The Reformation
History: KS3, topic 5.2.1
The Beginnings of Reform
People began to question the Catholic Church in the 14th century. One of the biggest challenges came from the Lollards.
John Wycliffe
- John Wycliffe was the leader of the Lollards.
- He was born in Yorkshire, England in the 1330s.
The Lollards
- The Lollards wanted to reform the Church.
- The Lollards did not believe in ‘transubstantiation’.
- This is the idea that the substance of the wine and bread in communion becomes Christ's body and blood.
Limited success
- The Lollards did not successfully reform the Church.
- The Lollards were called ‘heretics’ (someone who believes in something different from the established Church) by the State.
Impact on the Reformation
- Whilst Lollardy was not successful in itself, Wycliffe and his followers openly criticised the Church.
- This would continue and build up to the Reformation.
Test yourself on The Reformation
Who was the leader of the Lollards?
What did the Lollards want to reform but were not successful?