Key debate 3: Did the Pilgrimage of Grace slow down the pace of religious change?

Question 1

Key points:

Answer 1

• PoG slowed the pace of change

* Rate of change increased and traditional practices came under further attack.

Question 2

PoG slowed the pace of change:

Answer 2

• Gov agreed to allow smaller monasteries, which the Pilgrims had restored, to stand until a new parliament in the north met. (Promise not kept)
• 1537 Bishops’ Book introduced.
- restored many conservative religious practices.
- recognised 4 lost sacraments absent since 10 articles of 1536.
• Attack on some reformist practices
E.g. radical preaching, clerical marriage
• Cromwell (orchestrator of radical religious changes) removed from power 1540.
• Act of Six Articles 1539.
- Confirmed a number of Catholic practices,
e.g. transubstantiation, private masses, priest confession.
• Arguably made Henry more cautious

Question 3

Pace of religious change increased and traditional practices came under further attack:

Answer 3

• Closure by 1540 of all the monastic houses.
- Rising showed Henry loyalty of monks could not be assured, therefore dissolving larger monasteries. (Had not previously intended?)
- Abbots hanged from the walls of their monasteries if they resisted.
• Cromwell did not fall until 1540 - due to PoG or failed marriage of Henry to Anne of Cleves?
• Religious reform was not stopped and the pace increased under Edward.
• Bible reform.
- Matthew Bible 1537; distinctly reformist and had King’s permission.
- Great Bible 1539; reinforced royal supremacy.
• Injunctions of 1538 attacked pilgrimages and holy relics.