History play · 1613

King Henry the Eighth

by William Shakespeare

Henry VIII's court sees the proud Duke of Buckingham brought down by Cardinal Wolsey's schemes, until Wolsey's own power turns to ruin when the king's eye falls on Anne Bullen. Queen Katherine defends her marriage at the Blackfriars trial and dies with dignity at Kimbolton. The play ends with the king's marriage to Anne and Cranmer's prophecy of greatness at the christening of the infant Elizabeth.


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