Henry VIII: Religion - The Spread of Protestant Ideas in Court

Question 1

When did Henry start to encourage criticism of the Pope and the English clergy?

Answer 1

• 1529 onwards

Question 2

Why did Henry encourage criticism of the Pope and the clergy?

Answer 2

• Allowed those who demanded reform to speak openly to pressure the Pope to grant him a divorce

Question 3

How did this freedom to criticise the Pope affect the spread of Protestant ideas?

Answer 3

• Offered reformers relief from persecution and a chance to influence England’s future
• Enabled reformers to develop ideas, increase support and gain influence within government and Church

Question 4

What factors helped spread Protestant ideas?

Answer 4

• The King’s divorce
• Growing influence of Protestant sympathisers e.g Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell

Question 5

List different ways Anne Boleyn impacted the spread of Protestant ideas

Answer 5

• Showed Henry the work of Tyndale
• Protected heretics like Robert Forman in London
• Encouraged appointment of reformers to positions of power and influence within Church

Question 6

Which piece of work by William Tyndale did Anne Boleyn show to Henry?

Answer 6

• Showed Henry ‘The Obedience of the Christian Man’
• It argued kings had authority from God
• It argued royal authority was greater than any other power (including Pope)
• Was banned in England in 1528, but Anne Boleyn showed Henry a copy

Question 7

Which individuals got appointed to positions of power due to Anne Boleyn?

Answer 7

• Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Shaxton (been accused of heresy) were appointed to bishops’ posts
• In 1532, Thomas Cranmer was appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury

Question 8

How was court and the government impacted by the spread of Protestant ideas?

Answer 8

• By 1536, individuals who favoured Luther’s reforms were firmly established in government
• Henry frowned upon changes to doctrine, but these individuals still influenced religious debate at court