Summary – Henry’s thoughts turn to his own mortality with the news that his long-time friend and sometimes foe King Francis, and his unshakable soldier Charles Brandon, are each dying. As he faces death, Henry encounters the ghosts of his former wives who each get a chance to confront him. Hans Holbein paints a last, iconic portrait of the Tudor King.

Summary: King Henry VIII is aging rapidly: the recent siege of Boulogne has taken its toll, his ulcerous leg is constantly in pain and he now requires glasses to read. Political events continue to be tumultuous and exhausting. The profligate Earl of Surrey, a noble not known for his sense of judgment, loses 600 men in an unprovoked battle in France, endangering Henry’s recent success in Boulogne. News arrives that the King of France is preparing for war and worse, the Emperor Charles – England’s recent ally – has seized English ships and properties. The rising influence of Bishop Gardiner is signaled by the appointment of a Catholic, Wriothesley, to the important position of Lord Chancellor. Nonetheless the Lutherans continue with their radical reforms; the latest of which is women preachers. One such preacher, Anne Askew is imprisoned and tortured by Wriothesley and then burnt at the stake for her perceived heresies. Sensing their rise in authority, Gardiner and his allies are determined to trap Queen Catherine. Brazenly, the Bishop suggests to the King that he has proof of her heresy. Henry confuses the Bishop with the reply that even if this were true – and he likely knows it is – he would spare her life. The Earl of Surrey is not so fortunate. Defiant on his return to court, Henry’s Privy Council is unconvinced by his explanations about how so many men were lost under his command in France. His rank is withdrawn and the King refuses to see him. Surrey’s wild antics and attitude have won him no friends among Henry’s closest advisors and he is arrested on charges of treason. After a quick and one-sided trial he is sentenced to death. 

The Tudors Season 4 Episode 8

Summary: The year is 1544. Under the supervision of the Henry VIII, the Earl of Surrey and his men attempt to tunnel their way into the French castle at Boulogne. Clearly pleased to be once again in the field of battle, the King dines and entertains in style at his tent some distance from the action. But progress is slow and conditions are appalling for his soldiers. Over two thousand men die of disease and starvation and another three thousand fall ill as ‘the flux’ sweeps the King’s camp. When hope of success seems all but lost, Treviso, the King’s engineer, creates a spectacular explosion in the tunnel that finally breaches the castle. The French surrender to a gloating Henry who returns to England in triumph and commands festivities and celebrations throughout the land. Charles Brandon, who has been separated from his wife for sometime finds happiness with a young Frenchwoman Brigitte, who returns with him from France. While Henry too has been rejuvenated by the siege of Boulogne, given a taste once more of the vigor and vitality of his youth, he may have pushed his already weakened body too far. 

Henry marries Catherine Parr, his sixth and final wife. The wedding is notable for the presence of Henry’s daughters, Princesses Mary and Elizabeth. Catherine is determined to be a loving stepmother to the King’s children who are fond of her in return. Plans are made for the invasion of France and Charles Brandon is named commander of the English armies. The emissaries of the Emperor Charles – with whom Henry has formed an alliance – are entertained in great style at the English court where to their surprise and delight, Princess Mary addresses them in Spanish. As the Catholic influence increases, Bishop Gardiner begins to investigate the new Queen’s religious beliefs. She is rumored to be a secret Protestant and he intends to expose her. But any such suspicions are excused by the courage and commitment she shows in nursing the King when he is once again struck down by his ulcerous leg. There has never been so attentive a Queen to Henry at his most vulnerable. The war effort is elaborate and costly. Three hundred ships have been requisitioned to bring guns, wagons, horses and the army to France. The King may not be in peak condition but he is determined to lead his armies into battle – to recapture lands he once held as well as a glimmer of his youth. In his absence, he appoints Catherine regent and protector of the realm and guardian of his children. The new Queen rises to the opportunity with ease and is well liked and respected by all.

Summary: In a surprise decision, the King orders a new Act of Parliament which restores the succession rights of his two daughters, the Princesses Elizabeth and Mary. Although they are next in line after their youngest brother Edward, it is a powerful gesture of his love which will have historical consequences. The King dispatches Hertford and his arch enemy the Earl of Surrey north to warn the King of Scotland that any further acts of aggression will be responded to with the might of England’s armies. But Surrey is no man for issuing warnings and the body count is high at the Battle of Solway Moss. Meanwhile both the ambassador of France and the ambassador of the Holy Roman Empire seek the support of Henry in attacking each other. To the surprise of his court Henry sides with the Catholic Emperor; for the first time since he was married to his aunt Catherine of Aragon. The Catholic alliance signals a weakening of the Reformation’s influence in English politics. Realizing that the tide is turning, Bishop Stephen Gardiner goes on the hunt for suspected Calvinists. Single once again, Henry takes an interest in the twice married Catherine Parr, a woman closer in age than his usual fancies. She has in mind to marry Thomas Seymour but within hours of her husband’s death, Seymour is hastily transferred to Brussels as permanent Ambassador and the King proposes marriage.