Henry doubtless learned many political lessons from his stern father. However, the fact that he was kept away from direct education in the administrative duties of kingship – and left instead to his books, his sporting, and his music – weighed significantly on his future methods of rulership. Henry was a very talented, accomplished young man who could impress all and sundry with his charm and commanding, princely personality. He was not, however, educated to be a diligent administrator or a man with sober, penetrating political judgment. Very self-assured at a young age, it was left to be seen how this extraordinary self-assurance – without an extroardinary political temperament – would serve him as king of all England.

Popular pages: Henry VIII