The Significance of Developments in Religion during the Henrician Reformation

Question 1

Question 1
What was the dominant religion in England & Wales before the Henrician Reformation?

Answer 1

Roman Catholicism

Note - It only became just Catholic after Henry VIII’s reign.

Question 2

Question 2
Who was the supreme authority on spiritual matters before 1509 in England?

Answer 2

The Pope, as Head of the Church.

Question 3

Question 3
How was the Catholic clergy structured?

Answer 3

With a hierarchical system, with the clergy holding authority over spiritual affairs

Question 4

Question 4
How did the Church play an integral role in daily life?

Answer 4

It was involved in Birth, Mass, Marriage & Death, guiding religious devotion throughout.

Think - Aneurin Bevan from the cradle to the grave.

Question 5

Question 5
What did people believe was necessary to secure a place in heaven?

Answer 5

Regular church attendance & showing devotion to God.

Question 6

Question 6
How did people support the Church financially after death?

Answer 6

• Left money to improve church buildings.
• Established chantries - Chapels where masses for dead were held.
• Believed donations reduced time in purgatory.

Question 7

Question 7
Why did Catholics believe Priests were necessary?

Answer 7

Acted as intermediaries, enabling people to speak to God.

Question 8

Question 8
How did donations benefit both individuals & the community?

Answer 8

• Secured personal spiritual benefits.
• Supported church upkeep & religious services for the community.

Question 9

Question 9
What were the Pope’s two main powers in the Roman Catholic Church?

Answer 9

• Spiritual Authority.
• Political Power.

Question 10

Question 10
What was ‘Spiritual Authority’ as a main power of the Pope?

Answer 10

God’s representative on Earth.

Question 11

Question 11
What was ‘Political Power’ as a main power of the Pope?

Answer 11

Head of the Papal States in Northern Italy.

Question 12

Question 12
Why were countries cautious about challenging the Pope?

Answer 12

Pope had major power, making it unwise for a nation to oppose him.

Question 13

Question 13
Why did the Pope avoid interfering in national governance?

Answer 13

The Erastian principle, this meant:
* The King controlled the state.
* The Church had authority over spiritual matters.

Question 14

Question 14
What was the role of the Papacy within the Church hierarchy?

Answer 14

Papacy was the highest spiritual authority, considered God’s representative on Earth.

Question 15

Question 15
What were the key ranks within the secular clergy?

Answer 15

• Roman Curia.
• Cardinals.
• Archbishops.
• Bishops.
• Parish Priests.

Question 16

Question 16
What were the two types of monastic orders?

Answer 16

• Enclosed Monastic Orders.
• Open Monastic Orders.

Question 17

Question 17
What was the Enclosed Monastic Orders as a type of Monastic Order?

Answer 17

Limited contact with society, devoted to worship & contemplation.

Question 18

Question 18
What was the Open Monastic Orders as a type of Monastic Order?

Answer 18

Worked within communities, including Augustinian, Franciscan & Dominican monks.

Question 19

Question 19
How was the Church involved in English governance?

Answer 19

• Clergy sat in House of Lords.
• Advised Monarch on spiritual & state affairs.
• Operated its own legal system, known as canon law.

Question 20

Question 20
How did the Church maintain financial strength?

Answer 20

• Tithes were paid by population.
• Church was a major landowner, providing work for peasants.
• Extremely wealthy, holding valuable items like art.

Question 21

Question 21
How did the Church shape everyday life?

Answer 21

• Influenced moral values of society.
• Served as community’s central institution, marking major life events.
• Preserved history & knowledge through libraries & archives.

Question 22

Question 22
Why did countries avoid conflict with the Pope?

Answer 22

• Aligning with Papacy was advantageous for rulers.
• Pope could call for Crusades, mobilizing military support.
• Papacy had power to approve marriages & legitimize territorial claims.

Question 23

Question 23
Why was the Church widely accepted before the Tudor period?

Answer 23

It was the traditional religious authority & cpnsequently was deeply integrated into society.

Question 24

Question 24
What minor sign of declining enthusiasm existed in religious orders?

Answer 24

Fewer abbeys, priories & friaries were being built.

Question 25

Question 25 How was the secular clergy generally viewed?

Answer 25

Mostly respected, via some discord emerged in London & South-East between priests & communities.

Question 26

Question 26 What were the main criticisms of the Lollards?

Answer 26

* Opposed Catholic Church's wealth & greed. * Demanded Bible in English, rather than Latin. * Believed Church was corrupt - considered heresy at the time.

Question 27

Question 27 During the period what were the Lollards views seen as?

Answer 27

Heresy.

Question 28

Question 28 What criticisms did Humanists have about parish priests?

Answer 28

* Felt many were poorly educated & lacked proper training. * Criticized worship of saints & sale of indulgences, believing they misled believers. * Concerned about Church wealth being used for luxury instead of charity or education.

