1. Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
    1. Visiting Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
      1. Introduction: Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill
      2. Message board
      3. Star objects
      4. Activities and events
    2. A King's guide to armour
    3. Fun and games
    4. Armour glossary: what goes where?
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Introduction: Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill

From 3 April 2009 – 17 January 2010

See some of Henry VIII's finest armour and weapons, specially created for the King himself 

Henry VIII wearing armour

An exhibition like no other

Displayed over 3 floors of the historic White Tower, this stunning new exhibition celebrates the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII becoming King of England. Some of the world's rarest arms and armour have been selected from the treasures of the Royal Armouries and international collections. These spectacular objects have never been seen together since the reign of his daughter Elizabeth I. Part propaganda, part fashion, the exhibition conveys the power, majesty, wealth and psychology of the man, the icon and the king - who always ensured he was "Dressed to Kill."
Protection for the noggin 
Come face to face with the largest collection of surviving armours known to have belonged to Henry VIII and catch a glimpse of Henry VIII: warrior, sportsman and king - all whilst you explore the magnificent backdrop of the Tower of London. 

Entrance to this spectacular new exhibition, presented in Henry VIII's own awe-inspiring fortress, is included in your standard admission ticket to the Tower.

Ticket offer
What's more, Visit Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill at the Tower of London and Henry VIII: heads and hearts at Hampton Court Palace and you’ll receive 20% discount on your combined ticket price.  Valid for visits 3 April - 31 December 2009. Click here for more information and to book>

Other events at the Tower

See the mighty fortress come alive with other events throughout 2009. From live re-enactments such as Masters of the Sword, Knight School and Attack the Tower, everyone can get involved. Click here for more information >

Take a piece of Henry home

Why not take something home for yourself or that special someone? Featuring dazzling photographs of the King’s fashionable yet functional armour and weapons, both the exhibition publication and commemorative book set the scene of the Tudor times and were designed exclusively for Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill. There are also many other specially crafted memorabilia for the exhibition. Click here for more information >

Message board

Whether you've visited the exhibition or just explored it online, we would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. For example, what part of the exhibition did you enjoy the most? Did you discover anything new about Henry VIII?. Click here to visit the Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill message board >

See some killer objects

The objects on display at Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill show three different facets of Henry's physical character. Here are three of the highlights...

Henry VIII: the sportsman

Henry VIII's tonlet armour

Tonlet armour:
This armour was constructed at Henry's workshop in Greenwich and Henry VIII wore it to compete in the foot combat at the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520. Click here to find out more >

Henry VIII: the warrior 

Armet from a presentation armour of Henry VIII, 1511-14

Horned Helmet:
This spectacular helmet was part of an armour presented to King Henry VIII by the Emperor Maximilian I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Click here to find out more >

Henry VIII: the king

Arming yourself
Armour for field and tournament of Henry VIII (dated 1540):
Made in Greenwich in 1540, this armour has one of only two known existing examples of usage of an inner breast place or ‘ventral’ plate. This inner plate was worn under the principal breastplate to provide additional support. Click here to find out more > 

For information on many of the other star objects at Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill, click here >

Find out more

Click here to find out more about Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill and discover Henry: warrior, sportsman and king.

Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill is presented by the Royal Armouries and Historic Royal Palaces with the generous support of HISTORYTM, Watson Wyatt, Computerised Training Systems and Red Jacket Ltd. 

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Watson Wyatt's logo

Henry VIII: heads and hearts at Hampton Court Palace

Henry VIII: heads and heartsCome to Hampton Court Palace and commemorate 500 years since Henry VIII's accession to the English throne. Be part of the celebrations of Henry's wedding to his sixth wife, Kateryn Parr, and find out more about Henry's wives and daughters at the fascinating, temporary exhibition 'Henry’s Women'. Opens 10 April 2009.  Click here to find out more >