Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant

Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant (2009)

EndedDocumentary showHistory

To mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne, Dr. David Starkey travels across Europe to understand the inner life of this feared English king.

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Scheduleevery Monday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

Tyrant
Season 1Episode 460 min

Tyrant

The final programme in the series examines how Henry, having inherited a chronically weak English crown, forged it into an instrument of unprecedented power, and then wielded it to change forever the nature of England and the English. The courtiers who had helped Cromwell dispatch Anne Boleyn hoped that the schism with Rome would now be reversed. They were soon disappointed. The destruction of the monasteries proceeded apace, with the loot flowing into Henry's coffers. But such unprecedented actions caused isolation abroad and rebellion at home. Henry's response showed him at his most duplicitous and ruthless. He lured the rebels' leader to London with the promise of talks and then had him hung, drawn and quartered. Meanwhile, Henry's private life was hardly less turbulent. The death of Jane Seymour robbed him of someone he was genuinely fond of, and who had given him the male heir he craved. His marriage to Katherine Howard briefly rekindled the flames of desire, but her adultery (real, this time) made her another victim of court intrigue. David Starkey's archival research has revealed the full story behind her tragic fate. But as Henry grew older, more ill and more dangerous to all around him, he was busy forging a fiercely independent England, where coastal fortifications and an expanding Tudor navy gave tangible expression to a new sense of national destiny.
Apr 27, 2009

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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' premiere?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' premiered on April 6, 2009.

Who is the host of 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

The host of 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' is David Starkey.

How many episodes are there in 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' consists of four episodes.

What is the focus of 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' explores the psychological aspects of Henry VIII's reign and his impact on the history of England.

Who produced 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' was produced by David Starkey and David Sington.

What is the format of 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' is a documentary series that combines historical reenactments, expert analysis, and dramatic storytelling.

What historical period does 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' cover?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' covers the reign of Henry VIII, from his ascension to the throne in 1509 to his death in 1547.

Who are the experts featured in 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' features renowned historians and scholars specializing in Tudor history, such as Robert Hutchinson and Diarmaid MacCulloch.

What primary sources are used in 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' utilizes a wide range of primary sources, including letters, diaries, and official documents from the time of Henry VIII's reign.

How does 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' portray Henry VIII?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' presents a complex and multi-dimensional portrayal of Henry VIII, exploring both his tyrannical tendencies and his achievements as a ruler.

What sets 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' apart from other documentaries about Henry VIII?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' stands out for its focus on the psychological aspects of Henry VIII's reign, offering fresh insights into his motivations and actions.

How was 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' received by critics?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' received positive reviews from critics, who praised its informative and engaging approach to Henry VIII's reign.

What is the running time of each episode of 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

Each episode of 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' has a running time of approximately 60 minutes.

What filming locations were used for 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant'?

'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' was filmed at various historical locations in England, including Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London.

Did 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' win any awards?

Yes, 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' won the Royal Television Society Award for Best History Program in 2009.

Is 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' available for streaming or purchase?

Yes, 'Henry VIII: The Mind of a Tyrant' is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms, including DVD and digital services.

Cast

David Starkey

David Starkey

plays himself
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Characters

David Starkey

David Starkey

View all characters

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