Henry VIII after 1529 faction

Question 1

What are the arguments Henry was manipulated by faction?

Answer 1

Removal of cromwell left him in charge of day to day events. His ill health resulted in loss of control and faction taking over, decisions were either too slow or made with so much speed that chaos ensued

Question 2

What are the arguments Henry wasn’t manipulated by faction?

Answer 2

He remained in control and was aware of attempts to manipulate him, used a policy of divide and rule to strengthen his own position and prevent dominance
Henry remained in power until others took over due to illness and acted on his behalf

Question 3

Use of catherine howard showing Henry WAS manipulated by faction

Answer 3

• Used by Norfolk and supporters to engineer fall of Cromwell
• Opponents of Catholic faction quick to seize on development of Catherine’s boredom with Henry, with Cranmer breaking news of premarital affairs and adultery through a letter
• Henry didn’t want to believe developments, he was forced to face reality
• Catherine and others implied executed

Question 4

Use of catherine howard showing Henry WAS NOT manipulated by faction

Answer 4

• Recognised Norfolk had been a loyal servant and allowed him to withdraw from court
• Became more realistic in final wife choice- she reunited family and aided Henry in his ill health

Question 5

The attacks on Thomas Cranmer showing Henry WAS NOT manipulated by faction

Answer 5

Cranmer vulnerable to attack from Catholic faction, wanted him arrested- Henry warned Cranmer of plot, Cranmer able to investigate his charges himself, dropped. Shows he was in full control. It can be argued he could have prevented case from happening, however overall had the final say and managed to come out triumphant (by letting Cranmer free, who had been loyal to him with divorce)

Question 6

The arrest of Catherine Parr showing Henry WASN’T manipulated by faction

Answer 6

Catherine Parr accused of heresy (Lutheran beliefs), Henry gave accusers permission to confront her. She told Henry she would follow his beliefs and this satisfied Henry, but he didn’t tell opponents and they were greeted with abuse for attempted treason. Displays full control and Henry’s enjoyment of court intrigue.

Question 7

The arrest of Catherine Parr showing Henry WAS manipulated by faction

Answer 7

He left his wife subject to a severe ordeal that could have been avoided- however was this on purpose? Showing he truly did have control?

Question 8

The fall of Gardiner and Norfolk showing Henry WAS manipulated by faction

Answer 8

False charge brought against Gardiner that he refused to grant some of his lands to the king brought about his downfall- his fall over a minor issue shows reformist ascendancy
Norfolk’s son, who supposedly had a good claim to the throne, was executed. Norfolk was arrested and would have been executed if Henry had not died.
TRIUMPH of reformist faction