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1
00:00:04,754 --> 00:00:06,119
Tracy Borman: In 1536,
2
00:00:06,194 --> 00:00:08,439
After more than 25 years
3
00:00:08,514 --> 00:00:12,112
Of magnificence, splendor
and glory,
4
00:00:12,121 --> 00:00:16,199
The reign of King Henry VIII
reached a turning point.
5
00:00:16,274 --> 00:00:20,279
The worst year of his life
so far.
6
00:00:20,354 --> 00:00:22,272
A jousting accident had left him
7
00:00:22,281 --> 00:00:26,159
With a painful, debilitating
wound to his leg,
8
00:00:26,201 --> 00:00:29,872
His second wife had failed
to give him a male heir
9
00:00:29,881 --> 00:00:31,479
And been executed,
10
00:00:31,554 --> 00:00:35,072
And he was about to face
the first open rebellion
11
00:00:35,081 --> 00:00:37,952
Of his reign.
12
00:00:37,961 --> 00:00:39,479
In this single year,
13
00:00:39,554 --> 00:00:44,112
Henry had cause to question
his mortality, his virility
14
00:00:44,121 --> 00:00:46,359
And the loyalty of his subjects.
15
00:00:46,434 --> 00:00:50,079
It was as if his world
was falling apart.
16
00:00:50,121 --> 00:00:51,799
I'm dr. Tracy Borman,
17
00:00:51,874 --> 00:00:55,959
And this is the story of
England's most famous monarch,
18
00:00:56,034 --> 00:00:58,039
Not through his six wives,
19
00:00:58,114 --> 00:01:02,279
But through the numerous men
who were influences in his life;
20
00:01:02,354 --> 00:01:07,319
Some well known, others
mere footnotes in history.
21
00:01:07,394 --> 00:01:09,719
To get through
this terrible year,
22
00:01:09,794 --> 00:01:12,919
Henry would draw upon
all the men around him,
23
00:01:12,994 --> 00:01:17,792
From advisors and ministers
to painters and physicians.
24
00:01:17,801 --> 00:01:21,952
But the man who emerged from
these experiences had changed.
25
00:01:21,961 --> 00:01:23,799
And as he grew more vulnerable,
26
00:01:23,874 --> 00:01:27,872
Henry would increasingly turn
against the men around him,
27
00:01:27,881 --> 00:01:30,639
And they would turn against him.
28
00:02:13,714 --> 00:02:19,479
January 1547 was the last month
of Henry VIII's life.
29
00:02:19,554 --> 00:02:23,959
Overweight, bad tempered
and racked with pain,
30
00:02:24,034 --> 00:02:26,759
His health slowly failed him.
31
00:02:28,834 --> 00:02:32,439
On the 28th, the king
breathed his last,
32
00:02:32,514 --> 00:02:36,352
And his 36-year reign was over.
33
00:02:44,201 --> 00:02:48,079
The man who lay
on his death bed in 1547
34
00:02:48,121 --> 00:02:51,399
Was no longer
the athletic, vivacious king
35
00:02:51,474 --> 00:02:57,232
Who had ascended the throne
almost 40 years earlier.
36
00:02:57,241 --> 00:03:01,072
John Murphy:
He's intelligent, perceptive.
37
00:03:01,201 --> 00:03:03,712
He speaks many languages.
38
00:03:03,721 --> 00:03:07,152
He is almost a cliché
39
00:03:07,161 --> 00:03:09,152
Of the renaissance man
40
00:03:09,161 --> 00:03:11,599
As the renaissance monarch.
41
00:03:15,321 --> 00:03:19,072
Borman: But in 1536,
everything changed.
42
00:03:20,201 --> 00:03:23,712
Man: Make way for the king!
Make way!
43
00:03:23,721 --> 00:03:26,672
Borman: A jousting accident
left Henry with a wound
44
00:03:26,681 --> 00:03:30,759
That would plague him
for the rest of his life.
45
00:03:30,834 --> 00:03:34,439
His second wife, Anne Boleyn,
miscarried a child
46
00:03:34,514 --> 00:03:38,199
That would have been his
long-sought-after male heir
47
00:03:38,274 --> 00:03:40,352
And was executed.
48
00:03:40,361 --> 00:03:44,279
His illegitimate son,
Henry Fitzroy, had died,
49
00:03:44,354 --> 00:03:48,159
And the break from Rome
had divided the country.
50
00:03:49,801 --> 00:03:52,679
The effects these trials
and tribulations had
51
00:03:52,754 --> 00:03:57,072
On the king's character
were profound.
52
00:03:57,121 --> 00:04:00,679
Murphy: The king becomes
slightly paranoid,
53
00:04:00,754 --> 00:04:06,039
And that paranoia turns into
a sort of capricious sadism.
54
00:04:06,114 --> 00:04:07,799
He enjoys frightening people,
55
00:04:07,874 --> 00:04:11,072
He enjoys the whole business
of being unpredictable.
56
00:04:15,154 --> 00:04:17,479
Borman: But Henry's
change in fortunes
57
00:04:17,554 --> 00:04:22,512
Coincided with the rise
of one of the king's men.
58
00:04:22,521 --> 00:04:26,672
1536 had been a terrible year
for Henry,
59
00:04:26,681 --> 00:04:28,119
But for Thomas Cromwell,
60
00:04:28,194 --> 00:04:31,159
Everything was starting
to fall into place.
61
00:04:31,234 --> 00:04:35,552
He'd persuaded Henry to get rid
of the dangerous Anne Boleyn,
62
00:04:35,561 --> 00:04:39,712
He'd been knighted
and made Baron of Wimbledon.
63
00:04:43,801 --> 00:04:47,559
Acting as chief minister,
Cromwell's role was arguably
64
00:04:47,634 --> 00:04:51,959
The most crucial to steering
the course of Henry's reign.
65
00:04:52,034 --> 00:04:54,119
But as well as serving
the king,
66
00:04:54,194 --> 00:04:56,912
Cromwell served
his own interests.
67
00:04:56,921 --> 00:04:58,352
He was a commoner,
68
00:04:58,361 --> 00:05:02,799
Desperate to join the world
of royalty and aristocracy.
69
00:05:04,514 --> 00:05:07,632
Murphy: He wanted to be part
of the grand court...
70
00:05:07,641 --> 00:05:10,272
The court to which
the nobility belonged
71
00:05:10,281 --> 00:05:12,672
And had a place
by virtue of birth.
72
00:05:12,681 --> 00:05:16,199
Cromwell is a member
of the middling gentry
73
00:05:16,274 --> 00:05:19,159
As a result of rising
through the legal system.
74
00:05:19,234 --> 00:05:21,679
Cromwell doesn't own
that position.
75
00:05:24,274 --> 00:05:28,519
Borman: It was this combination
of low birth and high ambition
76
00:05:28,594 --> 00:05:32,279
That made Cromwell
a very dangerous man.
77
00:05:33,794 --> 00:05:37,399
Murphy: I think he was
ambitious and insecure
78
00:05:37,474 --> 00:05:40,112
In a strange
combination of ways,
79
00:05:40,121 --> 00:05:44,079
And that made him willing,
I think,
80
00:05:44,121 --> 00:05:47,072
To go much further
than others would go.
81
00:05:51,481 --> 00:05:55,439
Borman: And he was soon
to reveal his true colors.
82
00:05:56,834 --> 00:06:00,039
With the country having broken
from the Pope in Rome
83
00:06:00,161 --> 00:06:03,799
To secure Henry's divorce
from Catherine of Aragon,
84
00:06:03,874 --> 00:06:06,999
Nearly 900 religious houses,
85
00:06:07,074 --> 00:06:09,719
From monasteries to abbeys
and priories,
86
00:06:09,794 --> 00:06:13,712
Were now under the control
of the king himself.
