King Henry VIII

Known for his six wives and for his tumultuous relationship with the Catholic Church, Henry VIII was born in Greenwich in 1491. He is also known for establishing the Royal Navy.

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Henry VIII timeline

28 June 1491 | Born in Greenwich Palace to Henry VII and Elizabeth of York

2 April 1502 | Henry’s older brother Arthur dies, placing Henry next in line to the throne

24 June 1509 | Crowned at Westminster Palace

11 June 1509 | Marries Katherine of Aragon

18 February 1516 | Henry’s first child, Mary Tudor born in Greenwich

1532 – 34 | Henry breaks with the Catholic Church

25 January 1533 | Marries Anne Boleyn

7 September 1533 | Elizabeth born in Greenwich Palace

30 May 1536 | Marries Jane Seymour

12 October 1536 | Edward VI born 

6 January 1540 | Marries Anne of Cleeves

28 July 1540 | Marries Katherine Howard

12 July 1543 | Marries Katherine Parr

28 January 1547 | Henry dies at Whitehall Palace

Royal Greenwich 

Henry VIII was not only born in Greenwich, but the birth of his daughters and two of his marriages also took place in the area. 

Find out more about Tudor history in Greenwich

Henry VIII facts

Did you know that Henry VIII was the person who established Woolwich and Deptford as the Royal Dockyards?

Find out more Henry VIII facts

Mary I and Philip II of Spain, Henry VIII, Edward VI and Elizabeth I