Factions in the 1540s

Question 1

Thomas Cranmer

Answer 1

Archbishop of Canterbury.

Catholics accused Cranmer of heresy. Henry warned Cranmer of the plot, gave him a ring as a sign of confidence and ordered him to investigate the charges himself, they were dropped. Henry stood by a loyal servant, suggesting he was in control.

Its argued that Henry allowed Cranmer to be arrested to show his power before dropping charges

Question 2

Arrest of Catherine Parr

Answer 2

Catholics claimed Catherine Parr was a heretic. Henry allowed the accusers to confront her with the accusations but yelled abuse at them when they did. Once again a ploy to show he was in control

Question 3

Eval. of whether Henry VIII lost power in the 1540s

Answer 3

Still had power:

• Cranmer
• Catherine Parr arrest

Lost power:

• Henry was manipulated by the catholic faction to marry Catherine Howard and execute Cromwell, which he later regarded as a mistake
• Removal of Gardiner & Earl of Norfolk suggests he had lost control over the factions. Norfolk’s son was executed for putting part of the royal coat of arms on his crest without permission, and Norfolk was soon to be executed had Henry not died. Gardiner also removed