Secrets of The National Archives: the will of Henry VIII

On 28 January 1547, the sickly and obese King Henry VIII died at Whitehall. Just hours before his passing, his last will and testament had been read, stamped and sealed. The will confirmed the royal line of succession as Edward, Mary and Elizabeth; and, following them, the Grey and Suffolk families. It also listed bequests to the king's most trusted councillors and servants and outlined the details of his planned burial and tomb in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Henry's will is one of the most intriguing – and contested – documents in British history. Historians have disagreed over its intended meaning, its authenticity and validity, and the circumstances of its creation. In this talk, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb will explore the background to the drafting of the will and the last days of the dying king, as well as offering her own illuminating interpretation of a key constitutional document of the Tudor period.

Secrets of The National Archives showcases some of the most notable documents and stories from the collection. From iconic documents such as Domesday, to hidden gems, discover The National Archives’ unique and rich collection and explore history as it happened. Discover the rest of the series here.

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is an award-winning historian, author, and broadcaster. She's Professor Emerita at the University of Roehampton, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and a columnist for History Today. She is the author of several book and she regularly presents history documentary series on the BBC, ITV, Channel Five as well as hosting the Not Just the Tudors podcast from History Hit.

Image credit: The National Archives, E 23/4 pt1, Will of Henry VIII, 1546.

Author photo: Nicholas Dawkes.

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