Henry VIII is typically remembered as he was at the end of his life - weighing in at a colossal 28 stone, with ulcerated legs, failing eyesight and an explosive temper. But, prior to the jousting accident he suffered 24th January, 1536, history had recorded him as merry, affable and physically attractive.\nJousting was his favourite sport, but after being knocked off his horse and falling unconscious for two hours, he appears to have become increasingly erratic, irritable and cruel - not least to his wife Anne Boleyn and her four famous successors.\nIn this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly suggest why the identity of Henry\u2019s jousting opponent was not recorded; explain why the Vatican were really quite excited by Henry\u2019s head injury; and ask whether the King\u2019s demeanour really did change significantly, or whether he was ALWAYS a bit of a jerk\u2026\xa0\nFurther Reading:\n\u2022 \u2018The jousting accident that turned Henry VIII into a tyrant\u2019 (The Independent, 2009):\xa0https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-jousting-accident-that-turned-henry-viii-into-a-tyrant-1670421.html\n\u2022 \u2018Henry VIII: \u2018brain injury caused by jousting to blame for erratic behaviour and possible impotence'\u2019 (HistoryExtra, 2016):\xa0https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/henry-viii-brain-injury-caused-by-jousting-to-blame-for-erratic-behaviour-and-possible-impotence/\n\u2022 \u2018Full Metal Jousting - The Biggest Hits\u2019 (The History Channel, 2012):\xa0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWVZgp-eQG8\n#1500s #Royals #Person #Health #Sport #UK\n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices