Henry VIII lived for 55 years and had many health issues, especially toward the end of his reign; But that doesn’t mean he was a healthy man prior to that. 

Henry’s own interest in remedies and prescriptions were quite magnificent as well.

The health of the King was quite often public knowledge, and as you’ll discover in this episode, even his bowel movements were written about. 

Royals, like today, were celebrities - to be associated with the King could bring one wealth and power, and we know that Henry VIII raised men who other monarchs may not have….because he was paranoid and had issues trusting people.

It is easy for us, living in the 21st century, to take for granted modern medicine.

My guest today is historian, Seamus O'Caellaigh. Seamus is the author of Pustules, Pestilence and Pain: Tudor Treatments and Ailments of Henry VIII.

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