In 1509, with the special dispensation of Pope Julius II, King Henry VIII married his brother Arthur’s widow, Catherine of Aragon. After more than twenty years of a relatively happy marriage, the couple had little success in producing an heir, their only living child being the Princess Mary. After becoming infatuated with Anne Boleyn, he tried to obtain another dispensation to achieve another annulment. This request and its refusal became a matter of national and international intrigue which resulted in the establishment of the English Church and deep division and conflict in the country which lasted for many decades. Thomas More’s role in the incident is the subject of the play. Following are topics which help put the drama in context and provide general background for the piece.