Syphilis has been dismissed. There is the possibility of a genetic disorder – always a consideration for in-bred European royal families.But Henry VIII’s symptoms in later years – obesity, mood swings, wounds & sores on lower legs & feet that won’t heal . . .Untreated type II diabetes brought on by new, bulk imports of sugar from the Madeira Islands and New World in the early 1500s.
I saw a British TV program a year or two ago where they did a virtual autopsy of Henry based on historical records from his court, other courts, paintings, etc. Some of the conclusions were that he suffered from gout due to diet of far too many calories and too little veg, probably suffered a traumatic brain injury from a jousting accident, the garters that were so in vogue at the time probably exacerbated the gout and the skin wounds that wouldn’t heal, etc. The leeches probably didn’t help either.
“The guards all think that it’s a football that she carries in, and when she passes by they shout ‘is Army going to win?’ They think that it’s Red Grange instead of poor old Anne Boleyn . . .” Or is that just in the U.S. version?
I’m thinking Anne B. needs to be celebrating with her cousin, Catherine Howard. Maybe George Boleyn & Thomas Culpepper should join in, too. And what about that Countess of Salisbury? Weren’t she and Hal “friends” also?
Jess V about 12 years ago
Anne isn’t bitter about the end of their marriage at all.
Sherlock Watson about 12 years ago
Her hubby was a real pain in the neck.
aarken about 12 years ago
Well, a real pain in HER neck, anyway.
vldazzle about 12 years ago
Good musical references; I especially love Fairport’s Cockney accent.
corzak about 12 years ago
Syphilis has been dismissed. There is the possibility of a genetic disorder – always a consideration for in-bred European royal families.But Henry VIII’s symptoms in later years – obesity, mood swings, wounds & sores on lower legs & feet that won’t heal . . .Untreated type II diabetes brought on by new, bulk imports of sugar from the Madeira Islands and New World in the early 1500s.
WayneZombie about 12 years ago
I saw a British TV program a year or two ago where they did a virtual autopsy of Henry based on historical records from his court, other courts, paintings, etc. Some of the conclusions were that he suffered from gout due to diet of far too many calories and too little veg, probably suffered a traumatic brain injury from a jousting accident, the garters that were so in vogue at the time probably exacerbated the gout and the skin wounds that wouldn’t heal, etc. The leeches probably didn’t help either.
cwreenactor about 12 years ago
Let the good times, ahem, roll.
TheWildSow about 12 years ago
Pab, I can’t remember — has ’En-e-ry VIII ever made an appearance?
Thutmosisiii about 12 years ago
“The guards all think that it’s a football that she carries in, and when she passes by they shout ‘is Army going to win?’ They think that it’s Red Grange instead of poor old Anne Boleyn . . .” Or is that just in the U.S. version?
Thutmosisiii about 12 years ago
I’m thinking Anne B. needs to be celebrating with her cousin, Catherine Howard. Maybe George Boleyn & Thomas Culpepper should join in, too. And what about that Countess of Salisbury? Weren’t she and Hal “friends” also?