Page:History of the Kings and Queens of England.pdf/13

 HENRY VIII. This prince was born June 28th, 1491; and succeeded his father April 22d. 1509. Before he grew too corpulent, Henry was a graceful prince, and of a very commanding aspect. He possessed a good understanding, and was fond of study; but he was rash, arrogant, pedantic, superstitious, and addicted to cruelty. He died on the 28th of January, 1547, in the 56th year of his age, and the 38th of his reign, and was buried at Windsor.

In this reign Wales was united with England, the reformation in religion began by Martin Luther;. he religious houses in England were dissolved; and muskets, cannon, and mortars rst made in this country.

EDWARD VI. This prince, only son of Henry VIII., was born October 12, 1537, and ascended the throne in 1547; Which time (though only ten years of age) he was well killed in the Latin and French languages, and had obtained some knowledge of the Greek, Spanish, and Italian. His person was very beautiful, and he was equally beloved for his piety and humanity. He founded several schools and hospitals, and evinced the firmest attachment to the reformed religion. He died of a consumption, on the 6th July, 1553, in the 16th year of his age and 7th of his reign.

During this reign, crowns and half-crowns were first coined, and the horse guards first instituted.