What are some weird facts about Henry VIII you’ll never learn in a history class? While Henry VIII is a well-known historical figure, there are some lesser-known and peculiar facts about him that might not be commonly taught in history classes. Here are a few:
Musical Talents:
Henry VIII was not just known for his political prowess but also for his musical abilities. He was a skilled musician, particularly on the lute and organ. He even composed several pieces of music.
Jousting Enthusiast:
Henry VIII was an avid jouster, and he took part in numerous tournaments. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm for the sport led to a serious accident in 1536, resulting in a leg wound that troubled him for the rest of his life and is believed to have contributed to his later health issues.
Fluent in French and Latin:
In addition to his native English, Henry VIII was fluent in French and Latin. He was well-educated and took a keen interest in literature, theology, and the arts.
Invention of the Flush Toilet:
While it’s not accurate to credit Henry VIII with the invention of the flush toilet, he did have a fascination with innovative plumbing. Sir John Harington, a godson of the king, is often credited with inventing the first flushing toilet, and he installed one at Richmond Palace. Due to its association with the court, it became colloquially known as the “John.”
Multiple Marriages:
While his six marriages are well-known, what’s less commonly emphasized is that Henry VIII only had three legitimate heirs who survived infancy: Mary I, Elizabeth I, and Edward VI. Considering the number of marriages and wives, this was a relatively low number of surviving children.
Culinary Interests:
Henry VIII had a penchant for extravagant feasts, and he was particularly fond of game meats. One dish he enjoyed was called “cockentrice,” a culinary creation that involved sewing the front half of a pig to the back half of a chicken.
Royal Tennis Enthusiast:
Henry VIII was passionate about sports, and one of his favorite pastimes was playing royal tennis, also known as real tennis. The sport was quite popular among the nobility during his reign.
These quirky details provide a glimpse into the multifaceted personality of Henry VIII, beyond his more widely known role as the monarch who had six wives and initiated the English Reformation.
