Henry VIII Coaster - "Defender of the Faith, Handle with Care"

England's most famous monarch meets contemporary wit. This coaster features Henry VIII (1491-1547), the king who broke with Rome, married six times and transformed England from medieval kingdom to Renaissance power. The title "Defender of the Faith" was granted to Henry by Pope Leo X in 1521 - ironically, before Henry rejected papal authority and established the Church of England.

Henry's reign saw London emerge as a major European capital, drawing merchants, musicians and craftspeople from across the known world. His court included the Black trumpeter John Blanke, documented in the Westminster Tournament Roll of 1511. His capital's parish records reveal diverse communities whose presence challenges assumptions about who lived in Tudor England. This coaster celebrates not just the king, but the complex world of 16th-century London that Hidden Tudors Tours explores.

Features:

• Cork-backed with heat-resistant surface

• 9cm x 9cm

• Based on Hans Holbein's iconic portrait

• Contemporary design with historical image

The playful caption "Handle with Care" acknowledges Henry's notorious temper whilst making Tudor history accessible to modern audiences. Perfect for anyone fascinated by the Tudors, British monarchy or the transformations of 16th-century England. Every purchase supports heritage education across London.