87
00:06:19,314 --> 00:06:22,672
Murphy: It's like
a vast nationalization.
88
00:06:22,681 --> 00:06:26,039
It is as if a government
today came in
89
00:06:26,114 --> 00:06:30,039
And nationalized half
of the wealth of the country
90
00:06:30,121 --> 00:06:32,599
That was in private hands.
91
00:06:36,161 --> 00:06:38,192
Borman: Cromwell spotted
an opportunity
92
00:06:38,201 --> 00:06:44,432
To enhance his standing with
Henry by making his king rich.
93
00:06:44,441 --> 00:06:47,159
Lauren Mackay: With papal
jurisdiction out of the way,
94
00:06:47,234 --> 00:06:49,399
It's as if the constraints
are gone.
95
00:06:49,474 --> 00:06:54,039
Cromwell has a mandate
to do whatever he wishes.
96
00:06:54,114 --> 00:06:56,352
Borman:
And so across the kingdom,
97
00:06:56,361 --> 00:06:59,712
Cromwell began pulling down
religious buildings
98
00:06:59,721 --> 00:07:03,279
And stripping them
of anything of value.
99
00:07:05,081 --> 00:07:08,079
Murphy:
They're taking ornaments,
100
00:07:08,121 --> 00:07:12,112
They're taking linen,
they're taking beds.
101
00:07:12,121 --> 00:07:17,872
Vast amounts of books,
libraries of books are burned.
102
00:07:17,881 --> 00:07:22,199
And then they're just
thrown onto a bonfire.
103
00:07:22,274 --> 00:07:26,592
It's an amazingly disruptive
social moment
104
00:07:26,601 --> 00:07:31,159
And sort of like an orgy
of stripping
105
00:07:31,234 --> 00:07:35,079
And, you know, gutting
a great institution.
106
00:07:35,154 --> 00:07:37,479
There's no precedent for it.
107
00:07:47,401 --> 00:07:49,879
Borman: The devastation
that this wreaked
108
00:07:49,954 --> 00:07:52,599
Can still be seen to this day.
109
00:07:53,954 --> 00:07:55,719
These magnificent buildings
110
00:07:55,794 --> 00:07:58,919
Had dominated the landscape
for centuries,
111
00:07:58,994 --> 00:08:01,159
Inspiring reverence and pride
112
00:08:01,234 --> 00:08:05,319
Among the people
who lived by them.
113
00:08:05,394 --> 00:08:08,079
But the money
the dissolution made
114
00:08:08,121 --> 00:08:10,919
Went straight
into Henry's pocket.
115
00:08:10,994 --> 00:08:12,512
The treasury swelled,
116
00:08:12,521 --> 00:08:16,279
And Cromwell's favor
with the king increased.
117
00:08:17,874 --> 00:08:21,072
Susan Doran: Both Henry and
Cromwell were in for the money
118
00:08:21,081 --> 00:08:24,272
When it came to the dissolution
of the monasteries.
119
00:08:24,281 --> 00:08:26,599
It amounted to a huge amount
of wealth,
120
00:08:26,674 --> 00:08:31,119
And Cromwell wanted Henry to be
an independent, strong monarch,
121
00:08:31,161 --> 00:08:34,839
And that required money.
122
00:08:34,914 --> 00:08:36,272
Borman: But he was
not only trying
123
00:08:36,281 --> 00:08:39,072
To increase his standing
with the king;
124
00:08:39,121 --> 00:08:42,279
He had an ulterior motive.
125
00:08:45,161 --> 00:08:48,199
Cromwell had spent most
of his formative years
126
00:08:48,274 --> 00:08:50,079
Traveling around Europe,
127
00:08:50,121 --> 00:08:53,159
Which had given him
a cosmopolitan outlook.
128
00:08:53,234 --> 00:08:55,319
But it had also exposed him
129
00:08:55,394 --> 00:08:58,039
To some of the radical
religious ideas
130
00:08:58,114 --> 00:09:00,192
That were taking hold there.
131
00:09:00,201 --> 00:09:03,232
Well, when he'd helped
to secure Henry's position
132
00:09:03,241 --> 00:09:05,472
As supreme head of the church,
133
00:09:05,481 --> 00:09:10,999
Cromwell spied his opportunity
to bring these ideas to England.
134
00:09:16,281 --> 00:09:19,712
This put him dangerously
at odds with the king
135
00:09:19,721 --> 00:09:23,319
Because Henry, despite
appearances to the contrary,
136
00:09:23,394 --> 00:09:29,552
Was and would remain a catholic
to the day he died.
137
00:09:29,561 --> 00:09:32,079
Nigel jones: Henry, of course,
was conflicted,
138
00:09:32,121 --> 00:09:33,559
But on the other hand
139
00:09:33,634 --> 00:09:37,879
He desperately needed the money
that the church represented.
140
00:09:41,961 --> 00:09:44,032
Borman: But if Henry
had his doubts,
141
00:09:44,041 --> 00:09:46,199
So did the population at large
142
00:09:46,274 --> 00:09:50,912
Who were about to turn
against him.
143
00:09:50,921 --> 00:09:55,719
Jones: The religious houses
represented a social system.
144
00:09:55,794 --> 00:09:58,192
They supported the poor,
145
00:09:58,201 --> 00:10:02,039
They were part and parcel
of the social fabric,
146
00:10:02,161 --> 00:10:04,439
So it was seen by them
as an attack
147
00:10:04,514 --> 00:10:06,719
On their whole way of life.
148
00:10:10,354 --> 00:10:15,392
Borman: In October 1536,
Henry's subjects rose up
149
00:10:15,401 --> 00:10:19,079
In the first English rebellion
of his reign...
150
00:10:19,154 --> 00:10:21,679
The pilgrimage of grace.
151
00:10:23,154 --> 00:10:26,432
Jones: The large popular
rebellion occurred,
152
00:10:26,441 --> 00:10:29,072
And it was not only
the lower orders,
153
00:10:29,081 --> 00:10:30,519
It was the aristocracy,
154
00:10:30,594 --> 00:10:33,712
The ancient feudal families
who ruled in the north as well.
155
00:10:33,721 --> 00:10:38,839
They all rose together
in a massive popular outcry.
156
00:10:45,561 --> 00:10:48,352
Borman: Henry listened
to his loyal subjects
157
00:10:48,361 --> 00:10:52,359
And promised to negotiate
to reach a peaceful resolution
158
00:10:52,434 --> 00:10:54,599
If they would lay down
their arms.
159
00:10:54,674 --> 00:10:57,879
But in reality
Henry had no intention
160
00:10:57,954 --> 00:11:00,359
Of keeping his promise.
161
00:11:16,201 --> 00:11:18,119
Jones: When he'd effectively
disarmed them
162
00:11:18,194 --> 00:11:21,479
And their large popular armies
had dispersed,
163
00:11:21,554 --> 00:11:24,039
He then went in with the forces
that he had raised,
164
00:11:24,114 --> 00:11:25,319
With the crown forces,
165
00:11:25,394 --> 00:11:27,072
Crushed them mercilessly
166
00:11:27,121 --> 00:11:30,992
And executed virtually
all their leaders.
167
00:11:34,594 --> 00:11:36,439
Borman: Although
there had been glimpses
168
00:11:36,514 --> 00:11:39,079
Of Henry's brutality
in the past,
169
00:11:39,154 --> 00:11:43,159
His savage suppression of the
perpetrators of the rebellion
170
00:11:43,234 --> 00:11:47,119
Marked a turning point.
171
00:11:47,161 --> 00:11:49,312
A line had been crossed.
