Henry VIII, famously known for his brutal actions such as beheading wives and waging wars, has been depicted as an ogre in history. However, a recent study reveals a vulnerable and anxious side of the king in his later years. Researchers discovered distinctive markings in a prayer book used by Henry in his final years, indicating his preoccupation with thoughts of physical suffering, sinfulness, divine wisdom, and the forgiveness of God as his health deteriorated. The book, titled ‘Psalms or Prayers’, was anonymously published by his last wife, Catherine Parr, in 1544. Micheline White, Associate Professor of English Literature at Carleton University, Canada, conducted the study and believes that these markings will surprise many people who perceive Henry as confident and authoritative. The study involved analyzing two copies of ‘Psalms or Prayers’ – one owned by Henry at the Elton Hall Collection in Cambridgeshire and the other at the Wormsley Library. The Wormsley Library copy, previously unknown to scholars, contains markings similar to those in other books belonging to the king, including ‘Evangelistarium’ and ‘Collectanea satis copiosa’. In this copy, Henry drew manicules and trefoils, which are hand-drawn marks in the shape of a hand and three dots, respectively, commonly used to highlight significant sections. Notably, Henry marked passages that expressed his fears and desire for God’s mercy despite the sins he believed he had committed. These markings also resonate with Henry’s physical condition, as he was obese and suffered from chronic ailments during his final years. The markings demonstrate that despite being the divinely ordained monarch of England, Henry acknowledged his physical decline and sought forgiveness and mercy from God. The study suggests that Henry’s engagement with these passages in his prayer book reflects his response to the crisis he faced. Additional information reveals that deluxe copies of Parr’s ‘Psalms or Prayers’ were given as gifts during Henry’s wartime campaign against France, suggesting the king’s belief in seeking divine wisdom and guidance during times of conflict. After Henry’s death, Catherine Parr married Thomas, Lord Seymour of Sudeley, who was later executed for treason. It is rumored that Seymour had a romantic relationship with Princess Elizabeth while in Catherine’s care. Henry VIII was a dominant king who altered England’s cultural history by breaking with Rome. He had a fascination with self-medication and was also a talented musician and composer. Despite his extravagant lifestyle, Henry died heavily in debt. He possessed an extensive tapestry collection and numerous pistols. While most portraits depict him as slender, in his later years, Henry was described as an oversize figure.
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