Reformation in England
Henry VIII had problems and needed to decide which version of Christianity would help him the most. He had money problems and heir problems - who would be his heir when he had no children?
In 1533, Henry VIII broke from the church and married the now pregnant Anne Boleyn in a secret ceremony. This solved his heir problem, but Henry was excommunicated by the Pope. The English Reformation had begun.
Thomas Cromwell became Henry's chief minister (advisor). He helped Henry to break away from Rome, establishing Henry as head of the Church of England. This act also brought Henry much needed wealth. Over four years Cromwell ordered 800 monasteries to be disbanded and their lands and treasures taken for the crown.
These developments were not popular among ordinary people and in 1536 there was a rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace. You can find out more in Popular protest through time.
Was Henry VIII really a Protestant or did he just want to limit the Pope's power?
During Henry's reign, Protestantism grew in England.
Laws are passed to make England a Protestant country
Edward VI was only a child when Henry VIII died. He was brought up a Protestant, but most people in England were still Catholics.
The country was ruled by 'Protectors' on his behalf. They passed laws – with Edward's agreement - which made the Church Protestant.
In 1549 there was a rebellion against the new prayer book in Devon and Cornwall. The rebellion was defeated.
In 1533, Henry VIII broke from the church and married the now pregnant Anne Boleyn in a secret ceremony. This solved his heir problem, but Henry was excommunicated by the Pope. The English Reformation had begun.
Thomas Cromwell became Henry's chief minister (advisor). He helped Henry to break away from Rome, establishing Henry as head of the Church of England. This act also brought Henry much needed wealth. Over four years Cromwell ordered 800 monasteries to be disbanded and their lands and treasures taken for the crown.
These developments were not popular among ordinary people and in 1536 there was a rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace. You can find out more in Popular protest through time.
Was Henry VIII really a Protestant or did he just want to limit the Pope's power?
During Henry's reign, Protestantism grew in England.
- Thomas Cromwell (Henry's chief minister), Anne Boleyn and Catherine Parr, two of Henry's wives seem to have been Protestants.
- His son Edward had Protestant teachers and he was brought up as a Protestant.
- The Bible was translated into English (1539).
- However, towards the end of his reign Henry passed the Six Articles (1539) which meant the Church remained Catholic. Protestants who denied the Catholic faith were persecuted and even burned.
Laws are passed to make England a Protestant country
Edward VI was only a child when Henry VIII died. He was brought up a Protestant, but most people in England were still Catholics.
The country was ruled by 'Protectors' on his behalf. They passed laws – with Edward's agreement - which made the Church Protestant.
- The Latin Mass was no longer used.
- A Book of Common Prayer was introduced. It was written in English.
- Priests were allowed to marry.
- Statues of the saints were removed, and pictures on church walls were whitewashed. Priests wore plain robes.
- Stone altars were taken out of churches and replaced by wooden communion tables.
- Ornaments such as candles and goblets were sold and stained glass windows were smashed.
- Catholics bishops were imprisoned in the Tower of London.
In 1549 there was a rebellion against the new prayer book in Devon and Cornwall. The rebellion was defeated.
Henry VIII and the Anglican Church of England
From Edward VI to Mary I
England becomes a Catholic country again
Mary I was a devout Catholic and she tried to make England a Catholic country again:
England becomes a Catholic country again
Mary I was a devout Catholic and she tried to make England a Catholic country again:
- She restored the rule of the Pope. Cardinal Pole, the Pope's adviser, was brought to England from Rome and made Archbishop of Canterbury.
- In 1554 the country was officially reunited with Rome and the Pope declared head of the Church.
- The Latin Mass and Bibles were brought back. The English prayer book was no longer used.
- Mary married Prince Philip of Spain, a devout and powerful Catholic.
- About 300 Protestants who would not accept Catholic beliefs were burned to death.
Mary I and the re-establishment of Roman Catholicism in England
Varieties of Protestantism