When you picture Henry VIII, do you see Holbein’s towering figure in furs and jewels—broad, bearded, and imposing?

That image is iconic... but it’s not the full story.

In this video, I’m going back to the start of Henry’s reign to ask:

What did Henry VIII really look like when he took the throne in 1509?

Before the tyranny, before the weight gain, before the codpieces and propaganda, Henry was something else entirely.

Discover how contemporary eyewitnesses described him

What portraits and armour tell us about his build and features

And why our mental image of Henry is shaped more by politics than portraits

Who would you cast as young Henry in a film or series? Let me know in the comments!

Watch next: Tracking Henry VIII’s Weight Gain… Through His Armour - https://youtu.be/sesuSTxpXMs?si=rZ1_jWVl1l-jQ8FZ

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