‘Divorced, Beheaded, Died’: The Six Wives of Henry VIII

This six-lecture series will bring to life the three Katherines, two Annes, and one Jane who, from 1509 to 1547, kept Henry VIII on his toes. “Divorced, beheaded, died; divorced, beheaded, survived,” as the rhyme goes, tritely labels the outcome of each wife’s respective marriage.

But the six women made their own mark—not only on the king and the culture of the court, but also on national and international relations, politics, religion, fashion, and learning.

In these lectures, we’ll examine the story of the Tudor dynasty, the queens' achievements, the outcomes of their roles in royal life, and why these powerful women still stir the public imagination.

We’ll hear from them in their own words, examine their lives and loves, and discover how and why they hold such a remarkable place in history.