172
00:11:49,321 --> 00:11:53,879
The renaissance king
had become a tyrant.
173
00:11:58,594 --> 00:12:00,039
Borman:
While Henry had been able
174
00:12:00,121 --> 00:12:01,319
To put down the rebellion,
175
00:12:01,394 --> 00:12:03,632
It had profoundly shaken him.
176
00:12:03,641 --> 00:12:06,352
The unquestioning loyalty
of his subjects
177
00:12:06,361 --> 00:12:09,232
Had been put in doubt
for the first time,
178
00:12:09,241 --> 00:12:13,072
And a dangerous crack had
appeared in his relationship
179
00:12:13,121 --> 00:12:15,719
With the chief advocate
of these reforms,
180
00:12:15,794 --> 00:12:17,399
Thomas Cromwell.
181
00:12:22,761 --> 00:12:26,039
Doran: Henry did think twice
about going forward
182
00:12:26,121 --> 00:12:31,199
In the reformist agenda that
Cromwell was so committed to,
183
00:12:31,241 --> 00:12:32,992
And that created
184
00:12:33,001 --> 00:12:37,472
A split, really,
between the two men.
185
00:12:37,481 --> 00:12:39,959
Borman: But it was not only
the king and Cromwell
186
00:12:40,034 --> 00:12:41,719
Who were becoming divided;
187
00:12:41,794 --> 00:12:46,759
Henry's entire court began
to split along religious lines,
188
00:12:46,834 --> 00:12:49,152
And Cromwell made enemies.
189
00:12:49,161 --> 00:12:51,712
Chief among them
was Thomas Howard,
190
00:12:51,721 --> 00:12:55,799
Duke of Norfolk
and uncle of Anne Boleyn.
191
00:12:59,161 --> 00:13:02,672
Jones: He resented Cromwell
principally on two grounds.
192
00:13:02,681 --> 00:13:05,072
He was a base-born upstart
193
00:13:05,081 --> 00:13:07,872
Who was offending
and threatening
194
00:13:07,881 --> 00:13:11,792
The feudal rights of the old
medieval aristocracy,
195
00:13:11,801 --> 00:13:15,072
And because he was a sympathizer
with the reformed religion,
196
00:13:15,081 --> 00:13:17,239
And Norfolk was an ardent,
197
00:13:17,314 --> 00:13:21,199
Extremely conservative,
reactionary catholic.
198
00:13:21,241 --> 00:13:23,399
Doran: They disliked
his religious policies.
199
00:13:23,474 --> 00:13:27,312
They disliked the influence
that he had over policy making,
200
00:13:27,321 --> 00:13:30,239
But that he also
wasn't one of them.
201
00:13:33,121 --> 00:13:36,119
Borman: This discontent
that Cromwell had sown
202
00:13:36,194 --> 00:13:38,192
Would soon come back
to haunt him,
203
00:13:38,201 --> 00:13:42,199
And Norfolk would prove
to be a deadly enemy.
204
00:13:45,314 --> 00:13:50,119
But for now, Cromwell was able
to bring the king back on side
205
00:13:50,194 --> 00:13:52,439
Because he had a secret weapon.
206
00:13:52,514 --> 00:13:56,039
He understood Henry's character.
207
00:13:58,754 --> 00:14:02,192
Anna Whitelock: Henry was a king
with a short attention span.
208
00:14:02,201 --> 00:14:05,552
He was a king who
was not very often sitting
209
00:14:05,561 --> 00:14:07,472
Attending to the business
of government,
210
00:14:07,481 --> 00:14:10,119
And so in order to get
the king's attention,
211
00:14:10,194 --> 00:14:11,879
There was no point
waiting around at court.
212
00:14:11,954 --> 00:14:14,759
You actually had to go
and find the king where he was.
213
00:14:19,234 --> 00:14:20,992
Borman:
And one of the best places
214
00:14:21,001 --> 00:14:23,079
To have alone time with the king
215
00:14:23,154 --> 00:14:26,912
Was out in the pastureland
surrounding Leeds Castle,
216
00:14:26,921 --> 00:14:30,992
Where Henry indulged in one
of his greatest pleasures:
217
00:14:31,001 --> 00:14:32,752
Hawking.
218
00:14:37,161 --> 00:14:40,192
Hawking was one of
Henry VIII's great passions.
219
00:14:40,201 --> 00:14:43,312
So, surprise, surprise,
it was also taken up
220
00:14:43,321 --> 00:14:46,279
By his chief minister,
Thomas Cromwell,
221
00:14:46,354 --> 00:14:49,319
Who knew the king well and
appreciated the fact
222
00:14:49,394 --> 00:14:52,352
That Henry liked to mix
business with pleasure.
223
00:14:52,361 --> 00:14:55,079
So, he would invite him
on hawking expeditions
224
00:14:55,154 --> 00:14:58,079
And get him to agree
to all sorts of business
225
00:14:58,121 --> 00:15:00,519
While he was having fun.
226
00:15:04,161 --> 00:15:06,439
He seemingly convinced the king
227
00:15:06,514 --> 00:15:09,072
To not only continue
with the plans
228
00:15:09,081 --> 00:15:12,039
But to intensify their efforts.
229
00:15:12,201 --> 00:15:16,192
As a result, the dissolution
continued at pace,
230
00:15:16,201 --> 00:15:19,872
And at its peak, monasteries
were being dismantled
231
00:15:19,881 --> 00:15:23,399
At a rate of 50 per month.
232
00:15:23,474 --> 00:15:26,359
But to bring his people
back on side,
233
00:15:26,434 --> 00:15:31,319
Hans Holbein, the most renowned
painter of the Tudor era,
234
00:15:31,394 --> 00:15:36,112
Was commissioned by Henry
to revamp his public image
235
00:15:36,121 --> 00:15:40,192
By painting a mural
for Whitehall Palace.
236
00:15:52,114 --> 00:15:55,392
I'm heading to the National
Portrait Gallery in London
237
00:15:55,401 --> 00:15:58,032
To meet curator
Charlotte Bolland
238
00:15:58,041 --> 00:16:01,312
And see Holbein's
original design.
239
00:16:09,641 --> 00:16:11,879
So, Charlotte, this is
quite an impressive
240
00:16:11,954 --> 00:16:14,839
And, I have to say, intimidating
portrait of Henry, isn't it?
241
00:16:14,914 --> 00:16:16,199
Charlotte Bolland: Absolutely.
242
00:16:16,274 --> 00:16:18,512
I think the word iconic
often gets used quite casually
243
00:16:18,521 --> 00:16:20,999
But is really applicable
in this case.
244
00:16:21,074 --> 00:16:22,672
This is a kind
of preparatory drawing
245
00:16:22,681 --> 00:16:25,159
For an incredible mural
in Whitehall Palace
246
00:16:25,234 --> 00:16:26,439
That is now lost,
247
00:16:26,514 --> 00:16:29,072
So it's the only trace
that we have of it,
248
00:16:29,161 --> 00:16:31,719
And it was painted in 1536,
we believe,
249
00:16:31,794 --> 00:16:35,319
In order to celebrate
kind of the Tudor dynasty.
250
00:16:40,121 --> 00:16:43,159
Borman: Through this drawing,
Holbein constructed
251
00:16:43,234 --> 00:16:46,959
A radically new image
of Henry VIII.
