His father in later years was broken in health and soured in spirit, but in the early days of his reign he had charmed the citizens of York with his winning smile.

His mother is described by the Venetian ambassador as a woman of great beauty and ability.

She transmitted to Henry many of the popular characteristics of her father, Edward IV., though little of the military genius of that consummate commander who fought thirteen pitched battles and lost not one.

Unless eye-witnesses sadly belied themselves, Henry VIII.

must have been the desire of all eyes.