The Six Wives of Henry VIII were a significant part of English history, as each marriage influenced the political and religious landscape of the time. His wives were Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr. Each marriage ended in either annulment, execution, or death, reflecting the tumultuous nature of his reign. Henry VIII sought a male heir, which drove his desire for multiple marriages. His first wife, Catherine of Aragon, bore him a daughter, Mary I, but no sons. Anne Boleyn gave birth to Elizabeth I but was executed, while Jane Seymour finally provided a son, Edward VI, before dying shortly after childbirth.