Who is your favorite historical figure?

I have to say that Henry VIII is one of many of my favourite historical figures from history. Yes, he was a rather vile character in many ways, but that adds to his intrigue. Having six wives, so he could have the much needed/longed for son and heir, is more than a little bonkers. There is also the fact that he was more than happy to cause religious chaos in splitting from the Catholic Church, just because he got told ‘no’ by the pope. He had a wardrobe worth the equivalent of millions of pounds in today’s money (although I cannot remember where I read that), so he was a bit of a ‘fashionista’ too. I just find the man interesting.

One of the main reasons why I like this rather ridiculous character from British history is that it shows you can have all the power and money you could ever dream of, but life isn’t always going to go your way, or be pleasant and it wont make you a better person if you have it or gain it.

After visiting Hampton Court Palace in the past few days, I have to stay that he had taste in palaces too. Fair enough, Henry VIII didn’t build it (that was Cardinal Wolsey), Henry VIII decided it was rather good-I have to agree.

Henry VIII is also part of the Tudors, who have always held a fascination for me too. I’m not sure why really, it’s probably a mix of the drive to become the kings of England through the Wars of the Roses, and the fact that they produced two queens (Mary I and Elizabeth I), who were both rather bloody-minded in their own way.

So Henry VIII is one of my favourite historical characters. Refused to take no for an answer, fashionista, vile, desperate, and had a good taste in palaces-you couldn’t say he was boring! Despicable, but not boring.