The British Library is having a major exhibition about King Henry VIII this summer to celebrate the 500th anniversary of his accession to the throne. What are the odds I can win the lottery before the end of the exhibition so I can see it for myself? :)

Henry VIII: Man and Monarch
British Library
Thu 23 Apr 2009 - Sun 6 Sep 2009

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, the historian and broadcaster Dr David Starkey guest-curates this major exhibition, providing new insights into one of this country’s most memorable monarchs, who still casts a spell over the public imagination.

Highlights of the exhibition include Henry’s personal Prayer Book, containing his handwritten notes, his marriage contract with Katherine of Aragon, a list of people executed in his reign, including wives, favourites and ministers, and a love letter to Anne Boleyn, concealed in the Vatican for almost five centuries. Almost certainly stolen from Anne to serve as evidence against the King’s divorce, the letter is exhibited here for the first time and sheds light on Henry’s infamous infatuation.

"This exhibition draws on the British Library’s rich collections – including the books that Henry himself chose, read and annotated – which outline the revolutionary change in ideas that took place during the reign of Henry VIII and take us, as nothing else can, into the King’s own mind." - Dr David Starkey

Source: British Library



There are also documents available to view online and a blog with updates about the exhibition.