Henry: the influence of faction Flashcards
Why was there a lack of direct opposition by the Church and Pope to the Acts of Parliament which dismantled the historic relationship between England and Rome?
- at the time it was believed the work of the Reformation Parliament would be reversed and England return to its previous relationship
- initial intention to pressure Pope into granting annulment had been achieved so it was assumed that a reconciliation would be found
- once papacy was out of control of Charles V, it was thought that an agreement between England Rome would be negotiated
How did the Acts themselves restrict the Pope’s opposition?
- especially the Restraint of Appeals - removed any means by which England could appeal to Rome and Rome could respond
Why didn’t the bishops in the House of Lords challenge Henry?
- appointed by king
- dependent on him
- had seen Henry charge Wolsey with praemunire and they feared the same threat
Cromwell carefully managed the Legislation passed by the Reformation Parliament to achieve the desired outcome. What was his clear agenda?
- to reduce power of Catholic Church because the corresponding increase in power of state, Parliament and king, would also increase his own influence and control
How did Cromwell use his influence to refocus parliamentary legislation?
- away from failing attempts to pressure the Pope
- towards the establishment of an independent state
Cranmer was an important figure in the Court faction. Where did his real skill lie?
- in promoting intellectual justifications for the divorce campaign while recognising Henry’s resistance to religious change and hatred of heretical ideas
Examples of universities used for opinion
- Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, Poland
What were the main focuses of debates?
- interpretation of biblical law in context of consummation/ non-consummation
- technicalities of the original dispensation
What document did Cranmer produce? What did it say?
- Collectanea Satis Copiosa
- collection of historical documents compiled to prove that kings of England had no superiors on Earth
- had evidence from Bede
- English bishops had right to pronounce on Henry’s divorce without reference to Rome
What significance did the Collectanea Satis Copiosa have?
- major significance for the constitution
- thinking remained hypothetical but with the Pope’s failure to respond, Henry was encouraged to use this intellectual justification to assume powers that would make granting of the annulment legal
- legislation would need to be passed which established right to hear cases in England rather than refer them to Rome
What were the origins of the Aragonese faction?
- actually began in opposition to power and influence exercised by Cardinal Wolsey
What were Thomas More’s relations with the Reformation Parliament etc?
- when appointed Chancellor in 1529, Henry promised he wouldn’t be involved in negotiations with Pope
- May 1532: More resigned - wanted to remain in support for Catholic Church but not publically comment on break
- declined to attend coronation
- Cromwell took opportunity to publicly destroy him - called to take oath and refused
- imprisoned
- argued his silence meant he hadn’t broken the law
- tried for treason
- beheaded
When and where was More tried for treason?
- 1st July 1535
- Westminster
Who gave evidence against More?
- Richard Rich
What evidence was brought again More? (untrue)
- stated that he had visited More in cell and he had spoken out against oath - “Parliament could not make the king Supreme Head of the Church”
