by Katelyn Muir

Created on: April 15, 2008   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

Marriage is not supposed to be taken lightly, but often is and is used for a selfish agenda.

Henry VIII of England did not think much about his wives, but was more concentrated on having sons to succeed him. When his wife did not provide, or made him angry, he simply got a new one to take her place.

Henry's first wife was Catherine of Aragon. She was his elder brother Arthur's widow and was at least five years older than him. Catherine had to wait around for Henry to be at a decent age to marry, after the death of Arthur. Their father, Henry VII, planned for her to marry Henry so that he would not have to return her dowry.

Catherine was a princess of Spain and her family tree is full of impressive titles. The two were married June 11, 1509 at Greyfriars Church in Greenwich. During their marriage she reigned as regent while he campaigned in France. Catherine did give birth to at least two sons and a daughter, the only child that survived infancy was Mary.

Catherine tried to hold onto her title as queen and marriage with no success. Henry had fallen in love with Anne Boleyn and was already planning on marrying her. He really desired a male heir, and if that meant getting rid of Catherine for a younger woman, so be it. Henry had to make a new church because he was not allowed to divorce her. He had the marriage declared null and void so he could marry Anne. For the rest of her life, Catherine referred to herself as Henry's only lawfully-wedded wife and England's rightful Queen. She was moved into the old Kimbolton castle and was not allowed to communicate with her daughter, Mary. There were sympathetic those who helped the two by exchanging their letters secretly. The only way Henry would let them communicate was if they both would acknowledge Anne as Queen, and neither would do so. Henry allowed Catherine the title Dowager Princess of Wales', acknowledging that she was his brother's widow.

She spent much time feuding with Anne. She also spent much time doing her best to defend her rights and Mary's.

Catherine died in Kimbolton castle, where she had secluded herself to one room. She died on January 7, 1536. During the embalming it was discovered her heart was blackened, rumors began that either Henry or Anne had poisoned her. Modern science points to cancer. She was buried at Peterborough Cathedral, Henry did not allow Mary to attend the funeral.

Anne Boleyn was King Henry's vivacious second wife. Anne was born around 1503 to an English diplomat and daughter of

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