tudors, and his second daughter was Elizabeth I, the last of the Tudors. Together, the Tudors ruled for just over a century.

Most of the fame of Henry surrounds his wives. Henry VIII was a dashing young prince who was keen on the ladies. But when his elder brother died, he became next in line to be king. So he needed heirs.

Henry was first married to Catherine of Aragon. She bore him a son, but that son soon died. Then she gave birth to Mary (who would later become Mary I, Queen of England). By now Catherine was too old to have any more children. So Henry needed a new wife. However, the Pope would not grant Henry a divorce. So Henry broke away from the Roman Catholic church and formed the Church of England.

Henry VIII's wives and what happened to them. 'Only' two were executed.
Catherine of Aragon. Married 1509-1533. Divorced.
Anne Boleyn. Married 1533-6. Beheaded.
Jane Seymour. Married 1536-1537. Died.
Anne of Cleves. Married Jan-July 1540. Divorced.
Catherine Howard. Married 1540-1542. Beheaded.
Catherine Parr. Married 1543-1547. Widowed.

The result of the formation of the Church of England was that Henry (who was nearly broke) could take over church lands and sell them off. In doing this he destroyed many monasteries and threw out the monks. Many monasteries became ruins.