Henry VIII: Mind of a Tyrant Part Three with David Starkey 

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Dear David, when I was in teacher training some years ago, I told my piss-poor lecturer (a sociologist I believe) that I was a great fan of Starkey. He was horrified, and marked me down on every assignment after that - to the point where he outright failed one of my essays. I was so p*ssed off that I took my case to the Senate of the University, and won my case. And he was told off. I remain a great fan of plain speaking and academic discipline Dr Starkey, and continue to be an admirer.

The story of Anne Boleyn is a cautionary tale in the extreme: Do not mess with married men. Do not delight in nor encourage a husband to mistreat his first wife, because the same or worse WILL happen to you. If you think your love with a married man to be so special as to be above consequences, you are a fool.

One small line from Anne Boleyn's book of hours astonishes me. "The time will come, I, Anne Boleyn." Nothing more, nothing less, seeming to indicate that Anne may have forseen that, for better or worse, she was destined to be remembered for something great.

Mesmerizing. As a university graduate with a History degree followed by extensive reading of Tudor literature, I thought that I knew the key events about Henry VIII. Professor Starkey presents his material in a captivating manner delving into his research as he takes his viewer on a first hand journey into Henry’s world. Great work, sir.

Dr Starkey is so brilliant in his performance and storytelling! He ends every scene with a climax that demands attention.

I love the guy playing Chapuys, looking so amused at what's going on around him. I can imagine him making an excellent Littlefinger.

If I had to use one word to describe Dr Starkey's talks on British & European history, it would have to be 'CAPTIVATING'! My attention is held for hours!

I love this interpretation of this part of Henry's reign. It just makes it tragic and more morally grey and ambiguous rather than just the cliche love affair story.

The Professor brings history to life. Brilliant.

Can't help but wonder how different history might have been had Henry VIII known that the chromosome determining the sex of a child comes from the father, not the mother.

There is just none better than Mr. Starkey for this era. Great show!

I really like this series, and there are a lot of people in it I sort of recognise. 'Ooh look, it's doo-dah. You know, from thingy'.

Can't wait for part 4. The transformation of Henry from virtuous prince to tyrant is fascinating.

He viewed the act of hacking people to pieces or starving them to death as a fun adventure. Psychologically and ethically, it's not that big a leap from a psycho on the battlefield to one in matrimonial intrigues. He always possessed a temperament for killing to get what he wanted, if the circumstances required it.

Starkey ROCKS 💖 from the USA

I have always thought that everything connected to Henry and Anne Boleyn was THE masterclass in hypocrisy in matters of religion. How one man’s lust laid bare the moral decay within supposedly deeply religious individuals. How “deeply held convictions” ment absolutely nothing to most of those concerned. How ultimately their whole world view was based on a facade of pretence.

David Starkey -- Sartorial genius. A three-button suit buttoned at the second button. Well done man!

The legendary Starkey!

I love Dr Starkeys voice as well as his storytelling and the history he brings to life. I sometimes fall asleep to his Monarchy series and the Monarchy audiobook on Audible narrated by him is fantastic for snoozing too also! On a cold wintry night to unwind I often turn to Dr Starkeys work. Wonderful! His Edward & Mary I and Elizabeth I series are also superb documentaries. Hours and hours of content!

I could listen to David Starkey for hours. He brings history to life. Thank you, David.

How did the Vatican get their hot little hands on the love letters between Henry and Anne?

Holy crap, is that David Oakes playing Cavendish there? He was Juan Borgia and George Duke of Clarence. A great actor in many historical dramas!

David has a great voice for these types of programs. It feels like he's reading from a fairytale storybook, and his soft, gentle tone allows the viewers to get lost in the life journeys of the figures he discusses. That being said, it's also extremely easy to see whose side he's on, in the situation with Anne Boleyn. Obviously, none of us can read his mind. His choice of words, however, seems to indicate that he views Henry as an innocent, p***y-whipped victim, and that he believes that the king would've remained the kinder, more compassionate and generous man he'd been in his youth, if he'd never met the scheming, vindictive man-eater. (11/6/2022)

This series is so exceptional that words cannot describe it! A triumph!

Starkey the best better than the rest!!! A real scholar.

Roger Ashton-Griffiths, who plays Cardinal Wolsey in this video, also played Lord Mace Tyrell in the Game of Thrones TV series.

The musical score is as gripping as the narrative. 👍🏻

Dr. David starkey, thank you beyond words I adore everything you do. You are the master teacher. Thank you sir.🙂

Blaming Anne Boleyn for Henry's behavior is a bit much. Claiming concern for her virtue as an excuse to refuse him was one thing. Refusing an offer of honorable marriage would have been an obvious insult and probably a death sentence for her and her whole family. He was already married, so she had good reason to never dream he could/would offer marriage to her. If Elizabeth had been a boy, Anne would have lived.

