The Reformation in England
History: KS3, topic 5.2.4
Henry VIII and the Reformation
Whilst Luther’s ideas were spreading across Europe, King Henry VIII was having troubles with the Catholic Church. Henry VIII 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 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 wanting 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
- 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.
Test yourself on The Reformation in England
Why did Henry VIII want to divorce Catherine of Aragon?
Who was Henry VIII's advisor?