Good one MMario ... pays the piper!

7. In 1513, the Pope had, in secret, promised to recognise Henry as King of France if he could physically seize possession of the country. This generous offer had been inspired by French meddling in papal affairs. Henry was unable to seize the throne and, thus, never collected his prize.

That's All Folks! ... Thanks. I've enjoyed reading all your contributions.

By the way, here's a few quotes from previous threads. Do you still feel the same?

Between creating a church, a condom company (well, kinda), and a place to get a nice divorce, the man doesn't deserve much more to his name.

... the claim that the wastrel Henry V111 wrote the tune is nonsense

Henry VIII is acknowledged to have been a talented singer & musician, even composing music ("Pastime With Good Company" is probably best known).

I've been led to beleive on several occasions (none of which I can recall to quote as an authority!) that Henry VIII composed quite a bit, this being one of the suitable occupations of a Renaissance gent in between persecuting the Irish and burning Catholics.

As anyone in England will tell you, Henry VIII belched and slopped BEER over himself, whilst eating roast pheasant and the odd partridge. We like Henry VIII.

Henry VIII and Pope Clement VII had their little tiff in 1534, which established the Church of England.

Henry VIII was Hitler if you were catholic.

It is often stated that Henry VIII was a better than average musician, and if Frederick the Great could write pieces why couldn't he? Before he became a old grouch with the clap Henry was every bit a Renaissance Man.

If you had composed a melody and Henry VIII claimed he had, are you likely to have argued?

Henry VIII's prowess as a composer has often been exaggerated, partly because of the romantic view of King Hal espoused by former historians of music, and partly because his subjects were doubtless obliged to be generous in their estimate of the king's abilities.

:-)