[aristeides]

"It's the classic tale of Tudor kings going crazy from syphilis," said Blatherwick.

There were only three Tudor kings (in addition to two queens.) Edward died at too young an age, I think, for it to be possible that he went mad from syphilis. I've never heard of either Henry VII or Henry VIII having the disease, but I suppose it might explain some of Henry VIII's behavior later in life.

[Tax-chick]

Edward died either from tuberculosis, or from the treatment for tuberculosis. The most plausible possibility for syphilis is Henry VIII, but he had such an array of other health conditions that it's hard to blame just one for his mental and physical problems.

Maybe the author is thinking of the Stuarts; some of them were pretty batty.

[RobbyS]

It might explain Henry's poor health, his wives' miscarriages, and the puny health and early deaths of all his surviving children, except for Elizabeth. The fact that she lived so long a life suggests that maybe the charge that Henry was not her father has some substance. Of course there was that flaming red Tudor hair!

[lizma]

I suppose it might explain some of Henry VIII's behavior later in life.

It has been said that Henry VIII had syphilis but this has been discounted as a myth. It's thought that his behavior is explained by a developing diabetes and it's side effects.

I guess if I had nonhealing sores up and down my legs, I'd be cranky too.

Another rumor on Tudor medical history is that the lipstick Queen Elizabeth used dissolved her lips, the sugar she ate rotted her teeth and that's why there are no portraits of her in later life. Don't know if this one is true or not.