Don't Lose Your Head

     Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. These are the lives and deaths of the six wives of King Henry VIII. Being brought into the King's court was a risky affair. While the food was scrumptious, the music delightful, and the decor lavish, your very life could be in jeopardy if you caught the eye of the King. Henry VIII was a talented and educated man who famously married six wives in search of political alliances and a male heir to the throne. His first marriage to Catherine of Aragon was annulled without papal approval when she was unable to bear a living son. This annulment led to the creation of a separate Church of England. Henry crowned himself "Head of the Church" and joined the protestant reformation. Of his six marriages, two ended in annulment, two in natural deaths, and two wives' beheaded for treason and adultery. These six marriages produced three children: Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. Each would take their turn as England's monarchy. The most loved and respected queen was Elizabeth, his daughter with his second wife, Anne Boleyn. 

     Henry helped promote the reformation throughout England, but for purely selfish reasons. His attachment to the reformation allowed him to marry and cast out as many wives as he wanted. During his reign, bibles were made available to the people of England, churches were established, and the country thrived. 

While England did briefly return to its catholic roots during Mary's reign, Elizabeth brought England back to her father's religious reforms. Elizabeth was the longest-reigning monarch from the Tudor family and the most loved. After the Tudor family, the Stuarts took over the throne in England. 

Of Henry's six wives, Jane Seymour is considered his favorite. She produced the only male heir, and is the only Queen to have a proper Queen's funeral. She is laid to rest next to Henry. 

Henry's palace, Hampton Court, was beautiful. No expense was spared in creating this lavish residence.  Hampton Court entertained many guests over the years, feeding up to 600 people at each meal, included its own church, and had over 1,000 rooms. Being part of Henry's court offered many advantages, but it also came with risk. One false move and it was off with your head! This sprawling estate can be visited today outside of London. You might even see a ghost!

This week you will be reading about the Age of Exploration, which occurred concurrently with the Reformation. New worlds are discovered, battles are won, and colonies are established. You will also learn about the homes and furnishings of that time. 

Homework:

1. Read Unit 18

2. There is no official homework to turn in, BUT your teams will be competing in a game about the explorers, so you should do a little research about them. Make notes of things you think might be important. Your team is counting on you. This is for points! You have more soldiers and weapons to buy, right?