Out with his head! Couple uncover medieval mural of King Henry VIII
Source: dailymail.co.uk
A couple have uncovered a 20ft high medieval mural of King Henry VIII as they renovated their home.Angie and Rhodri Powell were removing wooden panels from a wall in their home in Milverton, Somerset when the painting was revealed.
The house used to belong to Thomas Cranmer, the Archdeacon of Taunton, who went on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1533.
The painting of Henry VIII was discovered behind wooden panels in a house in Milverton, Somerset.
Angie and Rhodri Powell described the discovery of the 20ft high mural as ’a real moment’.
The property used to belong to Thomas Cranmer, the Archdeacon of Taunton and later Archbishop of Canterbury, who helped the King break from the Catholic Church.
The mural has been described as being of ’national importance’.
Mrs Powell told the BBC: ‘When we saw the eyes appear out of the plaster it was a real moment.’
The painting is thought to date back to around 1530, although the identity of the artist is not known.
Michael Liverside, of the History of Art department at Bristol University, described the discovery as ‘enormously significant, stunningly exciting and of national importance.’
Children’s author Mrs Powell added: ‘It is a presence and you do feel there’s just something there behind you looking over your shoulder.
’When people come in, he grabs the attention.’
The Royal, who famously executed two of his six wives, is also widely known for his role in the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.
The move saw the King establish himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
Upon his appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury, Cranmer immediately declared the King’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon void and four months later married him to Anne Boleyn.
Cranmer also served under Edward VI and supported Lady Jane Grey as his successor.
The new queen’s reign lasted only nine days before the Roman Catholic Mary I took over and tried Cranmer, now an enemy of the regime, for treason.
In March 1556 he was burnt at the stake.
Article from: dailymail.co.uk
The Wives of Henry VIII
Video from: YouTube.com
