Do you think HenryVIII was a precocious child?
Surprisingly, I don’t think he was… although, from his deplorable behavior in later years, it is easy to see why you might think so. Henry was originally intended for the church… as second sons often were. So, although he was an exemplary athlete and quite a handsome young devil in his formative years… he was probably forced to be more quiet and reserved by the nature of the life for which he was being groomed. Precociousness wasn’t exactly encouraged in young men of the cloth, if you know what I mean. I think his precociousness came out MUCH later after his brother Arthur died, leaving him a kingdom and a bride…. he sort of lived his childhood over again at that point, with no reservations.
