In what century did Henry VIII take the throne?

Henry VIII took the throne in the 16th century, becoming King of England in 1509. He was 17 years old when his father, Henry VII, died on April 21, 1509. Henry’s coronation followed at Westminster Abbey on June 24, but his reign began when he succeeded his father in April.

Henry was not originally expected to become king. His older brother, Arthur, Prince of Wales, had been heir to the throne, but Arthur died in 1502 after a short marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Henry then became heir and received an education suited to kingship, although contemporary observers later viewed his accession as that of an inexperienced young monarch.

His reign lasted until 1547 and became one of the most consequential in English history. Henry’s disputes with the papacy over his marriage to Catherine helped produce the English Reformation. Parliament eventually established the monarch as Supreme Head of the Church of England. Henry is also remembered for his six marriages and for fathering the future monarchs Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I.