Henrician Reformation Flashcards
What is meant by Henry VIII ‘Great Matter’
His desire for an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon
Why did Henry want a divorce
His desire for a male heir
-Catherine had failed to provide him a male heir and only gave birth to a girl, Mary I, and so he sought to replace her with his new love interest; Anne Boleyn
How long did the kings great matter occupy royal and givernment business for
1527-34
Examples of people who criticised the Roman Catholic Church
-John Wycliffe: (14th century)
His followers were known as the Lollards and they had attacked the Church for losing sight of the scriptures and becoming too ritualistic. The Lollards were persecuted by both the state and the Church and driven underground, however their ideas influenced the reformation
-Martin Luther: A Monk in Wittenburg, Germany, 1517
Nailed his 95 thesis to the door of the Cathedral ( a way of instigating debate). His analysis of the faults and corruption of the Church attracted followers within Germany, who became known as Protestants.
How did Protestantism spread across Europe
-Their ideas spread along trade routes across the North
Sea and England.
The number of Protestants in England was small but they had some influence through the positions they held in the universities, London and even in the King’s court and Church. The early protestants drew influence and emphasised their continuity with the Lollards.
When did Henry VIII become King
1509
Who was first entrusted with the job of securing Henry’s divorce
Thomas Wolsey (1927-29)
What position did Wolsey hold in the Church
Cardinal of the Church
How did Wolsey attempt to get Henry a divorce and why was it a fail
-Travelled to Rome and plead Henry’s cause, however, the recent sack of Rome by Charles V of Spain, nephew of Catherine, meant that the Pope, Clement VII, was not in the position to grant an annulment
-Instead, Cardinal Compeggio was sent to London to conduct hearings at which Catherine gave evidence
When did Henry dismiss Wolsey and who did he give the task of the ‘Great Matter’ to
1929
Thomas Cromwell
Why was Wolsey often called ‘Alter rex’ (second King)
-Henry was not interested in the political aspect of running the country, only the idea of being King, and so these matters were handed to Wolsey to deal with
Why was Wolsey seen as the ‘Epitome of Clerical Abuses’
-He had an accumulation of wealth and power (led a lavish lifestyle and even built Hampton Court Palace) which contradicted the values of the Church as he held a significant position as Cardinal. He was also an advisor of Henry
-Additionally, despite Cardinal’s not being allowed to marry or have children, he did.
Why did Wolsey fall from power
-Failed to get Henry his annulment. Henry began to lose trust in him. His wealth led to accusations of corruption and clerical abuses. He was later arrested, however died before he could face trial
What was the Amicable Grant
-1523, Wolsey was tasked with finding money to finance an invasion of France.
The Amicable Grant : priests and to pay 1/3 of their income, others pay 1/6. Many refused to pay and rebellion broke out in Suffolk
What solution did Cromwell find for Henry’s divorce
-Unlike Wolsey, Cromwell bypassed the Pope completely by declaring that Henry was the only one who could grant an annulment to a marriage in England
