Henry VIII

[Mesmer]

I seem to recall reading some time ago that when Henty V111 died no one would touch his body because of the rancid smell caused by the ulcers on his legs and that his body was burned in his bed where he died. Is this true and where may i find the source of the story?

[jno]

I don't suppose his body was very nice by the time he was finished with it; but it's buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor

[wired]

Can't give you the name of the book but some years ago I was reading about Syon House (opposite Kew on the Thames) which was one of the stopping places for his body. It came down the Thames on a barge, stopping overnight , his badly swollen body was violated by the house dogs. Try looking into the history of Syon house.

[Mesmer]

Thanks wired. Your answer is a great lead. I will folow it up and post my findings in due course.

[Andyvon]

Henry was also suffering from dropsy when he died and I believe his coffin leaked over the pallbearers during the funeral procession. Doesn't bear thinking about!

Henry's now lying in St. George's Chapel with Jane Seymour whom he asked to be interred with.