Question 29

Question 29 How did Protestant beliefs differ from those of Lollards?

Answer 29

- Protestants rejected ritual-based salvation, believing faith alone granted God’s grace. - They argued individuals could connect directly with God, without Church intermediaries. ## Footnote An individuals relationship with God was the most important religious thing.

Question 30

Question 30 What does the term *'Annates & 1st Fruits'* mean?

Answer 30

This was money paid to Pope by clerics. They collected from land they controlled/ influenced.

Question 31

Question 31 What does the term *'Tithes'* mean?

Answer 31

1/10 of one’s earnings had to go to the Church.

Question 32

Question 32 What does the term *'Chantry'* mean?

Answer 32

Chapel or altar in a Church where masses are sung for the souls of the dead.

Question 33

Question 33 What does the term *'Sacrament'* mean

Answer 33

It is a ceremony which has fixed actions & words which bestow God’s grace on its participants. Catholics believe in seven sacraments. ## Footnote E.g. Baptism, Marriage, etc.

Question 34

Question 34 What does the term *'Purgatory'* mean?

Answer 34

Believed to be the place where the souls of the dead undergo a limited amount of suffering in order to achieve a state of purity before entering heaven.

Question 35

Question 35 How did Henry VIII use statute laws to achieve the break with Rome?

Answer 35

Used Acts of Parliament to secure his divorce & establish his supremacy over the Church.

Question 36

Question 36 What role did Thomas Cromwell play in the Reformation?

Answer 36

exploited Church’s weaknesses to pressure the Pope into granting an annulment. ## Footnote This meant the Church's nature & organisation was redefined.

Question 37

Question 37 Who was Christopher St German & what was his argument in 1528?

Answer 37

Lawyer who argued that English law was superior to Church canon law.

Question 38

Question 38 Why was St German’s argument in 1528 important?

Answer 38

Reinforced the belief, Henry’s authority surpassed the Church, weakening clerical power.

Question 39

Question 39 What major event led to the downfall of Cardinal Wolsey in 1529?

Answer 39

He was dismissed & accused of praemunire (acting in the Pope’s interests over the King’s). ## Footnote This meant he was acting in the Pope’s interests over the King’s.

Question 40

Question 40 How did the Pope react to Henry’s annulment request in 1529?

Answer 40

recalled the case to Rome, delaying Henry’s divorce further.

Question 41

Question 41 What was the significance of the Reformation Parliament - 1529-1536?

Answer 41

Played a critical role in passing laws that weakened the Pope’s authority & established Henry’s control over the Church.

Question 42

Question 42 How did Henry VIII humiliate Thomas More in 1529?

Answer 42

More was a devout Catholic & opposed Henry’s divorce. ## Footnote Henry publicly embarrassed him to tarnish the Church’s reputation.

Question 43

Question 43 What was the *'Collectanea Satis Copiosa'* compiled in 1530?

Answer 43

Collection of documents compiled by Thomas Cranmer & Edward Foxe, redefining the boundaries between Royal & Church power.

Question 44

Question 44 What argument did Cranmer & Foxe present in 1530?

Answer 44

Claimed that English kings had always held both secular & spiritual authority over the Church.

Question 45

Question 45 Why was Cramner & Foxe's arguements significant?

Answer 45

* Supported Henry’s annulment campaign, strengthening his position over the Pope. * Two respected theologians backed Henry, making it harder for the Church to oppose him. * Public perception shifted, with Henry appearing more powerful than the Papacy.

Question 46

Question 46 What charges were brought against the clergy in 1531?

Answer 46

Collectively accused of praemunire & fined £118,000.

Question 47

Question 47 How did Henry VIII use the charges in 1531 to his advantage?

Answer 47

* Pardoned the clergy but demanded recognition as ‘Protector & Supreme Head of the English Church’. * Clergy agreed, but added "as far as the law of Christ allows."

Question 48

Question 48 Why were the Events of 1531 important?

Answer 48

* A strategic move forcing the Church to acknowledge Henry’s spiritual authority. * Set the foundation for Henry’s later separation from Rome.

Question 49

Question 49 What did the Act in Conditional Restraint of Annates in 1532 do?

Answer 49

Withheld annates & most clerical taxes from Pope, redirecting them to Crown instead.

Question 50

Question 50 Why was the Act in Conditional Restraint of Annates significant?

Answer 50

* Reduced Church power by cutting its financial ties to Rome. * Strengthened Henry’s control over Church revenues. * Increased pressure on Pope to grant Henry’s annulment.

Question 51

Question 51 What was the Supplication Against the Ordinaries in 1532?

Answer 51

A petition by House of Commons, complaining Church had separate courts & laws independent of the King.

Question 52

Question 52 Why was the Supplication Against the Ordinaries in 1532 important?

