The Six Queens of Henry VIII

We all know Henry VIII had six wives, but these women were far more than just queens by his side—they were fascinating people in their own right! Take Catherine of Aragon, for example. She wasn’t just Henry’s first wife; she was a true warrior. When England was under threat and Henry was away, Catherine donned a suit of armour—even though she was heavily pregnant—and rallied the troops to defend her country. Then there’s Anne of Cleves, who had a rather awkward first meeting with Henry. He decided to surprise her by dressing up in disguise, but Anne didn’t recognise him at all! Imagine meeting your future husband and not even realising who he is!

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Catherine Parr, Henry’s sixth and final wife, was a clever and caring stepmother. She convinced Henry to welcome his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, back into the royal family. Thanks to her, both girls were able to become queens themselves, and they went on to become two of the most famous monarchs in British history. Catherine Parr wasn’t just a survivor—she was a peacemaker and a trailblazer for women in power.

So, get ready to lose your head as we dive into the dazzling and dramatic world of Henry VIII’s six wives! Their lives were packed with rumours, secrets, and plenty of drama—from scandalous plots and political power-plays to fabulous Tudor fashion. These six incredible women weren’t just part of history—they helped shape it. Their stories are filled with ambition, bravery, and strength, proving that the queens behind the king were truly unforgettable.

Author: Honor Cargill-Martin

Honor Cargill-Martin is a London-based author, classicist, and art historian with a passion for bringing history’s most extraordinary characters—especially women—back to life for young readers. After winning a scholarship to Oxford, she graduated with a first-class degree in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, followed by master’s degrees in Greek and Roman History from Oxford and in Italian Renaissance Art History from the Courtauld Institute, both with Distinction. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate at Christ Church, Oxford, focusing on political scandals in Ancient Rome. Cargill-Martin has published fiction and non-fiction for children and teenagers since she was sixteen, including the acclaimed biography Messalina: A Story of Empire, Slander and Adultery, and is celebrated for her engaging, feminist approach to historical storytelling that highlights the courage, intelligence, and resilience of women from the past.

Book Details:

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Format: Paperback
Print length: 48 pages
Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.39 x 11.57 inches
Reading age: 8+ years old
Publication date: October 10, 2024
ISBN: 978-1444976571

Read alongside these topics:

The Tudors

How does this book help KS2 students learn about the Tudors?

Honor Cargill-Martin’s The Six Queens of Henry VIII helps KS2 students learn about the Tudors by focusing on the real lives, personalities, and achievements of Henry VIII’s wives, rather than just their roles as queens. By presenting each queen as an individual with her own story, ambitions, and challenges, the book encourages students to see history as a series of personal stories and not just a list of dates or events. This approach supports the KS2 curriculum by helping pupils make connections, identify significant events, and analyse changes within Tudor society. Through engaging storytelling, vivid details, and a focus on the queens’ experiences, students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and understand the broader context of Tudor England, including its politics, culture, and daily life. This makes learning about the Tudors accessible, memorable, and relevant for young readers.

Resources about the Tudors are made engaging for KS2 students by focusing on the real people behind the famous stories and bringing their personalities and experiences to life. For example, books like The Six Queens of Henry VIII and Six Queens: An Illustrated Guide move beyond the well-known rhyme about Henry VIII’s wives to show each queen as an individual, exploring their achievements, struggles, and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated world. These resources use vivid storytelling, illustrations, and even comic strips to help students connect with the queens as real people, not just historical figures, making it easier for young readers to remember and relate to their stories.

Interactive classroom activities and lesson plans further boost engagement by encouraging students to think like historians. Many resources include editable PowerPoints, printable worksheets, and enquiry-based tasks where pupils analyse portraits, letters, and artefacts to uncover the truth about Tudor life. For instance, students might try to spot Henry VIII in a police line-up, piece together clues from inventories to learn about Tudor homes, or debate why the Spanish Armada was defeated. These activities spark curiosity and critical thinking, allowing students to ask questions, draw conclusions, and understand that history is about interpretation as well as facts.

Finally, hands-on experiences, such as exploring Tudor palaces, kitchens, and gardens, or investigating replica objects, help make history tangible and memorable. By using primary sources, role play, and sensory activities, students can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and even the tastes of Tudor England. This multi-sensory approach not only makes learning fun but also deepens understanding, helping KS2 students to see the Tudors as a dynamic and influential part of British history.