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Young Henry VIII

When Henry VIII was a young man he was handsome, educated and eligible. He wrote music, poetry and excelled at most sports. So what games turned him from pin-up to grumpy old man?

Explore his fascinating story online and you'll discover a very different kind of king.

Henry VIII's story

Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon
Katherine of Aragon was married to Henry VIII for nearly twenty four years before the marriage ended in divorce due to his desire for a son. Find out more.
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Henry VIII and Thomas Wolsey
Who owned Hampton Court? The King or his Lord Chancellor?
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More Henry VIII's story

Young Henry VIII exhibition

Visitor information
Meet the 'pin-up' prince before he became fat, old Henry VIII.
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Fun and Games

Play our Henry VIII morph
See Henry VIII morph from a handsome 17 year old prince to the overweight tyrant he is widely recognised as being with our fun online application.
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Hampton Court Palace wallpaper
Download our free desktop wallpaper onto your screen.
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Learning & Discovery

Frequently asked questions
Would you like to know how many children Henry VIII fathered, how often he exercised, how big he was, his family history & more? You'll find the answers here.
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Building conservation
See conservation at work when you visit the Young Henry VIII exhibition.
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More Learning & Discovery

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Henry VIII 500 facts

Henry VIII 500 facts

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