Henry VIII and His Six Wives Howard, Duke of Norfolk. Henry and Catherine marry, with Henry lavishing her with many gifts and jewels. Archbishop Thomas Cranmer then discovers that Catherine has had liaisons before her marriage, and presents this knowledge to Henry, who at first refuses to believe the charges. Cranmer secures a confession from Catherine, who also admits of an affair with Thomas Culpeper during her marriage to Henry. Catherine is beheaded. Henry, now elderly, approaches Catherine Parr, a widow from two previous marriages. Catherine is at first reluctant, citing her religious views which differ from Henry's, but Henry admits his need for companionship in
The Six Wives of Henry VIII (album) the music as if he was doing a surreal painting, "sketches of how I felt about them at the time". Recording took place in London at Morgan and Trident Studios between February and October 1972 during gaps in recording and touring with Yes. Having produced an early demo of ideas for the album, Wakeman used it to pick out which musicians would suit each track. Seven musicians from Yes and Strawbs, the folk rock group Wakeman had performed with prior to Yes, play on the record. It was to be named "Henry VIII and His Six Wives" with a track