Henry VIII is considered one of the most powerful English monarchs of the 16th century, alongside Elizabeth I. Through his far-sighted policies, he laid the foundations for the English Empire. Today, we often remember this significant ruler mainly for his many marriages; however, his importance lies more in his establishment of the Church of England and his conflicts with Parliament, the nobility, and other European rulers. Additionally, during his reign, the early modern state began to take shape, which would define the following centuries. The author briefly outlines the king's life and marriages but then focuses the narrative on a thematically structured history of England in the first half of the 16th century and on the diverse and changing relationships between Henry and England with the European continent.