A2 FP1 : Edward VI, Religious Changes under Somerset Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was Somerset’s approach to religion?
Religious policy under Edward saw a considerbale move towards protestantism ; Somerset had personal sympathy towards key protestant ideas however he recognised the sensitivity needed in making religious changes, adopting a moderate, cautious approach.
What lead to the increase of Protestantism in England under Somerset?
Henry VIII’s death lead to an influx of exiled protestants returning to England, leading to radical ideas being spread ; reform faction was in control of government ; relaxation of press censorship led to a massive increase of the number of pamphlets and writings against Catholicism in circulation ; approx 20% of London’s population were protestants, as well as majorities in areas like Kent, East Sussex and East Anglia.
What and when was Cranmner’s book of Homilies and paraphrases?
July 1547, made disobedience to the king a mortal sin and was established in nearly all Parish Churches by 1549.
What and when was the denunciation of images in london?
February 1547, Reflected the radical views of churchmen, such as ridley, and lead to widespread iconoclasm.
What and when were the Royal Injunctions?
February 1547, Preaching in English established along with an English Bible, superstitious images removed. Attacked many features of Catholicism, e.g Stained Glass Windows, processions and Ash Wednesday.
What and when were the dissolution of the Chantries and Religious Guilds?
December 1547, condemned all prayers for the dead, chantries + Religious guilds dissolved, propery siezed by the crown.
When was the Act of Six Articles repealed?
The Act of Six Articles was repealed in December 1547, it was part of the treason act which ended the heresy and censorship laws.
What were the terms of the New Book of Common Prayer?
The New Book of Common Pray,er 1549, created a uniform approach to religious services, English became the language of worship, congregations offered both wine and bread during communion.
Ultimately, what was religious change like?
Didn’t go as far as to create a new protestant church, services were conducted along familiar lines with priests who dressed and behaved like always.
Cranmer’s prayer book was a masterpiece of vagueness that did not entirely deny transubstantiation.
What was the social impact of religious changes under Somerset?
- Amounted to a sustained attack on the religious experiences of ordinary people,
- Injunctions of 1547 attacked many traditional Catholic practices,
- Dissolution of the Chantries destoryed one means of connecting to the dead for the communities they were part of.
- Attack on Guilds and Confraternities meant that the crown confiscated property which had previously underpinned charitable acts, feasts and celebrations.
There was widespread fear that this would only be the start of the systematic asset-stripping of the Church.