252
00:16:48,594 --> 00:16:50,112
Bolland: This image of Henry
has become
253
00:16:50,121 --> 00:16:52,512
Not only the kind
of image of Henry
254
00:16:52,521 --> 00:16:54,839
That's sort of branded
into the public imagination,
255
00:16:54,914 --> 00:16:57,199
But also the image of what
a king should look like,
256
00:16:57,241 --> 00:16:59,159
So it gets replicated
down the centuries,
257
00:16:59,234 --> 00:17:01,639
This kind of stance
and this idea
258
00:17:01,714 --> 00:17:05,719
Of the sort of broad shouldered,
hands on hips
259
00:17:05,794 --> 00:17:08,432
And that kind of idea
of power and authority.
260
00:17:08,441 --> 00:17:10,519
Borman: But interesting
that increasingly
261
00:17:10,594 --> 00:17:14,192
This public image is far removed
from the private reality
262
00:17:14,201 --> 00:17:16,279
Of how Henry actually looked.
263
00:17:16,354 --> 00:17:19,952
He's grown more and more infirm,
he's gaining weight,
264
00:17:19,961 --> 00:17:23,639
But thanks to Holbein,
he remains just like this.
265
00:17:31,481 --> 00:17:35,959
While only later reproductions
of the mural survive today,
266
00:17:36,034 --> 00:17:40,279
They do capture the splendor
of what Holbein created,
267
00:17:40,354 --> 00:17:45,119
Which would set the tone for
a host of subsequent portraits.
268
00:17:49,154 --> 00:17:53,199
Holbein did more to shape
the king's public persona
269
00:17:53,241 --> 00:17:56,272
Than any other man
who surrounded him,
270
00:17:56,281 --> 00:17:58,352
Creating an image of the king
271
00:17:58,361 --> 00:18:01,679
That would echo
down the centuries.
272
00:18:09,954 --> 00:18:14,832
Henry's image as king
also received another boost
273
00:18:14,841 --> 00:18:19,519
In the form of some
long-anticipated news.
274
00:18:23,481 --> 00:18:29,392
On the 12th of October 1537,
here at Hampton Court Palace,
275
00:18:29,401 --> 00:18:34,039
Henry's wife, Jane Seymour,
gave birth to a baby boy.
276
00:18:34,114 --> 00:18:36,512
At a lavish christening
three days later
277
00:18:36,521 --> 00:18:38,832
He was given the name Edward.
278
00:18:38,841 --> 00:18:41,559
Henry was ecstatic.
279
00:18:45,234 --> 00:18:46,679
Murphy: The birth
of the long-awaited son
280
00:18:46,754 --> 00:18:50,199
Is a moment when he can show
281
00:18:50,274 --> 00:18:53,839
Unrestrained happiness
in public.
282
00:18:56,194 --> 00:19:00,599
And it's like a flash of light,
a blinding flash of light,
283
00:19:00,674 --> 00:19:06,599
And in that flash of light
he stands, perfectly justified.
284
00:19:15,714 --> 00:19:16,999
Borman: 500 years ago,
285
00:19:17,074 --> 00:19:21,479
My office here at Hampton Court
was Edward's nursery.
286
00:19:21,554 --> 00:19:23,479
From the moment of his birth,
287
00:19:23,554 --> 00:19:26,839
Henry lavished enormous care
and attention
288
00:19:26,914 --> 00:19:29,399
On the upbringing
and the security
289
00:19:29,474 --> 00:19:32,039
Of his precious son and heir.
290
00:19:34,354 --> 00:19:38,319
But Henry's happiness
was to be short-lived.
291
00:19:41,321 --> 00:19:43,952
Borman: Less than two weeks
after delivering
292
00:19:43,961 --> 00:19:46,199
Henry's long-awaited
son and heir,
293
00:19:46,274 --> 00:19:49,072
Jane Seymour died
of complications
294
00:19:49,161 --> 00:19:52,159
Resulting from the birth.
295
00:19:58,514 --> 00:20:04,432
The death of Jane Seymour
was devastating for Henry.
296
00:20:04,441 --> 00:20:09,072
But as king he would need
to take another wife,
297
00:20:09,121 --> 00:20:12,679
Once again, opening him up
to the manipulations
298
00:20:12,754 --> 00:20:14,959
Of the men around him.
299
00:20:17,154 --> 00:20:21,879
Thomas Cromwell was first
to offer up his suggestion...
300
00:20:23,321 --> 00:20:26,432
A young German woman
of noble blood
301
00:20:26,441 --> 00:20:30,439
Who fitted in with his own
religious agenda.
302
00:20:34,274 --> 00:20:37,119
Cromwell convinced Henry
that Anne of Cleves
303
00:20:37,161 --> 00:20:40,279
Was worth considering
as a potential bride,
304
00:20:40,354 --> 00:20:44,992
So Henry dispatched Hans Holbein
to paint her picture.
305
00:20:45,001 --> 00:20:47,152
He was so delighted
with the result
306
00:20:47,161 --> 00:20:50,759
That Anne made her way
over to England.
307
00:20:52,674 --> 00:20:57,959
Problem was, she didn't quite
match up to her picture.
308
00:21:01,154 --> 00:21:03,959
Doran: When Anne arrived
in England,
309
00:21:04,034 --> 00:21:06,039
It wasn't so much
that she was ugly...
310
00:21:06,114 --> 00:21:07,879
She wasn't a Flanders mare
at all...
311
00:21:07,954 --> 00:21:13,079
But she was charmless, and she
also didn't get Henry's jokes
312
00:21:13,154 --> 00:21:16,512
Or Henry's displays
of courtly love,
313
00:21:16,521 --> 00:21:21,319
And Henry just found he couldn't
go through with this marriage.
314
00:21:29,721 --> 00:21:34,119
Borman: Henry accused Cromwell
of deceiving him.
315
00:21:34,194 --> 00:21:37,159
The Duke of Norfolk
now had a chance
316
00:21:37,234 --> 00:21:39,312
To seal his rival's fate
317
00:21:39,321 --> 00:21:44,799
By offering up his catholic
niece, Katherine Howard.
318
00:21:47,394 --> 00:21:51,632
Murphy: Here is this sweet,
not very bright,
319
00:21:51,641 --> 00:21:54,432
Coquettish girl.
320
00:21:54,441 --> 00:21:58,039
And he is attracted to her.
321
00:21:58,114 --> 00:21:59,719
So they know
exactly what they're doing,
322
00:21:59,794 --> 00:22:03,639
They know what they're dangling
in front of the king.
323
00:22:03,714 --> 00:22:06,679
Borman: Norfolk's plan
appeared to be working.
324
00:22:06,754 --> 00:22:10,039
The passion the king felt
for Katherine Howard
325
00:22:10,114 --> 00:22:13,719
Intensified his dislike
for Anne of Cleves.
326
00:22:13,794 --> 00:22:15,639
But Cromwell held his nerve,
327
00:22:15,714 --> 00:22:18,032
Claiming that he could not
get Henry
328
00:22:18,041 --> 00:22:22,272
Out of the upcoming marriage.
329
00:22:22,281 --> 00:22:24,432
Doran: Now, I'm sure
Cromwell could have
330
00:22:24,441 --> 00:22:26,159
If he had put his mind to it,
331
00:22:26,201 --> 00:22:28,192
But what worried him
was that Henry
332
00:22:28,201 --> 00:22:31,312
Was now attracted
to Katherine Howard,
333
00:22:31,321 --> 00:22:35,639
And if Henry married her
and Anne was put aside,
334
00:22:35,714 --> 00:22:39,159
Then the Howards would come
back center stage
335
00:22:39,234 --> 00:22:42,599
And Cromwell's own position
would be endangered.
336
00:22:47,241 --> 00:22:49,799
Borman: Cromwell got
what he wanted.
337
00:22:49,874 --> 00:22:52,519
On the 6th of January 1540,
338
00:22:52,594 --> 00:22:56,759
Henry had no choice
but to marry Anne.
