2.1.1
Henry VIII's Protestant Legacy
Henry VIII and the Reformation
Henry VIII and the Reformation
Whilst Luther’s ideas were spreading across Europe, King Henry VIII was having troubles with the Catholic Church. He ended up breaking away from Rome (the heart of the Catholic Church) and made himself head of the Church of England.
Henry VIII’s marriage
Henry VIII’s marriage
- Henry VIII was married to Catherine of Aragon.
- Catherine of Aragon was the widow of Henry VIII’s brother, Arthur.
- Henry VIII and his wife had a daughter, called Mary, but no son.
- Henry VIII wanted to produce a male heir to continue the Tudor dynasty.
Henry VIII wanted a divorce
Henry VIII wanted a divorce
- Henry VIII wanted to divorce Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn.
- However, the Pope refused to grant Henry VIII’s divorce.
Breaking from Rome
Breaking from Rome
- Henry VIII decided to marry Anne Boleyn in secret.
- Henry VIII and his advisor, Thomas Cromwell, decided that the Church of England should break away from Rome.
- Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England.
Impact of Henry VIII's Reformation
Impact of Henry VIII's Reformation
Henry VIII became head of the Church of England. However, he did not consider himself a Protestant.
Impact of Henry VIII's Reformation
Impact of Henry VIII's Reformation
- Henry VIII became very rich as he took the wealth of monasteries across England.
- Many people were not pleased with the Reformation.
- There were several rebellions, such as the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536.
How Protestant was Henry VIII's Reformation
How Protestant was Henry VIII's Reformation
- Protestantism grew under Henry VIII.
- Thomas Cromwell, his chief advisor, was Protestant.
- Henry VIII’s son, Edward, was raised as a Protestant.
- Henry VIII translated the Bible into the vernacular (English).
Did Henry VIII remain Catholic?
Did Henry VIII remain Catholic?
- However, Henry VIII did not consider himself Protestant and his Six Articles (passed in 1539) suggest that he wanted Catholic worship to continue in England.
Edward VI and the Reformation
Edward VI and the Reformation
Edward VI reformed the Church and made it far more Protestant.
Edward's Protectorate
Edward's Protectorate
- Edward VI came to power when he was nine.
- He was too young to rule England, so political advisors, called ‘Protectors’, ruled England for him.
- Key advisors included Lord Somerset and Lord Northumberland.
Protestant reforms
Protestant reforms
- Under Edward VI, the Church became much more Protestant.
- Priests could marry (they were not allowed to be married in the Catholic Church).
- A ‘Book of Common Prayer’ was published. This removed elements of the Catholic mass.
- Visually, Churches were changed too.
- Pictures, statues and stained glass windows were removed. Clergymen had to wear simple robes.
Impact of reforms
Impact of reforms
- Some people did not like Edward VI’s reforms.
- There was a rebellion in Devon and Cornwall in 1549.
- This was particularly targeted against the Book of Common Prayer.
- Protestant preachers were encouraged to spread the Protestant message.
Mary I
Mary I
- Some of the Catholic Church’s land in England was now privately owned, so there was a vested interest in keeping the reformation.
- Mary I was a Catholic who succeeded Edward VI. The Pope became head of the Church again and Protestants were persecuted with almost 300 executed.
1Queen, Government & Religion
1.1Elizabeth I & her Court
2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad
2.1The Religious Settlement
3Elizabethan Society 1558-88
3.1Education & Leisure
3.2The Poor & Living Standards
Jump to other topics
1Queen, Government & Religion
1.1Elizabeth I & her Court
2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad
2.1The Religious Settlement
3Elizabethan Society 1558-88
3.1Education & Leisure
3.2The Poor & Living Standards
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered