The second half of Henry's reign was dominant Ed by the split from the Catholic Church and the creation of the Church of England. This all stems from his impending divorces and the need to produce a male heir to the throne.

Catherine of Aragon was Henry's first wife and his brothers widow. She and Henry had a daughter together, but Henry's obsession with continuing the male lineage led him to seek divorce from her. When the Pope refused, Henry passes the Act of Supremacy which creates the Church of England.

Henry's second wife, Anne Boleyn also failed to produce a male heir. Though the two did see the birth of another daughter. Incensed, Henry had Anne brought up on charges of treason and in 1536 she was executed.

Henry's third wife, Jane Seymour brought him the gift he so desired, a male heir. On October 12, 1537 Edward was born. Jane died in childbed twelve days later.

For five short months in 1540, Henry married Anne of Cleves. Rumors about his attraction to her quickly spread, and the truth is that the marriage went unconsummated. Henry's attempt to divorce Anne ended the career and life of trusted minister Thomas Cromwell, the man who granted Henry's divorce from Catherine.

The fifth wife of Henry VIII, Catherine Howard was Anne Boleyn's first cousin. Henry dubbed her a "rose without a thorn" but their age difference proved to be fatal. Catherine was arrested and executed on charges of adultery on 13 February 1542.

In an odd ending to an odd story, Catherine Parr was named after Catherine of Aragon. By this time, Henry's health was failing and he died in January 1547. Catherine was believed to have a role in the young regency of Edward VI, but instead married Jane Seymour 's brother, Thomas. She died in September 1548.