Henry VII and Cultural Development Flashcards
Papal authority
The Pope had authority over all spiritual matters. Church courts dealt with the clergy as well as laws concerning crimes such as blasphemy and heresy.
Church problems
Under Henry VII, the Roman Catholic Church was popular although it did have its issues. These included:
> Absenteeism – some parish priests rarely visited their parishes.
> Pluralism – some clergy had more than one position in the church. For example, one bishop might have more than one bishopric at a time.
> Simony – selling positions in the Church for money.
> Quality – some clergy did not observe their vows (including chastity) while others were ignorant of religion. Poorly educated priests were a problem because the Bible and services were in Latin.
Evidence of the Church’s popularity
Louth, Lincolnshire raised £350 for a new parish church. Many left the Church money or gifts in their wills. Over 60% of parish churches were renovated or rebuilt in the 15th century.
Alternative branches of Christianity
Lollardy was a movement that challenged Catholicism in England under Henry VII. The Roman Catholic Church condemned Lollardy as heresy. Some historians consider Lollardy a predecessor of Protestantism.
An intellectual movement
Humanism was an intellectual movement that was focussed on the potential of mankind. Humanism led scholars to rethink their views on religion and society. Humanist scholars believed education could improve the power of mankind. Humanism mainly focussed on the classical world (Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece).
Humanism and Henry VII
Henry VII’s reign coincided with the rise of humanism. Henry encouraged a cultural renaissance in England. For example, scholars from Italy came and taught at English universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Humanism and religion
Humanism had an impact on religion across Europe. Humanists criticised the low levels of education in the Church and among the laity (lay people). Humanists also accused the Catholic Church of being corrupt. They claimed that clergymen were exploiting (taking advantage of) their parishes. Although these ideas were important, the Catholic Church was still strong and traditional worship remained.
Influence of Erasmus
An influential humanist scholar was Erasmus (1466-1536). Key works written by Erasmus include ‘The Praise of Folie’ (1509), which criticises the Catholic Church for corruption, and ‘On the Freedom of the Will’ (1524), which attacks Luther’s theological ideas.
Printing press
The printing press was first created in Germany. In England, the first printing press was used in 1476. The printing press meant books and artwork were becoming far more accessible. This helped ideas spread, for example those of humanists. Printing contributed to the rise in literacy levels among the nobility and gentry.
The arts
Henry VII was a patron of the arts. So he supported musicians, poets, artists and architects. For example, John Skelton was employed to write poetry about England and Henry VII. Henry VII commissioned grand buildings, such as Richmond Palace and a chapel in Westminster Abbey. Magnificence in the arts was believed to reflect the virtue and strength of a monarch.
