Henry VIII's racy links to Nottingham including his only known love child

Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived - we all know the rhyme and indeed a few things about the monarch it relates to - but how much do you know about Henry VIII's rather salacious links to Nottingham?

He was known for being a philanderer and having a shall we say 'decadent' lifestyle, his feasts are legend all over the world. But it turns out Henry was also quite the party animal, he loved to attend balls and festivals, and he even hosted a fair share too.

Masked balls were especially popular during Tudor times and according to local reports, one of Henry's favourite outfits to don was that of our local hero, Robin Hood. We'll let you digest that image for a few moments...

According to local historian Paul Wiltshire, who has shared many findings about the King's links to Nottingham online, Henry also asked his courtiers to dress as outlaws and armed them with real weapons.

Bows and arrows aside, it's no secret Henry had a way with the ladies and it is alleged the King had several illegitimate children (the mask must have had a certain allure) most notably including Henry FitzRoy.

Henry Jnr was the son of the King's mistress Elizabeth Blount and was the only child born out of wedlock Big Henry acknowledged. He showered his love child with royal titles such as Duke of Richmond and Somerset and (even better) Earl of Nottingham.

Many historians believe The Earl was a shoo-in to become the next in line to the throne but sadly he died in his early teens.

It's also alleged Henry brought his first wife Catherine of Aragon to visit the city to reflect and decompress while they mourned a miscarriage.

Earlier this year we shared a story about some historic documents that were left hidden in a Nottinghamshire village for more than 400 years.

Villagers in Upper Broughton discovered a chest in an outhouse last year filled with hundreds of documents that date back to the 16th Century when Henry ruled the kingdom.

The bundle of papers which are written on velum and parchment in Old English and Latin, are in good condition and are due to be translated.

Read more: Chest hidden for 400 years with papers dating to Henry VIII found in Nottinghamshire village

So with all this in mind, we think it's fair to say Henry VIII loved Nottingham, even if he did choose to visit our beloved castle just once during his reign. That said he was the last monarch to spend the night and he did have a few properties to choose from...