Religion under Mary Flashcards
What were the Catholic leaders mentality?
Catholic leaders and writers wanted to inform not persuade- seeing heresy as a minor problem that a few burnings would solve- showing a misjudgment
How did the leaders fail to take advantage of Propaganda?
Nothing was made of the debates between Pole (?) and Cramner (?) Government failed to realise the potential literacy and printing. Critical works outnumbered supportive publications by 2:1
What tactics were used to persuade the public?
‘Dual Approach’ to restore Catholicism ‘Lost sheep’ mentality- they needed error of their ways to be pointed out Top Down Strategy The War of the Words Improve quality of the church
What did the Top Down Strategies consist of?
Strong leadership of the church was deemed as vital. Encouraged regular visitations to check finance and discipline of the clergy. 12 decrees established in 1555 for all parish priests to put an end to abuses Clerical education. Pole was chancellor of Cambridge and Oxford to make a link between the uni and church
Methods in the War of the Words?
Censorship policy in 1553- forbidding printing and seditious rumours Commission of all heresies At the end of the reign, possession of a treasonable book or slander towards Mary and Philip resulted in death.
Failures of the War of the Words?
Lack of consistency in the prosecutions to prevent smugglers. Imprisoned writers helped circulate literature. Protestant books were published abroad.
Positive actions in the religious persuasion
Numerous Sermons sponsored as St Paul Cross in London. Gardiner allowed reconstruction with Rome in 1554 Pro Government writers published tracts in defence of the regime
Failures in the religious persuasion
Mary failed to cultivate the cure of the monarchy. Like her father she didn’t inspire intellects. Few advisors studied abroad and most printers were protestant who left England at accession. Failed to keep up with demands and less able to sell their works for readership results.
When were heresy laws restored and trials and executions practiced?
December 1554 towards those who refused to accept the Catholic faith and practice
Evidence of victims in the burnings? How was the burnings views?
Hooper was burnt alive for nearly 3/4 of an hour. The process up to the burnings were also lengthy and delayed- possibly due to the war with France. But protestants were seen as martyrs. Saw themselves as imitating Jesus.
How were Martyrs treated by the crowds during the burnings?
Martyrs were supported by crowds in London as they were giving their life to a good cause. They would typically throw extra wood/ dynamite into the fire to speed up the death. They were popular for sympathisers
Where were the Burnings?
Mainly saturated in London. But London was the safest haven for protestants for them in spite of presence of central government.
What evidence do we have about the variations in opposition?
Apart from London, there was no evidence of strong reaction against the burnings.
Overall statistics of the burnings?
280 burned in 46 months. 5 bishops, 51 women- mainly in south east. Nearly half in London, Canterbury and Colchester.
What was part of the motivation for Marys zealotry?
Mary was strongly Catholic due to her dislike due to her mother and dislike of her father and actions.
Who helped Mary?
Cardinal Pole was helpful with measures improving quality of Church. Her family and friends helped.
Where did the idea for heresy come from?
Burnings were inspired by the Spanish Inquisition
What could protestants do if they were wealthy?
If they could afford it they were Marian Exiles and if not they stayed under the radar.
What was the significance of Cramner?
Cramner was the father protestant church The fact that he was both famous and old showed that no one is safe. Cramner didn’t expect execution. Cramner told people not to recant and burnt his hand in the flame first. John Foxe documented it in every detail to emphasise how unsettling the policy was
What was the significance of Philip?
Philip told Mary not to burn as it would cause problems (proving that he was not to blame for the burnings, which the press suggested)
How did Mary try to avoid the impressionable to watch?
Mary banned children and servant witnesses as didn’t want impressionable people watching.
How did the burnings impact Mary?
They affected her reputation despite it being a tradition across Europe. As she was the first female, she was called ‘bloody Mary’
Positives of Mary’s ‘carrot’?
Made churches pretty again which satisfied many. Persuaded toe commoners but was very expensive
What difficulties did Mary face in trying to persuade her nobles and simultaneously please the Popes?
Difficulty persuading nobles (a fundamental) Wanted to return lands Henry gave to the nobles back to Church- visited Parliament but they denied. Pope was head of the Church, taking away a lot of Mary’s power. She argued with the Pope (Julius III) as she couldn’t return land and (Paul IV) as he was anti-Spanish, Philip and Cardinal Pole
