Episode 029 · Out Nov 3, 2026

The Pope said no – so Henry VIII made himself head of the Church

In 1509 Henry VIII became king at 17 and married Catherine of Aragon. In 1521 the Pope even named him "Defender of the Faith" for a book against Luther. But after 18 years only one child, Mary, had survived – and the Pope stalled on an annulment while Catherine's nephew, Emperor Charles V, held Rome. In November 1534 Parliament made Henry Supreme Head of the Church of England; hundreds of monasteries were shut soon after. Bonus: he did NOT write "Greensleeves" – but "Pastime with Good Company" (the music in this video) is his. And UK coins still say "F D".

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