Expert: Mark Smith - 10/13/2004

Question
What was Henry the V11 personality like? Please tell me, i don't know!

Answer
Hello Beth.
Henry VIII's personality changed as he got older. As a young man he was regarded as the perfect Renaissance King. But once into his 40s he grew hard and cruel. In particular he became extremely fearful of plots and conspiracies and set about eliminating almost anyone who had Plantagenet blood in them who might be a threat to his throne. Ill health and the pain from his leg ulcers made him very irritable and prone to fits of rage from which no-one was safe. He hated to be contradicted leading to a fear by everyone at Court that their lives could be in danger from Henry's temper and paranoia. Once he made a decision he could be persuaded to change his mind and few dared challenge him.
He was one of England's greatest yet cruelest monarchs.
Mark