@40:38 says it all. The absolute brilliance of Dr. Starkey never ceases to amaze me. My favorite historian, he's a mentor, teacher, fellow lover of history and most importantly, exceptionally unapologetic for speaking his mind and the truth, no matter the consequences. If I could meet one person in my life, hands DOWN it would be him. I so wish to know if he understands how much of an impact he's had on people. The least I can (and in fact, do) is support him on Pateron.

I absolutely love some of the actor choices when they read these actual documents the real people they’re portraying once wrote. As always, another great documentary series by Dr Starkey. 👍🏼

David Starkey is the absolute best! I’m American & have always been a huge fan

David Starkey is like Dan Carlin but more professionally qualified. Amazing, he really brings everything to life.

This was fascinating. Seeing the source documents was superb. Fine work.

Mr. Starkey, you have hit it out of the park..your actors are fantastic.

Starkey dropping some fire with the script, well done for getting it past the editors.

Mr. Starkey, Firstly, I just wanted to thank you for putting this TOP QUALITY, stellar series on this channel for us to view for FREE! ✨🤍 I am an Angliphile, through and through. I simply cannot get enough to listen to, watch or read about the English Throne and all those who've surrounded it since The Conquerer took the throne after Hastings in 1066. Like yours, my favorite dynasty has always been The Tudors. I love each King and Queen who've sat on the English Throne, though. But Henry and his captivating stories and his wives and the loss of two of their heads, yes,I'm quite obsessed. I am an American, hailing from the Southern United States, and my being essentially a peasant, lol, probably guarantees that I will never get to travel to the likes of Hampton Palace or any of the beautiful Tudor castles in Britain, but thanks to your amazing series and talks and lectures, I can use my imagination and travel there in my dreams. Thank you so much, sir! You're a delight! ❤️

"A Man for All Seasons" Sir Thomas More. Henry VIII having him killed was as bad as Henry II's guilt for the death of Thomas Becket.

Henry took his brother's widow as his wife. Arthur was dead - they were married "until death do you part". Arthur kept his promise - Catherine was free to marry.

The actor playing Wolsey was also in the Tudors I believe. I think he played an advisor to Henry who met with the Duke of Cleves.

Thank you for this, the 3rd installment of a most wonderful series! Yay! DS voice is extraordinary and keeps me on the edge of my seat...

I never got the Leviticus argument. Henry didn’t marry his brother’s wife, he married his brother’s widow. It’s two completely different things, each accounted for specifically in the Bible.

I love the re-tellings acted out - I feel like I’m getting all of the piping hot tea 🤣🤣🤣 Really gives it new life!

This was an exceptional telling of the story that so many of us had heard so many times before we feel like we know everything about it. And yet he presented it it was such a unique perspectives details and insights that I loved it. What a man! Lol

There was never Legate or Cardinal who did good in England. How True.

A fantastic series on the King Henry 8th I've always been curious to know more about him 👍 I'm looking forward for more..

I'm fairly sure that the verse from the Book of Leviticus refers to a man who might take his brother's wife while the brother is alive. G Ire

Mr Starkey, you are so easy to watch/listen to. SUCH an elegant man. So thorough. Fabulous presentation!

I love the actor playing Chapuys.

Even his cod-piece was robust! 😆

Great programmes. The whole production is masterful. Essential viewing

The most thrilling historical series ever!

I truly appreciate your interpretation of events in the court of Henry VIII. I take one exception , however, which I ask you to consider. Did women in Tudor England really exert so much power over the actions of kings as to manipulate Henry into doing something he was not hell bent and determined to do anyway? Anne Boleyn was no power broker. She was a tool. She was manipulated by her power seeking extended family into this amorous relationship with the king. It was they, not her who benefited. Could she have declined his affections? Really? Imagine her panic when she could not produce the sought after son. Women do not determine the gender of offspring as we all know. My heart goes out to Anne Boleyn. Henry was a monster!!

I so admire David Starkey.

David Oakes also played the older brother of Ernst-who was married to Queen Victoria. He also played “The Borgia”pope’s younger son.

Wonderful series…huge fan of David. I purchased his Monarchy series and have watched it at least 3x’s.

Henrys Armour can be viewed at the Royal Armouries in Leeds where I live. Quite surreal standing in front of it. Much smaller than I expected. However it was made before he became bloated after the jousting accident.

Wow! Superbly done. And George Cavendish is played by David Oakes! He's one of my favorite actors!!

These stories are fascinating, but I often think it seems their full preoccupation was constantly maintaining power, rather than trying to make the lives of the people they ruled better. The moral of these stories to me is always democracy, as messy as it is, is the only form of government that works for the people, not just the rulers.

Thanks once again for your excellent understanding of this incredible era in history. Moving into the Elizabethan Era, Can you tell us about Dr.John Dee, Mr David Starkey ?

Looking for consistent historical accuracy in any Hollywood/Disney production is a vain exercise typically. 😂

Beautiful scenery! I wanted to jump in my tablet to visit ( out of sight of course) Thanks from a Tudor obsessed Yank! 👍🏼

Henry chose a verse from the Old Testament that suited him. But there’s another verse mentioned in the New Testament that contradicts it. Christianity superseded many of the Torah injunctions.

Surely "taking your Brother's wife' would not apply if that brother had died, and you married his Widow?

This series is excellent! I’m learning so much more than I thought I knew. Fascinating! Thank you David!

Thank you!!

Enjoy Prof David Starkey .He is a brilliant man & one of very best historians.DIANA

Dear Mr. Starkey. I wonder why it is that in no book that I ever read about Henry's divorce I have never saw mentioned that in the book of Deuteronomy 25 5-6 a man is obligated to marry is brother's widow if is brother dies childless; so there was not any reason to annull the marriage since it fulfills the above mentioned law.

It’s fascinating to hear the details I never knew

I believe if she had shown compassion to Catherine and her daughter and bit her tongue, and not made so many enemies then she may have survived the lack of a son and quietly produced one in the near future

Brilliant series.

Amazing series thanks for sharing!!

Another part? Brilliant, thoroughly enjoying the series.

as good as david is at presenting, we should atleast give a nod to the a actors playing the roles, impressive.

RU-vid: Would you watch a three hour documentary about Henry the VIII? Me: No way! YT: What if we split it up into four 45 minute videos narrated by one of the foremost experts in Tudor history? Me: Absolutely. Where’s part 5?

I wish scholars would stop saying Henry’s fall off his horse explained why he sent Anne to her death etc. Nope! He was a narcissist who only cared about getting a male heir and that behaviour was on full display as he, you know, started the Church of England and thumbed his nose at the POPE. As time went on, he became increasingly panicked and frustrated and couldn’t divorce Anne too.. he had no options..other than to throw some bogus accusations against her and get rid of her that way so he could start fresh yet again with someone else. I mean, he didn’t give Anne a chance to talk to him and defend herself against the accusations.. and married Jane 11 days later!! It was the clock ticking down.. and his obsession with an heir.. that caused him to be a tyrant.. not a fall. I think a lot of us some have dated men like him.. sooo “in love” until they’re not, and then you’re dead to them and they’re onto the next bright shiny woman.

I wonder if Henry saw Jane Seymour at that time too. Wolsey probably wished he sent Anne away. I think it was when Henry wanted Norris to marry the discarded Mary Shelton that they argued and brought about the downfall of the Boleyns.

Poor Henry. He just wanted to get that Percy... out of the way.

LOVE THIS!!! THANKS

Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely

Wonderful series. I only wish each setting/building that David Starkey is in would be made known in the video whether with subtitling or some other means. Superb narration and history telling by David Starkey.

Brilliant

Henry never raised a man so high as to soon make him a head shorter.

One of our greatest living historians, bringing to life history like no other. I only wish it was Sir David Starkey how wonderful that would be, truly fitting. Enjoying these videos so very much.

The best henry viii series

Love your stuff Davidxxxxxxx

1:30 hey, there's a finger missing :o (sorry, couldn't resist)

We don't know if Anne was in love with Henry or even loved him at all. Times were different then. As a woman, she had no choice but to do what her father, uncle etc told her to do. They were nothing more than a piece of property. If you read about NPD you'll see that they are searching for the perfect love they also like the chase once caught you don't mean anything to them. They discard you. As for Katherine Henry was the one who bullied and abused her. That is what they do. The one before you is the evil one. Then you become the one before the next.

Great series 👍

If only Catherine had had a son, we’d have ended up a catholic Spanish-speaking outpost of the Spanish empire, and good at football.

Thank you sir.

Did Ann's speech help Elizabeth , the only reason I think she made it ....

I always felt he received a brain injury from that jousting accident, which could have had quite disastrous effects on his personality.

Bravo, superb. Just history from original sources

How was Henry VIII able to get away with all of this? I know this was before the Constitutional Monarchy but kings even then didn't have absolute power, they still had councils, still had Parliament. TO execute anyone who didn't agree with him has to be at least against Magna Carta. Weren't they entitled to a jury of their peers, or did Henry simply "own" the jury?

Anne deserved so much better

In fact the sword used to behead Ann Boleyn was hidden from her throughout

Isnt he the one who said NO I AM NOT BOWING DOWN TO YOUR POPE?

There's no such thing as an "indissoluble" marriage. All marriages are dissoluble, including the royal ones. Imagine if Catherine had asked for divorce and Henry had denied it to her, the history would have made a great villain of him, would it? But since she's a woman, she's not liable to any charges. Imagine this whole story from a woman's point of view. Catherine is a ruling queen of England and she wants a child, a legitimate heir to her throne. Unfortunately her husband, Henry, who is a Spanish prince, can't provide her with a son. He's sterile. Now she wants a divorce from him so he can marry again and she has someone in sight. A courtier called Anthony who has already sired several sons. She wants to marry him and produce an heir to the English throne. But the problem is Henry's big manly ego. He's a member of a grander royal family and won't be humiliated by his wife on such a trivial matter as wanting to continue one's dynasty. He's pulling all his strings to pressure Catherine so that she can't divorce him. Today's historians would have made a martyr of Catherine, how she was tormented by her sterile husband for the crime of wanting a child.