What about Henry VIII that made him smart?

he was a good king because

In 1486 Henry married Elizabeth of York. Elizabeth was the daughter of Edward lV. This reunited the houses of York and Lancaster. After the Wars of the Roses the country wanted order, peace and stability. During his reign Henry had to deal with two pretenders to his throne. Both said they were the sons of Edward lV

• the Princes in the Tower. Henry defeated both. Edward lV had two

sons, but neither became king after him. When Henry Vll died in 1509 he had a son who was old enough and able enough to become king. In 1485 Henry made a three year truce with King Fames lll of Scotland. Henry later married his daughter Margaret to Fames lV. Henry arranged a marriage between his heir, Arthur, and a Spanish Princess, Catherine of Aragon. They were married in 1501, but Arthur died in 15O2,' it was agreed that Catherine of Aragon would marry Arthur's younger brother, Henry. Henry kept a close eye on finances. He managed crown lands well and raised lots of money from them. He also increased income from taxes and fines, and he avoided spending money on wars. The nobles had become more powerful and wealthy. Many had private armies. Henry used the law to control these families. He imposed very heavy fines on those who broke the law.