Intellectual Developments

Question 1

EdVI’s reign witnessed a contest between which two reforming traditions?

Answer 1

1. Tradition of evangelical humanism - associated with those who identified with teachings of Erasmus
2. More radical forms of Protestantism

Question 2

In what ways did moderate humanism still exert influence?

Answer 2

• Archbishop Cranmer influenced by humanism
• 1547 Injunctions required each parish to acquire a copy of paraphrases of Erasmus
• Humanist Sir John Cheke had been EdVI’s tutor
• Humanist writer Nicholas Udall received govt encouragement
• William Cecil, then junior Secretary of State during N’land, encouraged humanist scholars at Cambridge
• Humanist-influenced reformers Peter Martyr and Martin Bucer invited to work in Eng. Cranmer secured for Bucer a crown appt as Professor of Divinity at Cambridge
• Great Lutheran and humanist scholar Philip Melanchthon, leading continental moderate reformer, invited to be Bucer’s replacement .

Question 3

Why did a more militant approach to reform gain pace under N’land?

Answer 3

• Strained relationship between N’land and Cranmer
• N’land under influence of radical figure John Hooper - Cranmer found him divisive.

Question 4

What did the death of EdVI do?

Answer 4

Destroyed both contending groups

Question 5

Summarise the impact of religious change during EdVI’s reign?

Answer 5

• Profound - never before had Eng population been subjected to so much religious change so quickly.
• For many the experience was disorientating
• Rather than criticising govt for dealing ineptly with rebellions, they should be praised for implementing the policy with so little disruption.