Henry's first marriage to Catherine of Aragon, widow of his elder brother Arthur, produced no male heir, which Henry felt was justification for a divorce. The Pope refused. Henry proceeded to remove England from Papal authority, precipitating the English Reformation and making Henry supreme head of the Church of England.

Additionally, Henry was engaged in a series of indecisive military campaigns with continental powers France and the Holy Roman Empire. Ultimately his daughter Mary I lost England's possessions in France.

Henry initiated a host of building projects throughout England: a series of forts on coastal areas and several government facilities including Hampton Court Palace among the projects. Henry's major enhancements to the Royal Navy may account for the assumption that Henry was the father of the Royal Navy.

As a result of Henry's host of injuries from tournaments and war service, his ability to remain active was severely reduced. This contributed to his substantial obesity, ultimately contributing to his death in the Palace of Whitehall in 1547.