A Henry lookalike gets into the role © Culture24
The British Library is calling on any potential Henry VIII lookalikes to dig out their red beards and don their best Tudor outfits as part of an attempt to set an unofficial world record for the biggest gathering of Henrys.
All participants will be rewarded with free entry to the Man and Monarch exhibition at the institution, and whoever is crowned King of the Kings will win £100 to spend in the Library bookshop.
Don't feel you need to strip your sofa cushions and pad up – the young Henry was a pretty svelte chap and at the age of 23 had a 42" chest (107cm) and 35" inch (89cm) waist at a time when he had hardly any blood on his hands.
The King grew in both reputation and size, though, and in the final year of his life he weighed in with a 54" (137cm) waist, 18 stone (114kg) torso, and had ordered the execution of two of his wives.
Anyone wishing to take part should visit the British Library at 11am on Monday (May 4 2009), and the lineup and judging will take place between 12pm and 12.15pm.
To see the King for a Day flyer click here. For more information on the Man and Monarch exhibition visit the British Library online.
