I’m talking about Henry VIII – the larger than life, 6 times wed, lover of the axe monarch.
I’ve always thought Henry Tudor was a scoundrel. Chopping off people’s heads will give you that type of reputation. And I’ve been mad at him for the dissolution of the monasteries because all I get to see are ruins now. The once magnificent buildings are just crumbling shells where pigeons nest and kids climb all over.
Then the other day I had an ‘aha’ moment. Henry wasn’t that bad after all. He’s still a bit bad because I don’t agree with severing heads from necks, especially if it’s because you want to have a male heir. That’s just wrong.
Anyway, the Catholic church had come into Britain, took over Pagan sacred sites and pulled the strings of the monarchy for hundreds of years. It took Henry, because of his lust for Anne Boleyn, to say enough with the Catholic church. So England went Protestant and the monasteries were forced to hand over their lands, wealth and sometimes the monk’s lives to the state.
I’m sure you’re wondering where this ties in with witches.
Well, I was thinking the other day about the burning times when wise women (and men) were killed because of ‘witchcraft’. England, on the whole, killed very few in relation to the rest of Europe and they were kinder in that usually hanging was used instead of burning at the stake (small mercies).
And I think Henry VIII inadvertently played a big role in that.
If England had remained in the hands of the Catholic church then the inquisition would have reached England in the frenzy of the witch hunt days. So Henry Tudor may well have been the saviour of English witches. What do you think?
See what other people are writing about in ABC Wednesday!
I his daughter Elizabeth was more tolerant of witches ad Henry had Anne Boleyn killed for being a witch, but you brought up some good points : )
I meant to say, "I think"…
Interesting post for the H day! Like everyone/everything else, there is — I think, if you look hard enough, some good in everyone/everything and Old Henry had his good points, too. Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!
Sylvia
ah- but the people that were mad at him then came to America and had their own witch hunt. They might not have killed witches- but they killed people they suspected of being witches. I do think he looks great with a witch hat though
Wow, five sentences to describe the demise of the Catholic church in England. I might have to steal those from you.
Anyway, witches. I've never really paid much attention to his treatment of them, since looking only at ruins made me a bit mad at him as well. But I am glad to hear he was reasonably good to them.
Interesting ideas about King Henry for the letter H.
A point of view after my own! This is a topic that fascinates me. I'm going to add myself to your follower's list. So glad to have discovered you.
Gina
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You came up with an English king for the "H" post and so did I. Great minds…:-)
Highly interesting. I've often wondered if I could be a good witch, but probably not…
interesting. just read that it is poorer countries that tend to practice religiosity these days, the US being a prime exception
ah, a good side of Hank
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Informative post….. very important link to those witchhunt days..
Hope you can drop by
My ABC Wednesday post here
Great post! I've read almost all of Philippa Gregory's books about Henry, his loves and wives, plus other novels of the era. Currently reading "Wolf Hall" about Thomas Cromell's connection to Henry – all because Cardinal Wolsey wouldn't allow Henry an annulment. Fascinating bit of history!
Hm, you could be on to something. I never really thought about it but that is an interesting pov.
interesting! I learned a lot today..thank you for sharing.
My H entry is here http://kcelebration.blogspot.com/2010/09/luxury-h…