Church and State - Prior to 1549

Question 1

Prior to 1529, how was the Roman Catholic Church influential in English affairs?

Answer 1

• Roman Catholic beliefs and practises permeated every aspect of peoples lives: performed marriages and funerals, key sources of alms for the poor and Church festivals were key events in people’s lives.

Question 2

How did the church provide a route to power and increased status in society.

Answer 2

• A source of education and learning - church and monasteries offered boys opportunities to read and write, and chance to attend Oxford or Cambridge/
• Career in the Church offered many opportunities to rise to the top of society, despite a lowly background like Wolsey.