5. Henry VIII Composed Music... Including On The Bagpipes
Five bagpipe sets, 78 flutes, 78 recorders and a virginal (which is a type of harpsichord) - these are just some of the instruments which Henry VIII kept in his extensive collection. Yes, Henry VIII was a keen composer - authoring songs including "Helas Madame" and "Pastimes with Good Company". He played instruments including the organ and the lute (a string instrument), as well as regularly singing. It has even been claimed that Henry also composed the English favourite "Greensleeves" as a love ballad to lure Anne Boleyn into his clutches while he was courting her. However, it appears this legend is untrue and that it was not one of his songs.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
