Henry VIII: A 500th Anniversary Exhibition

Celebrating 500 years since its former resident became King, Windsor Castle hosts a special exhibition to mark Henry VIII's accession to the throne.

Exploring the Life of Henry VIII at Windsor Castle

With treasures from the Royal Collection and the archives of St George's Chapel, the exhibition explores the life of one of Britain's most controversial monarchs.

Commonly perceived as a tyrant who executed two of his six wives and dissolved the monasteries, Henry VIII continues to provoke widespread debate today.

This fascinating collection of illustrations, personal objects and historical documents helps to portray a more human side to the infamous King.

Painted by some of the most important artists of the period, Henry VIII was a strikingly handsome figure when he was proclaimed King in 1509, aged 17.

Windsor Castle and Henry VIII

Windsor Castle is a fitting venue for the exhibition, having provided the backdrop to many important events and political negotiations during Henry's reign.

St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle was completed during this time. It became the final resting place of Henry VIII alongside his third wife, Jane Seymour.

The Chapel remains one of the most important examples of late-medieval English architecture. It is the seat of the oldest surviving order of chivalry, The Order of the Garter.

Highlights of Henry VIII: A 500th Anniversary Exhibition

Highlights of this remarkable exhibition include:

• A number of works by the German artist Hans Holbein the Younger
• Henry VIII's hunting sword
• The only certain portrait of the king's illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy
• The Black Book, a magnificent register of the Order of the Garter
• A poem handwritten by Henry's daughter, the future Elizabeth I