Kings Great Matter

THE MARRIAGE

• Point of controversy
• Catherine & Arthur (Henry's Brother) were betrothed for 6 month before Arthur died --> Catherine married Henry
• legitimacy of Mary questioned
• If marriage between Arthur & Catherine was never consummated pope could annul marriage to allow her to marry Henry
• Catherine remained adamant that the marriage was never consummated
• despite sources claiming that Henry & Catherine's marriage was happy to start with Henry later claimed the pope was wrong to allow them to wed

TOPIC OF DEBATE

• historians disagree about the main reason why Henry VIII wanted a divorce
• majority agree it is down to wanting a male heir to succeed the throne
• other suggestions include his relationship with Anne and his religious conscience

      NO MALE HEIR TO SECURE SUCCESSION 

• Mary: legitimacy was called…