Television series: Henry VIII How he died: Hung by chains King Henry VIII wasn't a great man and he was more famous for his hissy fits and temper tantrums than he was for being a strong and moral leader. He had six wives, two of whom he divorced and two he beheaded (divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived). He even took control over the Church to allow him to actually have a divorce which was one of the ultimate sins at the time because you were breaking vows that you made to God whilst simultaneously shaming your spouse. In 2003, ITV released the historical drama Henry VIII to recreate the events of the King's life. Bean takes on the role of Robert Aske, a lawyer who joins the rebellion against the crown. Of course, this was a world where traitors would reveal the secret, treacherous intentions of their best friend for some wine and a loaf of bread, so it's no surprise that Aske's betrayal is discovered by the King. To teach him a lesson, King Henry hangs Aske from chains from the Tower of London.