339
00:22:56,834 --> 00:23:00,759
But there was one thing
the king refused to do...
340
00:23:00,834 --> 00:23:03,639
Consummate the marriage.
341
00:23:07,481 --> 00:23:11,079
Murphy: What we have instead
is an unhappy king
342
00:23:11,154 --> 00:23:14,439
Telling Cromwell
that she has bad breath
343
00:23:14,514 --> 00:23:16,039
To be followed that he's worried
344
00:23:16,161 --> 00:23:18,759
That he can't perform
any longer.
345
00:23:18,834 --> 00:23:22,032
Now, why would Henry put himself
through that humiliation
346
00:23:22,041 --> 00:23:26,199
If Henry wasn't already thinking
I need a way out of this?
347
00:23:28,514 --> 00:23:32,039
Borman: Meanwhile, the war
between Cromwell and Norfolk
348
00:23:32,114 --> 00:23:33,399
Turned personal,
349
00:23:33,474 --> 00:23:35,312
As the dissolution had reached
350
00:23:35,321 --> 00:23:38,912
Somewhere very close
to Norfolk's heart.
351
00:23:38,921 --> 00:23:41,072
Thetford Priory.
352
00:23:41,081 --> 00:23:45,119
Murphy: Thetford Priory is
the home of the Norfolk dynasty,
353
00:23:45,161 --> 00:23:46,599
First and second dukes.
354
00:23:46,674 --> 00:23:49,159
So, all of the first lot
of Norfolks,
355
00:23:49,234 --> 00:23:51,232
The Mowbrays are buried there,
356
00:23:51,241 --> 00:23:53,719
And it's like
a family mausoleum.
357
00:23:53,794 --> 00:23:57,879
So though it's a priory, it's
really almost to the Norfolks
358
00:23:57,954 --> 00:24:00,039
Like their private chapel.
359
00:24:00,161 --> 00:24:04,679
So, when the dissolutions come,
360
00:24:04,754 --> 00:24:08,039
Norfolk tries repeatedly
361
00:24:08,114 --> 00:24:11,072
To get Thetford spared,
362
00:24:11,081 --> 00:24:13,679
And Cromwell refuses.
363
00:24:20,354 --> 00:24:22,432
Borman: Thetford Priory
was pulled down
364
00:24:22,441 --> 00:24:25,712
A month after Henry
married Anne of Cleves.
365
00:24:25,721 --> 00:24:29,199
The rivalry between Cromwell
and the Duke of Norfolk
366
00:24:29,241 --> 00:24:31,079
Was reaching boiling point,
367
00:24:31,154 --> 00:24:36,759
And Norfolk was now even more
determined to destroy Cromwell.
368
00:24:36,834 --> 00:24:38,519
Whitelock: The Duke of Norfolk,
among others,
369
00:24:38,594 --> 00:24:42,039
Took their opportunity
to bring Cromwell down
370
00:24:42,114 --> 00:24:45,712
And accuse him of treason,
371
00:24:45,721 --> 00:24:47,959
To accuse him of treachery
372
00:24:48,034 --> 00:24:50,599
And proceeded to act against him
373
00:24:50,674 --> 00:24:53,952
And convince the king,
of course, most importantly,
374
00:24:53,961 --> 00:24:58,279
Also to act against Cromwell
in the most ruthless fashion.
375
00:25:00,121 --> 00:25:01,552
Mackay: I think
with Cromwell and Henry,
376
00:25:01,561 --> 00:25:03,079
There'd always been
a little bit of distance,
377
00:25:03,154 --> 00:25:06,159
So if he has people in his ear
whispering about Cromwell,
378
00:25:06,201 --> 00:25:07,719
Henry chooses to listen.
379
00:25:07,794 --> 00:25:11,159
Henry VIII had always been
deeply loyal to his advisors
380
00:25:11,234 --> 00:25:14,919
And those closest to him
right up until he wasn't.
381
00:25:17,954 --> 00:25:21,719
Borman: It took little to ignite
the suspicions of a king
382
00:25:21,794 --> 00:25:26,512
Whose paranoia was approaching
that of his late father.
383
00:25:26,521 --> 00:25:30,352
On the 10th of June 1540,
Cromwell attended
384
00:25:30,361 --> 00:25:34,912
What he thought was a routine
meeting of the privy council,
385
00:25:34,921 --> 00:25:39,632
But it was to be his last.
386
00:25:39,641 --> 00:25:43,319
The intensely personal nature
of the rivalry
387
00:25:43,394 --> 00:25:46,039
Between the king's
most powerful men
388
00:25:46,114 --> 00:25:49,119
Is revealed
by what happened next.
389
00:25:53,241 --> 00:25:55,312
Norfolk strode up to Cromwell
390
00:25:55,321 --> 00:25:58,832
And seized the order of
St. George from around his neck,
391
00:25:58,841 --> 00:26:02,999
As if by doing so he could
strip him of all the honors
392
00:26:03,074 --> 00:26:05,312
With which this blacksmith boy
393
00:26:05,321 --> 00:26:09,399
Had tried to cover up
the shame of his birth.
394
00:26:15,234 --> 00:26:20,592
Cromwell's highest honor,
his garter, was removed.
395
00:26:20,601 --> 00:26:23,952
The beleaguered minister
was arrested
396
00:26:23,961 --> 00:26:28,799
And taken to the Tower of London
to await his fate.
397
00:26:31,481 --> 00:26:34,912
Murphy: The glee with which
at the arrest
398
00:26:34,921 --> 00:26:38,119
They strip Cromwell
of the garter
399
00:26:38,194 --> 00:26:40,999
In front of everybody
on the council
400
00:26:41,074 --> 00:26:44,119
And bundle him out
like a common criminal.
401
00:26:44,194 --> 00:26:45,639
This is personal.
402
00:26:50,281 --> 00:26:52,992
Borman: But the king
wasn't done with him yet,
403
00:26:53,001 --> 00:26:55,319
As revealed by one
of the few documents
404
00:26:55,394 --> 00:26:58,319
Written by Henry himself.
405
00:27:03,474 --> 00:27:05,152
You can see right
at the top of the page,
406
00:27:05,161 --> 00:27:09,199
It's questions to be asked
of Thomas Cromwell,
407
00:27:09,241 --> 00:27:12,039
And the vast majority
of those questions
408
00:27:12,121 --> 00:27:14,119
Relate to Anne of Cleves,
409
00:27:14,194 --> 00:27:18,199
Henry's fourth wife,
who he's desperate to be rid of.
410
00:27:18,274 --> 00:27:20,599
So, he's asking Cromwell really
for evidence
411
00:27:20,674 --> 00:27:24,039
To help his case
for an annulment.
412
00:27:24,121 --> 00:27:28,439
Henry wants Cromwell
to tell his interrogators.
413
00:27:28,514 --> 00:27:31,232
He also in particular
focuses in here
414
00:27:31,241 --> 00:27:35,152
On the question of Anne's
prior betrothal to somebody else
415
00:27:35,161 --> 00:27:37,472
Before she married Henry,
416
00:27:37,481 --> 00:27:39,232
Because this was
the crucial point.
417
00:27:39,241 --> 00:27:42,839
This would get Henry out
of the whole sorry thing.
418
00:27:42,914 --> 00:27:45,072
That's something that Cromwell
had specifically said
419
00:27:45,081 --> 00:27:47,159
There wasn't any evidence of,
420
00:27:47,234 --> 00:27:48,832
But that's not good enough
for Henry,
421
00:27:48,841 --> 00:27:52,159
And now clearly he is
applying the pressure
422
00:27:52,201 --> 00:27:54,959
Because Cromwell has got
nowhere to go.
