Henry Virtuous Prince by David Starkey

Book Review – Book on the Childhood of Henry VIII

Oct 13, 2008

David Starkey's new book, published to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.

Many people think that they know plenty about the rule of King Henry VIII of England; the monarch who is most famous for his six wives. But the later years of Henry’s rule overshadow his fascinating childhood and early rule. David Starkey’s new book attempts to redress the balance and show how a second son who wasn’t expected to take the throne came to be one of the most famous kings of all time.

The Childhood of King Henry VIII of England

The future King Henry VIII of England did not seem at first to have been destined for greatness. He was the second son of King Henry VII, a man whose own claim to the throne was not rock-solid and who had won his crown in battle, rather than inherited it.

It was Henry’s brother Arthur who received all the attention due a future king, Henry himself was destined for a career in the church. Nevertheless, he had a wealthy and pampered upbringing. But, as Starkey argues, the fact that Henry was brought up with his mother and sisters, rather than in splendid isolation like his older brother, shaped the character of this future king and his attitude towards women and marriage in later life.

Even as a second son, Henry’s every need was catered for. The author describes the young prince’s childhood in fascinating detail. The infant prince had his own staff, including women employed solely to rock his cradle, as well as nurses and tutors; all employed to bring him up as befitted the son of a king.

Henry VIII’s Accession to the Throne of England

The death of Henry’s brother Arthur, the heir to the throne ,was a shock to England and suddenly pitched Henry into the spotlight. As Starkey demonstrates, the role of future king was one which Henry was more than ready to take. Starkey powerfully describes the young Henry growing in splendour - jousting, riding and masquing - whilst his father, King Henry VII grew ill and began to withdraw from court life. Gradually, the court turned towards their heir apparent and Henry VII became a fading character.

The author tries to imagine how Henry VIII must have felt upon the death of his father; sadness at his passing but rising excitement at the thought that he could now joust, ride and masque as he wished and that many women in the land would want to be his wife. Starkey shows a young Henry, eager to enjoy his favourite pastimes and happy to leave the administration of government to others; people who would eventually become more and more powerful.

The Early Career of Thomas Wolsey

Thomas Wolsey was one of several men who rose from humble origins during the reign of Henry VIII to become of the most powerful people in England. Wosley is shown persuading the young king that the land had been mismanaged during his father’s reign, but that a few good men could solve the country’s problems. Wolsey made himself indispensable to the king by dealing personally with matters of state which the king found tedious or distasteful. Henry hated to deliver disappointing news to anyone, but Wolsey would do the job.

The book ends as Wolsey’s power begins to grow and this, argues Starkey, is the point at which Henry began to turn bad. Wolsey had shown Henry what he could do as king and the pair were only just beginning to discover how powerful they were together. The Henry VIII of history was about to emerge.

Summary

Starkey’s latest book is a fascinating and compelling look at a little-known period of the life of Henry VIII. The book is all the most interesting because it deals with a lesser-known side of this king. Anyone who has an interest in Tudor history, or any form of kingship, will find this an intriguing and fulfilling read.

The author describes the wealth and luxury of the Tudor court, but sets this against the paranoia of Henry VII – a man who never felt he had a secure grip on the crown he had won from Richard III and always had something to prove. This unease would carry down to his son, with dramatic results.

Publication Details

The copyright of the article Henry Virtuous Prince by David Starkey in Late Middle Ages is owned by Rachel Bellerby. Permission to republish Henry Virtuous Prince by David Starkey in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.