Whether or not Henry VIII ever exclaimed 'Off with her head', history suggests that the sentiment would have appealed to his fiery nature, as this nursery rhyme from the middle of the eighteenth century suggests: "Bluff Henry the Eighth to six spouses was wedded: One died, one survived, two divorced, two beheaded." With a family history like this, it's little wonder that his younger daughter vowed that she would never marry, and died the celebrated Virgin Queen. Whether he was taking on the Pope, taking over the property and possessions of the monasteries, or taking to task the king of France, Henry VIII stamped his formidable mark on English history and has come down to us as one our most influential and colourful monarchs. Drawing on anecdotes, quotations and revealing snippets of historical fact, this book highlights the power and the passion, the intrigues and in-fighting which make his reign so fascinating.