2-995-622 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Golden Bull of Clement VII. confirming Henry VIII. in the title of Defender of the Faith, 1860. 'The title...which forms a part of the Royal style of British Sovereigns, was originally bestowed upon Henry VIII. in 1521, by Pope Leo X., in requital of that monarch's celebrated "Defence of the Seven Sacraments " against Martin Luther...The apostolical confirmation of Leo's rescript to which the seal is affixed is now in our Public Record Office, and forms one of its most valued treasures. It was granted by Leo's successor, Pope Clement Vll., in 1524, and in the exaggerated praises lavished on Henry it even exceeds its predecessor, though, so far as the title is concerned, it simply confirms the grant to the King himself - "Approbamus, confirmamus Tibique perpetuum et proprium deputamus". Henry was so gratified by the honour, however, that he continued to wear it after he had quarrelled with the Popes and denied them authority...The obverse of Clement's golden bull represents the customary heads of the Apostles St. Paul (on the right) and St. Peter (on the left); with the legend, "Gloriosi - Principes - Terrae - S. Pa - S. Pe.".' From "Illustrated London News", 1860.