English Tudor period swords
 

After the Arming sword but before the Rapier, around the time of Henry 8th's early reign here in England, what was worn by nobility.
Was there a distinct and sudden appearance of the Rapier or was there a gradual transition with something in between.

A number of early basket hilts feature in paintings and drawings and there is for example the Mary Rose sword, which must pre-date 1545. Claude Blaire has a good article on their evolution ('The early basket hilt in Britain') in "Scottish Weapons and Fortifications" edited by David Caldwell.

Henry VIII
 

I was particularly interested in what our King Henry VIII would have worn at court.
He had, at his disposal, the Greenwich armoury staffed by Germans et al, so he would not be spoilt for choice.
Assuming 'The King' was wearing a particular style, then it seems likely all courtiers would follow suit.