2009 saw the 500th anniversary of the accession of King Henry VIII to the English throne. In celebration of this historic occasion, an international exhibition was held at the Tower of London in partnership between the Royal Armouries and Historic Royal Palaces – Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill. Published to coincide with the launch of the exhibition, this definitive publication illustrates and records over 90 Henrician treasures drawn from the Royal Armouries own collections and from museums and institutions worldwide. Leading historians and specialist in arms and armour have contributed major essays on subjects which encompass the wide-ranging aspects of Henry's reign – from war and politics to dress and dining. This magnificent publication illuminates the life and reign of Henry VIII and shows how his influence still resonates down the centuries as sportsman, king and icon. A stunning range of new imagery complements the text, presenting many of these pieces as they have never been seen before in glorious high definition.