The Fearsome Children of Henry VIII

Henry VIII is known for having six wives, but did you know that he also had three children? 

Henry’s three Tudor heirs - Edward VI, Mary I & Elizabeth - I were all fearsome monarchs in their own right. This legacy saw three major shifts in religion at a time when religion was hugely important, and England’s first and second female monarch. 

Why don’t we start by getting to know each of Henry’s ‘legitimate’ children. 

Meet Edward VI… 

• Born 1537, reigned 1547-53

Edward was the youngest of Henry’s legitimate heirs. However, as a boy, Edward was first in line to inherit the throne upon Henry’s death in 1547. He was only nine when he came to the throne! 

As men were considered more capable of ruling than women in Tudor times, Henry was very happy when his third wife, Jane Seymour, gave birth to a little boy in 1537. 

Tragically Jane died due to complications during the birth. Having a baby was a risky business in Tudor times and so death during childbirth was sadly a frequent occurrence. 

Edward was known to be spoiled by his smitten father and even had a fighting bear as a pet when he was a child. 

Edward was also a staunch Protestant (a type of Christian religion) and set about ensuring the ‘Reformation’ away from Catholicism (another type of Christian religion). 

However, Edward fell ill and died aged only 15. As he didn’t have any children, the throne would pass to England’s first ever female monarch... 

Check out this page from kiddle.co for more information and pictures of Edward VI.

For more great online learning resources click here to check out our ultimate list.

Meet Mary I…

• Born 1516, reigned 1553-58

Mary was the daughter of Henry’s first wife Catherine of Aragon, to whom he was married for twenty four years! 

Mary was married to King Phillip II of Spain but sadly they didn’t have any children. She was only on the throne for five years and died during an influenza epidemic in 1558. This makes her the shortest ruling of Henry’s children. 

She is sometimes known as ‘Bloody Mary’ because of her attempt to turn England from Protestantism (the religion it had been under her younger brother Edward VI) back to Catholicism (her religion). During this process it is said she burned over three hundred Protestants at the stake, hence the origin of her name ‘Bloody Mary’. 

Mary also loved dogs and had a pack of spaniels. 

Click here to check out this article for kids by Britannica. 

Meet Elizabeth… 

• Born 1533, reigned 1558-1603 

Elizabeth had a difficult start in life. Elizabeth’s father accused her mother of everything from adultery (the Tudor word for cheating) to witchcraft and he had Anne beheaded when Elizabeth was just two!

Despite this beginning, Elizabeth would have one of the most successful and lengthy reigns of any English monarch. Her forty five years on the throne were far more stable than her siblings’ (although this wasn’t a high standard) and was known as a golden era for England. 

Her reign included: 

• The Spanish Armada (click here to check out our worksheet on the Spanish Armada for more details and fun activities).
• Shakespeare writing his plays. 

Elizabeth was known for being very clever. English heritage describes her as most likely the best educated of any English monarch. 

Elizabeth also loved a joke and even built a fountain in Hampton Court palace that squirted water on anyone nearby! 

She also famously never married or had children, stating that she was married to her country. This included rejecting the proposal of her sister’s widower, the king of Spain. 

As a result the Tudor dynasty died with her.

Check out this video for kids to learn more.

Time to test your knowledge. Can you match the fun fact to the correct monarch? 

The monarchs:

Edward VI                                        Mary I                                         Elizabeth I

The facts: 

• Began a transition to Protestantism (a new religion) in England, known as The Reformation.
• Married another European monarch.
• Ruled for forty-five years.
• William Shakespeare wrote his famous plays during this monarch’s reign.
• Locked in the Tower of London on suspicion of treason by their sibling.
• Only ruled for five years, the shortest reign of Henry’s children. 
• England’s first ever female monarch.
• Became monarch when only nine years old.
• Was nicknamed was ‘bloody Mary’ due to the many executions that took place during their short reign.
• Tragically died (probably of tuberculosis) at the age of just 15. 

Check your answers below: 

Elizabeth I: 

• Locked in the Tower of London on suspicion of treason by their sibling. 
• Ruled for forty-five years.
• William Shakespeare wrote his famous plays during this monarch’s reign.

Edward VI: 

• Became monarch when only nine years old.
• Tragically died (probably of tuberculosis) at the age of just 15. 
• Began a transition to Protestantism (a new religion) in England, known as The Reformation. 

Mary I: 

• Was nicknamed was ‘bloody Mary’ due to the many executions that took place during their short reign. 
• Only ruled for five years, the shortest reign of Henry’s children. 
• Married another European monarch.
• England’s first ever female monarch.

Matilda, Your Tudor Girl is currently available for pre-order.

You can also check out our full blog on Henry VIII by clicking here.