Henry, Duke of Cornwall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henry |
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| Duke of Cornwall | |
The Westminster roll, celebrating Henry's birth
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| Born | 1 January 1511 Richmond Palace, Surrey, England |
| Died | 22 February 1511 (aged 52 days) Richmond Palace, Surrey, England |
| Burial | 27 February 1511 Westminster Abbey, London, England |
| House | Tudor |
| Father | Henry VIII of England |
| Mother | Catherine of Aragon |
Henry, Duke of Cornwall (born January 1, 1511 – died February 22, 1511) was the first living son of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Everyone celebrated his birth because he was expected to become the next king. However, he sadly died when he was only a few weeks old.
His death was a big problem for King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine. They really wanted a son to take over the throne after Henry. Not having another son caused many difficulties for them. It even led to major changes in the relationship between the English church and the main Catholic Church in Rome. This period of change is known as the English Reformation.
A Royal Welcome: Birth and Christening
Henry was born on January 1, 1511, at Richmond Palace. He was the first child of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon who was born alive. They had been married for about a year and a half. Before Henry, Catherine had given birth to a daughter who was stillborn in 1510.
Henry's christening, which is a special ceremony to welcome a baby into the church, happened on January 5. It was a very fancy event. People even lit beacons, which are big fires, to celebrate his arrival. His godparents gave him amazing gifts. Louis XII of France, who was his godfather, gave him a beautiful gold salt holder and cup. His godmother was Margaret of Austria, Duchess of Savoy.
Big Plans and a Sad Ending
King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine had huge plans for their new son. They wanted to hold celebrations that were even grander than their own coronation, which is the ceremony where a king or queen officially takes the throne. As soon as he was born, Henry automatically became the Duke of Cornwall. He was also the heir apparent, meaning he was next in line to become King of England. Everyone expected him to become the Prince of Wales and later the third king from the House of Tudor family.
One of the most amazing celebrations was a special tournament held at Westminster. A tournament was like a big sporting event with knights competing. This tournament was the most lavish one during Henry VIII's entire reign. All the details of this grand event were written down and drawn on a very long, decorated scroll. This scroll is known as The 1511 Westminster Tournament Roll. You can find it in the College of Arms collection today.
Sadly, the Duke of Cornwall died on February 22, 1511. He was only 52 days old. He passed away at Richmond Palace, the same place where he was born. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London where many kings and queens are laid to rest.