423
00:28:02,194 --> 00:28:06,519
Cromwell finally gave Henry
all the evidence the king needed
424
00:28:06,594 --> 00:28:11,072
To remove Anne of Cleves
and begged for mercy,
425
00:28:11,081 --> 00:28:13,239
But Henry's mind was made up
426
00:28:13,314 --> 00:28:15,959
And the Duke of Norfolk
had the king
427
00:28:16,034 --> 00:28:19,199
In the palm of his hand.
428
00:28:25,794 --> 00:28:29,232
On the 28th of July 1540,
429
00:28:29,241 --> 00:28:33,079
As Henry was preparing for his
wedding to Katherine Howard,
430
00:28:33,154 --> 00:28:35,559
Cromwell ascended the scaffold
431
00:28:35,634 --> 00:28:38,879
And placed his head
on the block.
432
00:28:40,354 --> 00:28:42,992
Jones: Unfortunately,
as very often happened
433
00:28:43,001 --> 00:28:45,152
With executions
in the 16th century,
434
00:28:45,161 --> 00:28:48,079
The executioner
made a botch of it.
435
00:28:48,121 --> 00:28:49,712
It took several strokes
of the axe,
436
00:28:49,721 --> 00:28:51,879
Reducing his neck and head
to a pulp
437
00:28:51,954 --> 00:28:54,519
Before his head
was finally severed.
438
00:29:00,354 --> 00:29:02,992
Borman: Cromwell's downfall
is very revealing
439
00:29:03,001 --> 00:29:05,072
Of Henry's character
by this time,
440
00:29:05,081 --> 00:29:08,159
And in particular
his ruthlessness.
441
00:29:08,201 --> 00:29:10,279
If someone was no longer
useful to him,
442
00:29:10,354 --> 00:29:13,719
He would have them
airbrushed from history.
443
00:29:17,881 --> 00:29:19,152
Borman: The Duke of Norfolk
444
00:29:19,161 --> 00:29:21,639
Had successfully removed
Thomas Cromwell,
445
00:29:21,714 --> 00:29:24,999
And his catholic niece
was now married to the king,
446
00:29:25,074 --> 00:29:28,999
Shoring up his religious agenda.
447
00:29:29,074 --> 00:29:32,592
Jones: She was considerably
younger than Henry himself.
448
00:29:32,601 --> 00:29:35,392
Henry described her
as his rose without a thorn.
449
00:29:35,401 --> 00:29:41,159
He, in, with a sort of
dribbling senescent lust,
450
00:29:41,234 --> 00:29:44,079
He regarded her
as a perfect little rosebud.
451
00:29:46,354 --> 00:29:48,599
Borman: But Katherine Howard
would turn out to be
452
00:29:48,674 --> 00:29:52,512
A less than reliable ally
for her uncle.
453
00:29:52,521 --> 00:29:55,952
Jones: Rose she may have been,
but she also had thorns,
454
00:29:55,961 --> 00:29:58,119
Which pricked Henry
in the places
455
00:29:58,194 --> 00:30:01,232
Where it really hurt.
456
00:30:01,241 --> 00:30:03,632
Borman: Cranmer was unhappy
with the situation
457
00:30:03,641 --> 00:30:07,639
Of there being a catholic queen,
especially as she was the niece
458
00:30:07,714 --> 00:30:11,472
Of the man who'd helped
bring down his friend and ally,
459
00:30:11,481 --> 00:30:13,072
Thomas Cromwell.
460
00:30:13,081 --> 00:30:17,552
But he soon became privy
to compromising information
461
00:30:17,561 --> 00:30:20,519
On Henry's new wife.
462
00:30:20,594 --> 00:30:23,319
After just giving thanks
for his marriage
463
00:30:23,394 --> 00:30:26,519
Here at Hampton Court
in the chapel royal,
464
00:30:26,594 --> 00:30:29,639
Archbishop Cranmer
presented him with the news
465
00:30:29,714 --> 00:30:32,592
That his wife
was having an affair.
466
00:30:38,281 --> 00:30:43,599
Borman: Accounts of Katherine's
infidelity sealed her fate.
467
00:30:48,681 --> 00:30:52,039
Katherine was executed
at the Tower of London
468
00:30:52,114 --> 00:30:56,159
On the 13th of February 1542.
469
00:30:56,201 --> 00:30:59,152
In contrast to the demise
of his other marriages,
470
00:30:59,161 --> 00:31:03,079
This one plunged Henry
into a deep depression.
471
00:31:03,154 --> 00:31:07,072
Never again would he trust
any man to the same extent.
472
00:31:07,161 --> 00:31:10,399
Now he would rule by fear.
473
00:31:18,521 --> 00:31:21,119
Following Katherine Howard's
alleged affair
474
00:31:21,161 --> 00:31:23,159
With a lowly member of court,
475
00:31:23,234 --> 00:31:28,599
Henry's paranoia
reached new heights.
476
00:31:28,674 --> 00:31:33,119
He would turn to an unlikely man
for comfort.
477
00:31:33,161 --> 00:31:38,439
Will Somer,
the king's fool or jester.
478
00:31:38,514 --> 00:31:43,159
Jesters were more than just
frivolous appointments at court.
479
00:31:43,234 --> 00:31:45,639
The Tudors believed
that laughter
480
00:31:45,714 --> 00:31:47,959
Was essential for health.
481
00:31:48,034 --> 00:31:51,879
But Somer's popularity with
Henry went further than that.
482
00:31:51,954 --> 00:31:53,952
He became one of the few men
483
00:31:53,961 --> 00:31:56,279
Whom the king
could really trust.
484
00:31:59,201 --> 00:32:00,679
Jones: I think Henry,
who certainly didn't have
485
00:32:00,754 --> 00:32:03,472
Much to laugh about
in the last years of his reign,
486
00:32:03,481 --> 00:32:09,159
This dying, obese, unhappy,
unfulfilled man
487
00:32:09,234 --> 00:32:12,199
Employed the court jester,
Will Somer,
488
00:32:12,274 --> 00:32:15,439
To give him the bonus
of laughter.
489
00:32:17,554 --> 00:32:20,752
Borman: Will Somer was
a natural fool,
490
00:32:20,761 --> 00:32:23,799
Which meant he probably
had learning difficulties,
491
00:32:23,874 --> 00:32:26,519
But such people were valued
by the Tudors
492
00:32:26,594 --> 00:32:30,039
Because they were believed to be
closer to God.
493
00:32:30,114 --> 00:32:32,672
And Somer's natural honesty,
494
00:32:32,681 --> 00:32:36,192
Unfettered by political ambition
or guile,
495
00:32:36,201 --> 00:32:40,799
Meant that he was one of the few
men who Henry truly loved.
496
00:32:43,554 --> 00:32:48,992
Murphy: Somer represents
that form of ancient fool
497
00:32:49,001 --> 00:32:51,712
That speaks truth unto power.
498
00:32:51,721 --> 00:32:56,439
Because they have no family and
no affinity, no family interest,
499
00:32:56,514 --> 00:33:01,319
They represent a different
ability to speak to the king,
500
00:33:01,394 --> 00:33:04,999
And therefore there is
this bondedness
501
00:33:05,074 --> 00:33:07,552
Between the relationship.
502
00:33:07,561 --> 00:33:10,992
Borman: Such was the closeness
of Somer and the king
503
00:33:11,001 --> 00:33:13,072
That he was depicted
in paintings
504
00:33:13,081 --> 00:33:16,279
As if he was almost part
of the family.
505
00:33:16,354 --> 00:33:18,992
Murphy: They're part of,
not an extended family,
506
00:33:19,001 --> 00:33:21,119
They're part
of the intimate family
507
00:33:21,161 --> 00:33:25,072
And they represent
something honest.
