Bright Torch Communication

Henry VIII voted worst and daughter Elizabeth I voted best monarch in history!

Is that why Elizabeth I's reign is called the Golden Age?

Find out at the Smithsonian on December 5!

More info here: http://bit.ly/1Kodyzi

Henry VIII voted worst monarch in history ‘Self-indulgent wife murderer and tyrant’ tops poll of historical writers, ahead of Edward VIII and Charles I

Play ! Which Tudor monarch lived the longest??

Time for a Horrible Histories fix!!!

Rowan Atkinson is a singing King Henry VIII in new Horrible Histories episode The Mr Bean and Blackadder star channels the infamous British monarch and rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley in a new clip from the funny children's show

Tudor Elizabeth I as a young woman. This is a detail of the family portrait Henry VIII had commissioned. Historical note: although Henry was married to Katherine Parr at the time, it is Jane Seymour who appears as queen. (Personal note: I took this shot myself in the hours I spent staring at this portrait while visiting Hampton Court!!)

Henry VIII really did become larger than life. He started his reign at a svelte young monarch, boasting greater than average height, a 32-inch waist and a 39-inch chest. By the end of his reign, he had a 52-inch waist, making him almost as round as he was tall!

Learn more about our favorite massive monarch June 20 at the Smithsonian! http://bit.ly/1EoNpxn