Henry VIII

Henry was an extravagant spender, using proceeds from the dissolution of the monasteries and acts of the Reformation Parliament. He converted money that was formerly paid to Rome into royal revenue. Despite the money from these sources, he was often on the verge of financial ruin due to personal extravagance and costly and largely unproductive wars, particularly with King Francis I of France, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, King James V of Scotland, and the Scottish regency.

Henry VIII introduced radical changes to England's Constitution, expanding royal power and supporting the divine right of kings. He used charges of treason and heresy to suppress dissent and relied on chief ministers for political aims. His extravagant spending led to financial troubles despite revenue from the dissolution of monasteries and Reformation Parliament acts. Henry annexed Wales to England, ruled as King of Ireland, and expanded the Royal Navy. He was seen as charismatic but later in life, was portrayed as lustful, egotistical, paranoid, and tyrannical. He was succeeded by his son Edward VI.