Renaissance  Rulers  

Henry VII (1485-1509). This bust was based on a plaster cast taken from the dead King's face. The cast was also used for his funeral effigy.

Henry VIII (1509-1547). Henry VIII divorces Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn; Elizabeth I born; Henry declares himself head of the Church of England.  

 Catherine  

 Anne  

   

     

   

 

   Thomas More opposed the King’s separation from the Roman Catholic Church and refused to accept him as Supreme Head of the Church of England. He was imprisoned in 1534 for his refusal to take the oath required by the First Succession Act, because the act disparaged Papal Authority and Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. In 1535, he was tried for treason, convicted on perjured testimony, and beheaded at the Tower of London.  

   Edward VI (1547-1553).  

       Lady Jane Grey, Great-Niece of Henry VIII. Because she was Protestant, her crowning was to keep Catholic influence at bay. She only ruled for nine days. Edward’s half sister Mary had the popular support and replaced Jane. Lady Jane was executed at Tower Green on February 12, 1554. She was only 16.  

   

 Mary (1553-1558), daughter of Catherine of Aragon. Elizabeth’s half-sister.  

 Elizabeth I (1558-1603).