The first half of the sixteenth century followed a very turbulent course in all of Europe, and England, as well, went through troubled times. Henry VIII succeeded to the throne in 1509, and reigned for 38 years. In 1533 he founded the Anglican church, he married six times, waged wars, and even found a little time to do some composing. After his death in 1547, he was succeeded by Edward VI, who was followed in 1555, after the death of Mary, by Elizabeth I, Henry VIII's younger daughter. Elizabeth had the task of bringing peace and stability to the country, and during her long reign, English music flourished as never before.