June 24 - Coronation of Henry VIII

This Day in History: 24 June 2020

 

24 June 1509

 

511 years ago, today, Henry VIII was crowned King of England. His coronation occurred alongside Catherine of Aragon, who became Queen of England. This took place at Westminster Abbey, and it was a grand affair. The king's passage was lined with magnificent tapestries and laid with fine cloth. After the ceremony, an outstanding banquet was held in Westminster Hall. On ascending to the throne, any new king must swear to defend the Church. However, the oath that Henry took had several significant revisions undertaken. Instead of swearing to maintain the rights of the Church, he would swear to maintain those of the 'holy church of England', possibly anticipating the break with Rome. Nevertheless, there is nothing to confirm this altered version was used in the coronation, nor at his son's.

 

King Henry VIII is arguably best known for his six marriages, in particular his first annulled marriage to Catherine of Aragon. His disagreement with Pope Clement VII on the matter of this annulment was most likely a key factor to the initiation of the English Reformation, where the Church of England was separated from papal authority. He was self-appointed as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, dissolved convents and monasteries, and was subsequently excommunicated. Even though his contemporaries viewed him as attractive, he became severely overweight as he aged, and eventually died in 1547. He was succeeded by his son, Edward VI.

 

Want to find out more about the coronation of Henry VIII? Click here for more information, or here for more on the king's life.