Section 1, Chapter 1 Flashcards
The political and social role of the Church
The structure of the Church in England at the beginning of the 16th century.
Pope → Secular clergy → Cardinals → Archbishops → Bishops → Parish priests → Other orders
What powers did the Pope have?
He could draw up non-secular laws which applied to the whole of Christendom.
What members of the Church also sat in the House of Lords?
Abbots and bishops
What was the highest position of power in the Church in England
Archbishop of Canterbury followed by the Archbishop of York.
What were the roles of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey?
- He was the principal advisor to the king.
- As Chancellor he had ultimate authority of the legal system.
- As Cardinal he held an important position in the Catholic Church.
- As Archbishop of York he held the 2nd most important religious role in Britain.
- As ‘legatus a latere’ he had the right to act on behalf of the Pope.
What was Church law know as?
Canon Law
How many parishes were there across England?
9000
How much did the Church receive every year in taxation and religious fees from England?
£4500
How much did Henry VIII receive every year in taxation and religious fees from England?
£12,500
What was the name of the annual tax paid by every house to Rome?
Peter pence
How much money was the annual tax to Rome?
1 penny
How many miles away was a parish from a monastery?
4 miles
What would happen to you if you were found guilty in a Church court (for a charge other than heresy)?
You could be fined or imprisoned
What would happen to you if you were found guilty of heresy?
You were executed
What was the other role of the church courts?
Proving wills.
What were most parishes built of?
Stone
What was the high alter used for?
- Masses held on a Sunday
- Masses held on holy days
- The reserved sacrament was held there.
What happened in chantry chapels?
Masses were said for souls of the dead.
What was ‘year’s mind’?
When you held a mass for the anniversary of a death.
How many monasteries were there when Henry VIII ascended to the throne?
850 institutions
What happened in rural abbeys?
Prayer and learning
What were the roles of the monks who lived in the priories?
- Worked within the community
- Pray
- Help the poor and sick
- Provided education to the sons of the nobility and gentry.
What jobs did the land around monasteries provide?
- Arable farms produced food
- Employment for labourers
- Producers of wool
- Selective breeding of sheep
What were abbeys producing by the 16th century?
Iron