Answer 52

* Showed Parliament's support for Henry's reforms. * Highlighted growing resentment toward clerical privilege. * Further undermined Church’s authority.

Question 53

Question 53 What did the Submission of the Clergy in 1532 establish?

Answer 53

* Church accepted Henry’s power to veto Church laws. * Existing Church laws were subject to review. * Henry could appoint bishops, even without Rome’s approval.

Question 54

Question 54 What was Thomas More’s reaction to the Submission of the Clergy in 1532?

Answer 54

Resigned as Lord Chancellor, opposing Henry’s religious policy.

Question 55

Question 55 What key Church leader died in 1532?

Answer 55

Archbishop of Canterbury.

Question 56

Question 56 Why did Henry want Thomas Cranmer appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1532?

Answer 56

He was a Protestant reformer, making systematic Church change easier for Henry.

Question 57

Question 57 What were the major consequences of the events of 1532?

Answer 57

* Henry’s spiritual authority over England strengthened. * Parliament actively supported reform, legitimising changes. * Church accepted significant limitations to its independence. * Cranmer’s appointment set stage for further Protestant influence.

Question 58

Question 58 Who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1533?

Answer 58

Thomas Cranmer, a Protestant reformer. ## Footnote Note - Henry appointed them, not the Pope.

Question 59

Question 59 Why was Cranmer’s appointment in 1533 significant?

Answer 59

* He was anti-Pope & supported Henry’s religious reforms. * His position enabled Henry to separate from Rome more easily.

Question 60

Question 60 When did Henry VIII secretly marry Anne Boleyn?

Answer 60

January 1533.

Question 61

Question 61 When was Princess Elizabeth born?

Answer 61

September 1533.

Question 62

Question 62 How did these events impact England’s future?

Answer 62

* Strengthened push for religious reform, by positioning Cranmer in power. * Further weakened ties with Rome, solidifying England’s break from Rome.

Question 63

Question 63 When was the Act in the Restraint of Appeals?

Answer 63

April 1533.

Question 64

Question 64 What was the purpose of the Act in Restraint of Appeals?

Answer 64

* Declared legal decisions made by King couldn't be challenged by Church or any foreign power. * Stated appeals to Rome in matrimonial cases were prohibited.

Question 65

Question 65 Who drafter the Act in Restraint of Appeals?

Answer 65

Thomas Cromwell, using theological support from Cranmer in the *'Collectanea'*.

Question 66

Question 66 When was the Act of the Submission of the Clergy?

Answer 66

March 1534.

Question 67

Question 67 What did the Act of the Submission of the Clergy establish?

Answer 67

* Gave Henry VIII control over convocation * Prevented English Church from communicating with Rome.

Question 68

Question 68 What is the Concovation?

Answer 68

the Church's Parliament.

Question 69

Question 69 When was the Dispensations Act?

Answer 69

March 1534.

Question 70

Question 70 What financial change did the Dispensations Act enforce?

Answer 70

Stopped all payments to Rome, ensuring Henry controlled ecclesiastical revenues.

Question 71

Question 71 What new authority was granted to the Archbishop of Canterbury as a result of the Dispensations Act?

Answer 71

Gained right to decide all legal cases that departed from Church law, replacing Rome.

Question 72

Question 72 When was the Act of Supremacy?

Answer 72

November 1534.

Question 73

Question 73 What did the Act of Supremacy declare?

Answer 73

* Recognized Henry VIII as ‘Supreme Head of the Church of England’. * Made denying this authority treason.

Question 74

Question 74 Why was the term ‘acknowledged’ significant in the Act of Supremacy?

Answer 74

* Parliament wasn't granting Henry new powers, instead formalising his pre-existing authority. * Eliminated Pope’s legal power in England.

Question 75

Question 75 When was the Treason Act?

Answer 75

December 1534.

Question 76

Question 76 What did the Treason Act criminalise?

Answer 76

* Criticising religious changes. * Opposing Henry’s marriage & succession.

Question 77

Question 77 How was the Treason Act used against Thomas More?

Answer 77

Refused to accept Henry’s supremacy over Pope, leading to his execution in 1535.

Question 78

Question 78 What were the six primary causes of Henry VIII’s break with Rome?

Answer 78

* Male heir desire. * Anne Boleyn's influence. * State of Church & Reformist ideas. * Need for more money. * Desire for greater power. * Henry’s own conscience & legitimacy concerns.

Question 79

Question 79 Why did Henry VIII seek a divorce from Catherine of Aragon?

Answer 79

Failed to provide a male heir, leaving Mary as the only surviving child.

Question 80

Question 80 Why was a male heir so important to Henry VIII?

Answer 80

Secure Tudor dynasty & avoid succession disputes.

Question 81

Question 81 Why did Henry VIII pursue Anne Boleyn?

