As a monarch, Henry VIII's life is one that many do not attempt to describe due to the rich history that accompanies it. No king has left such a profound impact on his country's past, nor been at the center of controversial issues that made a lasting contribution to his country. His means were immoral, but because of the greatness he achieved, we look beyond his imperfection. On June 28, 1491, at Greenwich Palace, Henry VII and Elizabeth of York had their second son named Henry VIII. It was important for a king to have as many heirs as possible due to the mortality rate at that time in England. Henry became heir to the throne after the death of his older brother, Arthur, in 1502. Seven years later, he acceded to the throne of England. He was known for his personality; his intelligence, his curiosity and his ability to learn. During his teenage years, he loved music and entertainment. Not to mention he has hosted many events including tournaments and banquets. As a teenager he was athletic and enjoyed activities such as jousting, hunting, tennis and archery. In addition, he played many instruments and also wrote books and music. However, as he grew, he became fat and his desire to have a son became stronger (The Tudors: Henry VIII). “For most certainly, the duke struck the king on the forehead just under the guard of the helmet on the skull itself. cap or basin piece to which the barbette is hinged for greater strength and safety, of which no armorer takes the cap or basin into account, because it is always covered by the visor, the barbette and the steering wheel piece, and so this piece is so protected that it takes no weight” (Cavendish). Henry loved the sport of jousting. Needles...... middle of paper ......narrow: Gale Research, 1993. 172-186. Complete online literary biographical dictionary. Gale of wind. North Carolina Libraries for Virtual Education (NCLIVE). November 23, 2013 http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/DLBC_Online/nclivecu/BK1498985023 Jokinen, Anniina. “Portraits of King Henry VIII: Hans Holbein and his legacy.” Portraits of King Henry VIII: Hans Holbein and his legacy. Np, May 23, 2009. Web. November 23, 2013. “King Henry VIII: biography, portraits, primary sources. » King Henry VIII: biography, portraits, primary sources. Np, and Web. November 21, 2013.Pollard, AF Henry VIII. London: Longmans, Green, 1951. Print. “Primary sources: King Henry VIII has a jousting accident, 1524.” Primary sources: King Henry VIII has a jousting accident, 1524. Np, nd Web. November 23, 2013. "Primary Sources - Letter from Catharine Parr to her husband, King Henry VIII, July 1544."