Henry VIII | Succession Flashcards
(7 cards)
What was the issues with Henrys marriage to Catherine ?
Why is this problematic ?
-Provided two baby sons but one was still born, other died after seven weeks.
-Henry believed lack of a son was God’s punishment due to marrying his brother’s wife.
-Henry fell in love with Anne Boleyn
By the point these issues arise, Henry has been married to Catherine for around 20 years, meaing any chance of a legal divorce is slim and Henry is somewhat running out of time to produce an heir. Also, Henry genuinley believing God was punishing Henry for marrying Catherine shows, he believed his marriage was illegitimate and un-natural. The divorce process through was ultimately accelerated by Henrys love for Anne and her later impregnation in 1532.
When did Henry marry Anne Boleyn ?
What was significant about the marriage ?
January 1533
Until Catherines death (in 1536), the marriage was seen as ilegitimate by the whole of the catholic church, meaning any children had by Anne was illegitimate too, thus rendering the marriage as useless in securing a legitimate heir to the throne, coupled with the fact Anne failed to have a male child.
When was Elizabeth born ?
What is the consequences of this for Mary ?
1533
A year later, The Act of Succession, in favour of Elizabeth, declares Mary illegitimate - meaning she cannot inherit the throne.
When was Anne Boleyn executed ?
What is the consequences of this for Elizabeth ?
1536
Annes death coupled with The Act of Succession of that year, declared Elizabeth illegitimate - meaning she cannot inherit the throne.
When does Henry marry Jane Seymour ?
1536
When was Edward born ?
What were the issues with Edward ?
1537
-Henrys own poor health meant that Edward was likely to be a minority monarch
-Canon law denied Edward legitmacy
-Elizabeth and Mary were legitimised in 1543/1544
Which legal acts did Henry use to determine the succession ?
What was the ruling in each Act ?
-Succession Act (1534)
-Succession Act (1536)
-Succession Act (1543/1544)
-Henry’s Last Will and Testament (1546)
-Elizabeth as heir presumptive, declares Mary illegitimate.
-Elizabeth illegitimate, succession through Henry’s Last Will and Testament in absence of heir apparent.
-Reinstates Mary and Elizabeth but reaffirms succession through will.
-Confirms Edward to be monarch, followed by Mary then Elizabeth if he had no children. If all three die without children, the throne is to go to his sister (Mary, Duchess of Suffolk.)