Answer 81

* She refused to be his mistress, demanding marriage instead. * Henry hoped she'd bear him a male heir.

Question 82

Question 82 Why were some English people critical of the Catholic Church?

Answer 82

* Suspected corruption within Catholic Church. * Opposed Roman influence, but not Catholicism itself. ## Footnote Note - Most people in England were in favour of Catholicism.

Question 83

Question 83 Why did Henry VIII want control over Church finances?

Answer 83

* He wanted to be wealthier. * After fallout with Rome, he saw Church wealth as a means to strengthen his crown. * Probably didn;t like the fact the Pope was wealthier than him.

Question 84

Question 84 What made Henry VIII question his authority compared to the Pope’s?

Answer 84

* Pope refused to grant his divorce, showcasing greater power over him. * Henry resented this, leading him to assert his power

Question 85

Question 85 Why did Henry VIII need structural & ideological Church reforms?

Answer 85

Ensure his new child from Anne Boleyn would be morally & socially accepted in England.

Question 86

Question 86 What did the 1534 Act of the Submission of the Clergy establish?

Answer 86

* Gave Henry full control over Convocation. * Prevented clergy from contacting Rome, reinforcing royal authority.

Question 87

Question 87 How did the 1534 Act of Supremacy change Henry’s role?

Answer 87

* Declared Henry Supreme Head of the Church of England. * Removed all Papal legal authority in England, transferring it to Henry.

Question 88

Question 88 What did the 1534 Treason Act criminalise?

Answer 88

* Criticism of Church changes. * Opposition to Henry’s marriage & succession. * Made speaking against Henry reason, silencing resistance.

Question 89

Question 89 How did Henry VIII financially benefit from the Break with Rome?

Answer 89

* Redirected Annates & First Fruits into Crown revenues. * Fined Church, increasing his personal wealth.

Question 90

Question 90 How did Henry VIII strengthen his control over Church leadership?

Answer 90

* Gained power to appoint Bishops & Archbishops, controlling religious direction. * Ensured Church leaders aligned with his policies, reinforcing royal influence.

Question 91

Question 91 What major change did the Henrician Reformation introduce?

Answer 91

Henry VIII became Supreme Head of the Church of England, replacing the Pope.

Question 92

Question 92 What position did Thomas Cromwell hold in the Church?

Answer 92

Appointed ‘Vicegerent in Spirituals’. ## Footnote Essentially, making him Deputy Supreme Head of the Church of England.

Question 93

Question 93 How did Cromwell’s rank compare to Church officials?

Answer 93

Outranked every Bishop & Archbishop, but his role ceased to exist after his downfall.

Question 94

Question 94 What structural changes were introduced to improve the Church’s organization?

Answer 94

* Six new dioceses were created, each ruled by a Bishop. * Despite Henry & Cromwell’s dominance, spiritual authority remained with clergy.

Question 95

Question 95 Why were monasteries important to society?

Answer 95

* Provided prayers, shelter & sanctuary for Christians. * Created jobs on farms, as Church was a major landowner. * Served as centers for arts & learning, producing paintings, music & books.

Question 96

Question 96 What was Valor Ecclesiasticus - 1535?

Answer 96

Survey commissioned by Cromwell to evaluate Church’s wealth.

Question 97

Question 97 What were the 1535 Monastery Inspections?

Answer 97

* Six visitors conducted a tour of religious houses, documenting corruption. ## Footnote Note - Much of the 'evidence' was likely fabricated.

Question 98

Question 98 What did the 1536 Act for the Dissolution of the Monasteries establish?

Answer 98

* Monasteries earning less than £200 per year were closed. * Monks transferred to larger monasteries. * Heads of Monasteries were offered pensions. * Closure provoked Pilgrimage of Grace.

Question 99

Question 99 How did the 1539 Act for the Dissolution of Larger Monasteries extend closures?

Answer 99

Closed all religious houses, except chantries - Private chapels.

Question 100

Question 100 What was the Court of Augmentations - 1540?

Answer 100

Established to manage the property & income from dissolved monastic lands.

Question 101

Question 101 What did Henry VIII begin to do after with Monastic lands after 1540?

Answer 101

Sold former Monastic lands - 1543 - to finance wars with Scotland & France.

Question 102

Question 102 How much had Henry VIII made in Monastic lands by 1547?

Answer 102

£800,000, sparing the English people from higher taxes.

Question 103

Question 103 What was the King's Book?

Answer 103

* Revised earlier Protestant texts, reinforcing traditional Catholic beliefs. * Aimed to moderate extreme Protestantism allowed to exist earlier in Henry’s reign.

Question 104

Question 104 When was the King's Book published?

Answer 104

1543.

Question 105

Question 105 What happened to Protestant figures after 1540?

Answer 105

* Many reformers fell out of favour as Catholic influence resurged. * Thomas Cromwell, a key reformer, was executed in 1540.