508
00:33:25,081 --> 00:33:29,759
Borman: Henry would remain close
to Somer to the end of his days.
509
00:33:35,154 --> 00:33:38,279
Meanwhile, the catholic faction
in court
510
00:33:38,354 --> 00:33:42,199
Was to be dealt a blow in 1543
511
00:33:42,274 --> 00:33:45,559
When Henry married his sixth
and final wife,
512
00:33:45,634 --> 00:33:49,479
Catherine Parr,
a religious reformer.
513
00:33:52,754 --> 00:33:56,032
Catherine was a recipient
of all the favors
514
00:33:56,041 --> 00:33:58,439
That came with being queen.
515
00:33:58,514 --> 00:34:01,952
Men like the Duke of Norfolk
were forced to watch
516
00:34:01,961 --> 00:34:04,759
As members of her family
were promoted
517
00:34:04,834 --> 00:34:08,039
To positions close to the king.
518
00:34:08,114 --> 00:34:11,079
Murphy: As always,
as happened with Anne Boleyn
519
00:34:11,154 --> 00:34:12,592
And as happened
with Catherine of Aragon
520
00:34:12,601 --> 00:34:15,152
In a sense that her friends
were pushed up,
521
00:34:15,161 --> 00:34:18,119
When Catherine Parr
becomes queen,
522
00:34:18,194 --> 00:34:21,519
Her brother and others
in her family are pushed up.
523
00:34:25,241 --> 00:34:28,192
Borman: And with Henry
now married to a reformer,
524
00:34:28,201 --> 00:34:30,432
Fellow reformer Edward Seymour
525
00:34:30,441 --> 00:34:33,719
Came to dominate
the privy council.
526
00:34:33,794 --> 00:34:37,712
But while the catholics and
reformers continued to clash,
527
00:34:37,721 --> 00:34:42,719
The king himself became
increasingly ill and secluded.
528
00:34:45,001 --> 00:34:47,072
Jones: Probably
because he was aware
529
00:34:47,081 --> 00:34:49,719
That he was an increasingly
repulsive figure
530
00:34:49,794 --> 00:34:52,199
Both physically and morally,
531
00:34:52,274 --> 00:34:54,672
He was more and more isolated
and lonely,
532
00:34:54,681 --> 00:34:57,199
Kept to his lodgings
in his palaces,
533
00:34:57,241 --> 00:34:59,519
Saw fewer and fewer people.
534
00:35:02,121 --> 00:35:04,679
Borman: With it becoming
increasingly apparent
535
00:35:04,754 --> 00:35:07,312
That Henry was not long
for this world,
536
00:35:07,321 --> 00:35:11,159
The fighting among the factions
at court intensified
537
00:35:11,234 --> 00:35:15,792
Because the king's heir
was just eight years old.
538
00:35:15,801 --> 00:35:17,959
Jones: They were all
jockeying for power
539
00:35:18,034 --> 00:35:20,359
Because the reign, the power
540
00:35:20,434 --> 00:35:22,272
Was going to be
in the hands of a child,
541
00:35:22,281 --> 00:35:24,359
Was going to be in the hands
of Edward VI,
542
00:35:24,434 --> 00:35:26,279
Who was still a very young boy,
543
00:35:26,354 --> 00:35:31,199
So whoever controlled this child
would control the kingdom.
544
00:35:32,674 --> 00:35:36,192
Borman: Henry realized that
without uniting the factions
545
00:35:36,201 --> 00:35:40,432
He was going to pass on
a divided kingdom to his son.
546
00:35:40,441 --> 00:35:44,679
And so he took matters
into his own hands.
547
00:35:47,241 --> 00:35:50,279
Borman: With the country divided
and his end growing near,
548
00:35:50,354 --> 00:35:53,159
Henry took drastic action.
549
00:35:53,234 --> 00:35:56,279
On Christmas Eve 1545,
550
00:35:56,354 --> 00:36:01,119
He addressed parliament
personally for the last time.
551
00:36:03,794 --> 00:36:07,392
The speech he made
reveals a man worn down
552
00:36:07,401 --> 00:36:11,559
By years of bitter infighting
between his courtiers,
553
00:36:11,634 --> 00:36:18,199
By frailty of body
and by dejection of spirit.
554
00:36:18,274 --> 00:36:20,679
Mackay: It's interesting
that after decades
555
00:36:20,754 --> 00:36:24,039
Of promoting faction
and friction at his court,
556
00:36:24,161 --> 00:36:26,279
Nurturing these
factional intrigues,
557
00:36:26,354 --> 00:36:29,392
Pitting courtier and nobility
against each other,
558
00:36:29,401 --> 00:36:31,559
Henry now called for unity.
559
00:36:31,634 --> 00:36:33,712
He wanted them to follow
Christ's teachings
560
00:36:33,721 --> 00:36:35,232
And love each other.
561
00:36:35,241 --> 00:36:37,479
Jones: It may be
yet another sign
562
00:36:37,554 --> 00:36:40,039
That at the end of his day,
he was having second thoughts.
563
00:36:40,114 --> 00:36:42,912
He was having regrets
for the violence,
564
00:36:42,921 --> 00:36:48,039
The incredible violence
that had accompanied his reign.
565
00:36:52,921 --> 00:36:55,392
Borman:
He ended with a final plea
566
00:36:55,401 --> 00:36:58,039
To live in charity
with one another
567
00:36:58,114 --> 00:37:00,592
Like brother and brother,
568
00:37:00,601 --> 00:37:03,879
But he knew his words
had come too late.
569
00:37:03,954 --> 00:37:07,959
He would live out his days
as an almost futile witness
570
00:37:08,034 --> 00:37:12,279
To the struggles that were
tearing his kingdom apart.
571
00:37:22,114 --> 00:37:25,639
The 27th of January 1547
572
00:37:25,714 --> 00:37:30,039
Was the last full day
of the reign of Henry VIII.
573
00:37:30,114 --> 00:37:32,919
When it became clear
that he was dying,
574
00:37:32,994 --> 00:37:35,399
The king sent
for Archbishop Cranmer,
575
00:37:35,474 --> 00:37:37,392
And by the time he arrived,
576
00:37:37,401 --> 00:37:41,199
Henry was slipping
into unconsciousness.
577
00:37:47,474 --> 00:37:50,079
At two A.M.
The following morning
578
00:37:50,121 --> 00:37:52,112
With Cranmer by his side,
579
00:37:52,121 --> 00:37:56,759
The reign of Henry VIII
passed into the history books.
580
00:38:10,274 --> 00:38:13,879
It's telling that
in Henry's final hours
581
00:38:13,954 --> 00:38:16,039
When he was racked by pain,
582
00:38:16,161 --> 00:38:19,312
He refused to see
his wife and daughters
583
00:38:19,321 --> 00:38:23,239
And wanted to be attended
only by his men.
584
00:38:26,281 --> 00:38:31,119
That male heir whom Henry had
spent much of his life seeking
585
00:38:31,161 --> 00:38:34,199
Ascended the throne
as king Edward VI
586
00:38:34,274 --> 00:38:36,599
At just nine years old.
587
00:38:41,321 --> 00:38:44,599
But Henry VIII's story
does not end there.
588
00:38:44,674 --> 00:38:47,239
Buried deep
in the National Archives
589
00:38:47,314 --> 00:38:50,912
Lies a document whose contents
and significance
590
00:38:50,921 --> 00:38:54,199
Continue to be debated
to this day.
