15. King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII, born in 1491, ruled England from 1509 until his death in 1547. His reign was marked by significant religious and political upheaval, most notably the English Reformation. Driven by his desire for a male heir and his personal conflicts with the Pope, Henry initiated the break from the Roman Catholic Church, leading to the establishment of the Church of England. This monumental decision had lasting effects on England’s religious landscape and its relationship with Europe. For a comprehensive overview of his life and reign, refer to the British Library’s detailed biography. (bl.uk)
