Henry VII & Cultural Development

Religion Under Henry VII

Under Henry VII, Catholicism was the dominant religion. Religion and the Church was central to daily life for everyone in society.

Papal authority

The Pope had authority over all spiritual matters.
Church courts dealt with the clergy as well as laws concerning crimes such as blasphemy and heresy.

Church problems

Under Henry VII, the Roman Catholic Church was popular although it did have its issues. These included:
- Absenteeism – some parish priests rarely visited their parishes.
- Pluralism – some clergy had more than one position in the church. For example, one bishop might have more than one bishopric at a time.
- Simony – selling positions in the Church for money.
- Quality – some clergy did not observe their vows (including chastity) while others were ignorant of religion. Poorly educated priests were a problem because the Bible and services were in Latin.

Evidence of the Church's popularity

Louth, Lincolnshire raised £350 for a new parish church.
Many left the Church money or gifts in their wills.
Over 60% of parish churches were renovated or rebuilt in the 15th century.

Alternative branches of Christianity

Lollardy was a movement that challenged Catholicism in England under Henry VII.
The Roman Catholic Church condemned Lollardy as heresy.
Some historians consider Lollardy a predecessor of Protestantism.

Humanism Influences and Henry VII

Humanism became popular in the Renaissance era. This had an impact on the intellectual culture in England.

An intellectual movement

Humanism was an intellectual movement that was focussed on the potential of mankind.
Humanism led scholars to rethink their views on religion and society.
Humanist scholars believed education could improve the power of mankind.
Humanism mainly focussed on the classical world (Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece).

Humanism and Henry VII

Henry VII's reign coincided with the rise of humanism.
Henry encouraged a cultural renaissance in England.
For example, scholars from Italy came and taught at English universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge.

Humanism and religion

Humanism had an impact on religion across Europe.
Humanists criticised the low levels of education in the Church and among the laity (lay people).
Humanists also accused the Catholic Church of being corrupt. They claimed that clergymen were exploiting (taking advantage of) their parishes.
Although these ideas were important, the Catholic Church was still strong and traditional worship remained.

Influence of Erasmus

An influential humanist scholar was Erasmus (1466-1536).
Key works written by Erasmus include 'The Praise of Folie' (1509), which criticises the Catholic Church for corruption, and 'On the Freedom of the Will' (1524), which attacks Luther's theological ideas.

Arts and Learning During Henry VII's Reign

Henry VII wanted to support the arts in England. In doing so, Henry VII was able to communicate his power and strength.

Printing press

The printing press was first created in Germany.
In England, the first printing press was used in 1476.
The printing press meant books and artwork were becoming far more accessible.
This helped ideas spread, for example those of humanists.
Printing contributed to the rise in literacy levels among the nobility and gentry.

The arts

Henry VII was a patron of the arts. So he supported musicians, poets, artists and architects.
For example, John Skelton was employed to write poetry about England and Henry VII.
Henry VII commissioned grand buildings, such as Richmond Palace and a chapel in Westminster Abbey.
Magnificence in the arts was believed to reflect the virtue and strength of a monarch.

1Consolidation of the Tudor Dynasty 1485-1547

1.1Henry VII 1485-1509

1.1.1Henry VII's Consolidation of Power

1.1.2Henry VII & Succession

1.1.3Henry VII's Councils & Parliament

1.1.4End of Topic Test - Henry VII Part 1

1.1.5Henry VII & Justice, Finance & Policies

1.1.6Henry VII's Relationship with Foreign Powers

1.1.7Henry VII & Society

1.1.8End of Topic Test - Henry VII Part 2

1.1.9Henry VII & Regional Issues

1.1.10Henry VII & Economic Development

1.1.11Henry VII & Cultural Development

1.1.12End of Topic Test - Henry VII Part 3

1.2Henry VIII 1509-1547

1.2.1Henry VIII's Consolidation of Power

1.2.2Henry VIII & His Government

1.2.3Henry VIII & His Government 2

1.2.4End of Topic Test - Henry VIII Part 1

1.2.5Henry VIII & Succession

1.2.6Henry VIII's Relationship with Foreign Powers

1.2.7Henry VIII & Society

1.2.8End of Topic Test -Henry VIII Part 2

1.2.9Henry VIII & Society 2

1.2.10Henry VIII & Economic Development

1.2.11Henry VIII & Religion

1.2.12End of Topic Test - Henry VIII Part 3

2England: Turmoil & Triumph 1547-1603

2.1Instability & Consolidation 1547-1563

2.1.1Edward VI, Somerset & Northumberland

2.1.2Edward VI & Authority

2.1.3Edward VI & Relations with Foreign Powers

2.1.4End of Topic Test - Edward VI Part 1

2.1.5Edward VI & Rebellions

2.1.6Social Impact of Religious & Economic Changes

2.1.7Edward VI & Cultural Developments

2.1.8End of Topic Test - Edward VI Part 2

2.1.9Mary I & Her Rule

2.1.10Mary I & Relations with Foreign Powers

2.1.11The Social Impact of Religious & Economic Change

2.1.12End of Topic Test - Mary Part 1

2.1.13Elizabeth I & Her Rule

2.1.14Elizabeth I & Relations With Foreign Powers

2.1.15Impact of Economic, Social & Religious Change

2.1.16End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 1

2.2The Triumph of Elizabeth 1563-1603

2.2.1Elizabeth I & Court

2.2.2Elizabeth & Government

2.2.3Elizabeth I & Succession

2.2.4End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 2

2.2.5Mary Queen of Scots

2.2.6Relations with Spain

2.2.7End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 3

2.2.8Elizabeth I & Society

2.2.9Elizabeth I & Rebellion

2.2.10Elizabeth & Economic Development

2.2.11End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 4

2.2.12Elizabeth I & Religious Developments

2.2.13The English Renaissance

2.2.14Elizabeth's Last Years

2.2.15End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I Part 5

Jump to other topics