591
00:38:56,121 --> 00:38:57,152
James Daybell: This is probably
592
00:38:57,161 --> 00:39:00,159
One of the most
controversial documents
593
00:39:00,201 --> 00:39:02,112
In all of Tudor history,
594
00:39:02,121 --> 00:39:04,679
And the reason being
595
00:39:04,754 --> 00:39:09,072
Was that about a month
before Henry VIII's death,
596
00:39:09,081 --> 00:39:13,399
This last will and testament
was produced.
597
00:39:13,474 --> 00:39:15,639
Borman: So, this isn't
obviously in Henry's hand.
598
00:39:15,714 --> 00:39:16,832
This is the secretary or...
599
00:39:16,841 --> 00:39:20,199
Daybell: This is a scribal,
a scribal hand,
600
00:39:20,274 --> 00:39:23,072
But then you've got
Henry's signature again
601
00:39:23,201 --> 00:39:24,519
Here at the end
602
00:39:24,594 --> 00:39:27,712
And then below it,
in hierarchical order,
603
00:39:27,721 --> 00:39:31,239
You've got all the names
of the ten witnesses
604
00:39:31,314 --> 00:39:33,232
Who witnessed
the signing of the will.
605
00:39:33,241 --> 00:39:38,679
Now, the controversy, though,
relates to the signature here
606
00:39:38,754 --> 00:39:41,072
Because it is not
Henry's own hand.
607
00:39:41,161 --> 00:39:44,199
Instead it is a dry stamp.
608
00:39:44,274 --> 00:39:46,199
In other words, it's a stamp
609
00:39:46,274 --> 00:39:49,119
That has been impressed
upon the page
610
00:39:49,161 --> 00:39:52,192
And then a scribe
has taken a quill and ink
611
00:39:52,201 --> 00:39:56,039
And very carefully written
Henry's name in
612
00:39:56,114 --> 00:39:58,752
So that it looks
absolutely perfect.
613
00:39:58,761 --> 00:40:03,152
Now, the problem there is
that if Henry isn't signing it,
614
00:40:03,161 --> 00:40:05,879
What that does,
that device allows people
615
00:40:05,954 --> 00:40:11,199
To be able to manipulate
the monarch.
616
00:40:11,241 --> 00:40:12,839
Borman:
The dry stamp was designed
617
00:40:12,914 --> 00:40:17,792
To relieve Henry of the tedium
of personally signing documents.
618
00:40:17,801 --> 00:40:20,192
He had placed a man
called William Clarke
619
00:40:20,201 --> 00:40:22,039
In charge of the stamp.
620
00:40:22,114 --> 00:40:25,712
Once a month, Clarke would give
Henry a list of documents
621
00:40:25,721 --> 00:40:29,392
He had signed
on the king's behalf.
622
00:40:29,401 --> 00:40:35,072
Daybell: Now, this will was made
on the 30th of December 1546,
623
00:40:35,081 --> 00:40:40,039
And it's not until the night
before Henry's death
624
00:40:40,114 --> 00:40:42,599
That we find William Clarke
putting this
625
00:40:42,674 --> 00:40:46,239
On a list of documents
that have been signed.
626
00:40:48,601 --> 00:40:50,912
Borman: With the stamp,
the men around Henry
627
00:40:50,921 --> 00:40:54,832
Had the means to manipulate him
to the end of his days,
628
00:40:54,841 --> 00:40:57,639
Potentially placing themselves
in positions
629
00:40:57,714 --> 00:40:59,319
Of unrivaled power,
630
00:40:59,394 --> 00:41:01,559
Using the king's signature,
631
00:41:01,634 --> 00:41:06,599
All with the aim of controlling
the new young monarch.
632
00:41:12,834 --> 00:41:17,072
So, who does best out of this
among Henry's men,
633
00:41:17,081 --> 00:41:18,752
Because it has been seen
634
00:41:18,761 --> 00:41:21,479
That they're just manipulating
him right at the end,
635
00:41:21,554 --> 00:41:24,759
Kind of feathering their own
nests for the next reign.
636
00:41:24,834 --> 00:41:26,192
There's Somerset, obviously.
637
00:41:26,201 --> 00:41:30,039
Daybell: There's Somerset,
his brother, Thomas Seymour.
638
00:41:30,114 --> 00:41:33,319
At the time of putting together
this will,
639
00:41:33,394 --> 00:41:35,872
The Spanish ambassador argues
640
00:41:35,881 --> 00:41:39,072
That when Thomas Seymour's name
was mentioned,
641
00:41:39,081 --> 00:41:41,072
Henry said, "no, no, no!"
642
00:41:41,201 --> 00:41:42,839
And so we know that Henry
was against him,
643
00:41:42,914 --> 00:41:48,359
But yet his name is on,
among those of 12 assistants
644
00:41:48,434 --> 00:41:51,799
Who are going to play a part
in the minority government.
645
00:41:51,874 --> 00:41:56,432
And so, Henry has been made
to put him back in.
646
00:41:59,241 --> 00:42:00,752
Borman: The Duke of Somerset
647
00:42:00,761 --> 00:42:03,879
Was a title created
by Edward Seymour,
648
00:42:03,954 --> 00:42:07,479
Who would go on to dominate
the reign of Edward VI
649
00:42:07,554 --> 00:42:12,119
When he also appointed himself
Lord Protector.
650
00:42:12,194 --> 00:42:14,839
Doran: Protector Somerset
seizes power
651
00:42:14,914 --> 00:42:18,352
And he manipulates the will
afterwards, it seems to me,
652
00:42:18,361 --> 00:42:21,919
In order to try and retain
power for himself.
653
00:42:23,961 --> 00:42:25,472
Borman:
Whether the reformist faction
654
00:42:25,481 --> 00:42:28,999
Had indeed manipulated the king
after his death
655
00:42:29,074 --> 00:42:34,199
Is something that will continue
to be debated, but if they did,
656
00:42:34,274 --> 00:42:38,519
It was merely the last
in a long line of manipulations
657
00:42:38,594 --> 00:42:42,112
That Henry fell prey to
throughout his life.
658
00:42:42,121 --> 00:42:43,952
Mackay: The men who had
surrounded Henry
659
00:42:43,961 --> 00:42:45,479
Were absolutely instrumental
660
00:42:45,554 --> 00:42:48,039
In shaping the king
that we have come to know.
661
00:42:48,114 --> 00:42:50,119
They came from various
spheres of court.
662
00:42:50,194 --> 00:42:51,472
They came from
the clerical spheres,
663
00:42:51,481 --> 00:42:53,632
The personal spheres,
the political spheres.
664
00:42:53,641 --> 00:42:56,039
They all played a part
in molding Henry
665
00:42:56,114 --> 00:42:58,159
Into the ideal king.
666
00:43:06,194 --> 00:43:08,432
Borman: The last glimpse
we have of Henry
667
00:43:08,441 --> 00:43:13,399
Is as a king and a man
defined not by his six wives,
668
00:43:13,474 --> 00:43:17,399
But by the men who had
entertained, advised,
669
00:43:17,474 --> 00:43:22,079
Angered and delighted him
for 55 years.
670
00:43:26,121 --> 00:43:28,039
From the suffocating father
671
00:43:28,161 --> 00:43:30,672
Whom the young Henry
would rebel against
672
00:43:30,681 --> 00:43:35,312
And the ministers that shaped
his kingdom for good or ill
673
00:43:35,321 --> 00:43:38,599
To the man who created
an image of a king
674
00:43:38,674 --> 00:43:41,559
That would last
through the ages.
675
00:43:43,481 --> 00:43:48,119
By seeing Henry VIII through
the eyes of the king's men,
676
00:43:48,194 --> 00:43:49,639
His reign is revealed
677
00:43:49,714 --> 00:43:55,319
In all its multi-faceted
contradictory glory.
60322