4: Challenging Religious Changes, 1533-37 Flashcards
What was the break with Rome?
Between 1533 and 1537, Henry VIII renounced the authority of the pope in Rome and created the
Church of England of which he was the Supreme head.
What was the opposition to Henry VIII concerning the religious changes
passed a parliamentary legislation legitimizing the Break from Rome therefore had to befollowed.
Those who opposed were punished.
The 1534 Treason act, prosecuted people who
refused to swear oath as traitors.
This resulted in the removal of political opponents eg. Thomas Moore and Bishop Fisher, causing fear and suspicion.
What were the political causes of the 1536 rebellions?
-Cromwell had different motives. He was a Protestant and disliked the monasteries.
-The act of succession delegitimised the Catholic Princess Mary and referred to as the Lady
Mary as well as declaring Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon to be legal.
What were the religious causes of the 1536 rebellions?
- Monks and nuns recognised the Pope as the head of the Church in England.
- The dissolution of the monasteries.
- Taxed for religious ceremonies eg. weddings, baptisms.
What were the economic causes of the 1536 rebellions>
-Henry VIII had spent most of his father’s fortune on pointless wars and had a lavish lifestyle to
show his power, and with the the break from Rome, England became an enemy to Catholic countries so the money from the monasteries would support any future wars and support his lifestyle.
-Church owned up to 30% of the land in England, and the monasteries took much of this up. wealthy, and Henry believed he could put their wealth to better
use
- High taxes to be paid
What were the social causes of the 1536 rebellions?
The early monasteries had provided hospitals, charity, shelter and education amongst many
other things.
What was the Lincolshire rising?
- There were visitations of clergy at Louth, rumours spread about Church being seized by govt.
- 3000 met at Louth,
- 9th October spreads to Caistor and Horncastle. Dr Raynes Chancellor of Bishop of Lincoln killed.
- Rebels draw up petition expressing dissatisfaction of DoMs and ‘evil counsel’ of Cromwell and Rich. March to Lincoln with 10,000 men,
- another set of articles sent to King. Duke of Suffolk offers pardon, rebels go home 11th October.
What was the Pilgrimage of Grace?
- Rising in Yorkshire – rumours of wholesale monastic closures, Aske assumed control of revolt in East Riding of Yorkshire.
- Adopts title PoG, revises Lincolnshire demands, emphasis on preserving Church.
- 10th October – rebels move North, recruit nobility/ gentry e.g. Lord Hussey and Darcy, commons, yeomen, clergy. 30,000 men, took York, moved to Pontefract, castle handed to them by Darcy.
- 11th October – take Barnard Castle, further rebellions in Cumberland, Westmorland, rebels covered North and North East.
What were the Pontefract Articles?
-24 demands, some of which:
-legitimization of Mary
-“evil councillors” to be dismissed e.g cromwell,
end to closure of monasteries,
restoration with Rome,
meeting of Parliament in York
What was Bigods rising in 1537?
Henry denies demands
How did the mistakes of the rebels contribute to the failure of the rebellion?
-Loyalty to Henry and conviction to moral righteousness meant Aske was too willing to accept concession
by Norfolk
-Pontefract Articles gave Henry time he needed to send army
-refusal to consider force, willingness to accept
King’s word
How did Henrys strengths contribute to the failure of the rebellion?
-Initially hard-line line response, convinced of erastian kingship, threaten severe punishment, yet Duke
of Norfolk persuaded him to change response.
-Series of promises (northern parliament, pardon, truce) but nothing in writing, rebels unable to prove anything.
-Backed by Duke of Suffolk and Norfolk – forced rebels to think twice and forced nobility to flee out of fear of treason, loss of lands.
-Patronage kept Derby’s and Clifford’s loyal, most important noble families not involved
How did the Duke of Norfolk contribute to the failure of the rebellion?
convinced Henry to negotiate with rebels, suggest parliament in North, member of conservative faction
(Catholic) meant rebels trusted him. Defeat army four times larger than his own without force.
Persuaded rebels, Aske, Darcy to go to Court, declared martial law.
Acted as negotiator, enforcer in north, reasserted royal power.
How significant was the rebellion in terms of support?
-Largest rebellion in 16th century, 5 northern counties, nobility/ gentry/ clergy/ commons
30,000-40,000 compared to 8,000 royal army, powerful noble families, couldn’t rely on JPs – Darcy, Hussy, Percy.
-Aske and Bowes lawyers with status in North. Major towns like Hull and York captured.
However due to patronage most noble families remained loyal
How significant was the rebellion in terms of leadership?
-Knowledge of legal procedure, speaking skills made Aske effective leader. Demands of rebels drawn up, peaceful and for common good. Negotiate with gentry and nobility,
-Aske spoke with Lord Darcy at Pontefract to convince him to join, spoke with Duke of Norfolk. Refused to use
violence, pilgrim not rebellion, attracted landed gentry, negotiation.
