Didn't Henry VIII also establish the Royal Navy and didn't he institute a more modern form of English government via 'closet' advisors currently known as "The Cabinet"? (Which of course means he had a lot to do with the current form of the North American governments).

As to 'mind of a Tyrant' I think Starkey's use of this word might reflect that when he embarked on his reign he was a secular ruler, but in disestablishing the Roman Catholic Church and establishing the C of E, he appropriated religious power and divine status. But apparently no English/ British ruler has claimed Infallibility.

Real interesting comments, folks.