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Henry VIII's bible offers a 'real connection'
A BOOK containing writing by one of Britain's most notorious kings was the star attraction at a grand stately home near Peterborough.
A BOOK containing writing by one of Britain's most notorious kings was the star attraction at a grand stately home near Peterborough.Enthusiasts flocking to Elton Hall during the bank holiday weekend could see at first hand psalms and prayers written by Henry VIII himself.
The 500-year-old prayer book contains handwriting of five Tudor monarchs and dubbed a "treasure" by its owner, Sir William Proby.
As well as writings by Henry VIII – renowned in history for having six wives and founding the Church of England – there are writings by his son, Edward, who succeeded him to the throne aged nine, his eldest daughter, Queen Mary, his last wife, Catherine Parr, and one of the country's most celebrated queens, Elizabeth I.
It is thought to be the only book of its kind in existence and has been in the Proby family for more than a century.
Sir Proby said: "The prayer book was purchased by one of my relatives who was a great collector of bibles and prayer books.
"The book is particularly significant because it is very rare. It is the only one that has Henry VIII's writing in it – his own personal copy.
"Other parts of the book contain psalms and prayers written by Henry VIII himself."
It was the star attraction for visitors coming to enjoy the house and gardens before they are closed to the public for the remainder of the year.
Mr Proby added: "People have a lot of interest in Henry VIII, but seeing the book gives them a real connection."
The display ties in with this year's commemorations marking 500 years since Henry VIII took the throne.
Peterborough Cathedral is hosting the British Library Henry VIII Man and Monarch exhibition for three weeks starting on Saturdayl, with various talks and displays held at the final resting place of his first wife, Katharine of Aragon.and times of Henry VIII
Henry VIII (1491-1547) was renowned for his talents as a poet and a musician owning 10 trombones, 14 trumpets, five bagpipes, 76 recorders and 78 flutes as well as supposedly composing Greensleeves.
In his childhood Prince Henry was so spoiled he even had his own 'whipping boy' who was punished every time Henry did something wrong.
When he was 44, Henry's horse rolled on top of him during a jousting tournament leaving him crippled in one leg and an invalid. He was unable to exercise but his famously huge appetite continued so that during his last few years he measured four and half feet round the waist.
He was one of the most brutal kings having one of the highest rates of political executions in his reign. Between 1532 and 1540 alone, he signed the death warrants of 330 people including his second wife Anne Boleyn in 1536.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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