Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the tumultuous and nuanced religious policies of Henry VIII's reign. She examines how Henry VIII utilised religion to justify his policies and actions during the English Reformation, such as his assertion of royal supremacy, his commissioning of tapestries depicting himself as Old Testament kings, and his justification for the dissolution of monasteries.

With insights from leading historians, such as Professor George W. Bernard and Dr. Lucy Wooding, Suzannah explores Henry's nuanced theological positions, his Christmas speech of 1545 lamenting religious divisions and his final Will, which sought to ensure prayers for his soul, reflecting his complex religious beliefs.

More on the death of Henry VIII >

More on the Dissolution of the Monasteries >

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, the producer and audio editor is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

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