Henry VIII

Henry VIII is a historical play written by William Shakespeare. The play dramatizes the domestic squabbles and court intrigues of King Henry VIII. Henry is planning the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, setting up the break with the Catholic Church, English Reformation, and creation of the Church of England.

Henry’s advisers feature heavily in the play. Thomas Wolsey begins the story as Henry’s trusted advisory, but gets caught playing a double game with the Pope. Thomas Cromwell emerges as a man on the sire, but is checked by Henry’s support for Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury.