Book Review: "Henry VIII: King and Court" by Alison Weir (Pt. 4)

Sport was definitely a gentleman’s affair. Jousting and swordsmanship, archery and strength exercises took place in the summer and were all military practices but were also a display of strength for the masculine folks of the upper class who were easily bored. Of course, we are still on the faction of entertainment which involved constantly making the aristocrats who had nothing to do, feel less bored. Alison Weir definitely looks at the fact that the archery practice was at least viewed as useful in comparison to the others, which is why so many gentlemen were encouraged to pursue it to the best of their abilities.

Hunting was loved by the king, he is described as going through 8-10 horses in just one day. The royal parks and forests made for great hunting grounds and the venison that were hunted would be eaten by company. Alison Weir makes sure that she's very clear that hunting was in fact, one of those activities where Catherine of Aragon would actually accompany her husband - both of them enjoyed it in equal degree and though she didn't play the same role he did, she definitely had fun too. This can be seen earlier on in the book when we explore their relationship and things they enjoyed together.

Alison Weir doesn’t moralise this and isn’t seemingly as horrified as most people are. I think this is helpful as it not only allows us to keep immersed in the narrative, but it also helps us understand how the King is thinking about things and thus, I am trying not to moralise this either - but know that I’m disgusted.

But if you're looking to keep King Henry VIII happy then apparently you need to buy him a horse because that is what he enjoys receiving as a gift. Many other rich people bought horses for the King but apart from this, we also have the falconry of the court. Henry enjoyed keeping hawks from on the continent and thus, would have to employ experts on falconry to look after the birds and thus, another job is born. I genuinely want to know how many people are working for this man at any one time. It is both fascinating and odd because there could not be enough space for everyone.

When it comes to the royal births, Catherine of Aragon first gave birth to a stillborn girl, which is not announced. There's something about Alison Weir's writing that makes this look like a slight inconvenience to the King who then gets back to composing music, debating philosophy and religion and yet, still has time to make Catherine pregnant again. The situation regarding the Boleyn sisters is brought up here but again, it seems to make Henry VIII out to be a loyalist to Catherine whilst also gaining pleasure from other women. I think what Alison Weir is doing is making sure we know that this smart and philosophical human was also deeply flawed.

When Catherine finally gives birth to a boy there are jubilations and celebrations in the streets. Henry VIII is very happy and hosts balls and banquets, feasts and all the rest. Of course, we know that only a few weeks later, the child will die. Henry holding no ill will towards the nurses at his court seems unlike him but perhaps he is far more focused on comforting his wife. Henry definitely looks like more of a man who is not into embarrassing his wife in public, but has no problem with privately pursuing his own affairs without her. Alison Weir shows how Catherine trains herself to ignore the way in which Henry aptly pursues other women for pleasure. Many of the men around him list his lust for other women as a huge character fault of his and make note that he has possibly fathered many illegitimate children - only one of which was acknowledged.

We also get a look into the processions and ceremonies of saints days. This is before the days of Protestant England and so, Henry is aptly a Catholic for a few more years. Alison Weir shows us how rich and decorated heads of the church are and how these people live in the lap of luxury. But also it shows us the pageantry of the church. The King would on one of these days, kiss the feet of the poor, he would also try to cure people by simply touching them and of course, it was believed that the King's touch could cure basically everything.

From Henry changing his birthday to the date of his coronation all the way to the hunt and games in the forest, Alison Weir covers every single point and aspect of Henry's court life. It was decadent and over the top, but if you've been paying attention then you would think this is nothing compared to the court of the later King James I.