King Henry VIII of England was a monarch who ruled from 1509 to 1547. He is best known for his six marriages and his role in the English Reformation, which led to the Church of England's break from the Roman Catholic Church. His desire for a male heir drove many of his decisions, including the annulment of his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Henry's reign was marked by significant political and religious changes. He established the Church of England and appointed himself as its Supreme Head. His reign also saw the expansion of royal power and the dissolution of monasteries, which redistributed wealth and land in England.