The Annulment

Question 1

What evidence suggests religion was Henry’s main reason for wanting an annulment?

Answer 1

• Leviticus 20:21 states that a man marrying his brother’s widow is ‘unclean’ and will make the couple barren
• The Pope had named Henry ‘Defender of the Faith’ in 1521 after he wrote an essay criticising Martin Luther

Question 2

What evidence suggests religion was NOT Henry’s main reason for wanting an annulment?

COUNTER SK

Answer 2

• Henry had many mistresses e.g. Elizabeth Blount and Anne Boleyn’s sister Mary - even had an illegitimate son with one - Henry Fitzroy

Question 3

What evidence suggests lack of a male heir was Henry’s main reason for wanting an annulment?

Answer 3

• There was no precedent for a queen regnant (last queen had been Matila in 12th Century)
• Catherine was beyond childbearing age - had a miscarriage, 4 children who died during infancy the only surviving child being Mary
• Henry had even considered promoting Fitzroy to heir status - sent him to run the Council of the North to gain experience of government

Question 4

What evidence suggests lack of a male heir was NOT Henry’s main reason for wanting an annulment?

COUNTER SK

Answer 4

• Henry had been able to use Mary as a negotiation tool arranging potential marriages to Charles V and the French heir

CONSENSUS: Could have done this with a male heir too without risk of losing power once married - was a concern when Mary ultimately did take the throne and married Philip

Question 5

What evidence suggests love for Anne Boleyn was Henry’s main reason for wanting an annulment?

Answer 5

• Henry wrote her a series of passionate love letters proving his infatuation with her - “henceforth, my heart shall be dedicated to you alone”
• In Easter 1527 Henry tried to persuade Anne to his mistress but she refused - wanted to be his wife. Secret arrangements for annulment began in May. July 1527 both agree to marry once annulment is complete

Question 6

What evidence suggests love for Anne Boleyn was NOT Henry’s main reason for wanting an annulment?

COUNTER SK

Answer 6

Executed Anne in 1536, only 3 years after they married - love for her was clearly temporal and superficial whereas desire for male heir was lasting

Question 7

What suggests Wolsey’s tactics were why he failed to get an annulment?

Answer 7

• As cardinal and papal legate he was expected to have sway over the pope but was unable to convince Pope Clement to be in Henry’s favour
• Campeggio had delaying tactics - arrived late (only got to England in October 1528) and suspended proceedings in July 1529 claiming this was when Roman courts went on break

Question 8

What suggests that Catherine’s supporters where why Wolsey failed to get an annulment?

Answer 8

• Her nephew was Charles V who dominated the pope and didn’t want to see his aunt embarassed
• Had powerful supporters in England such as Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher
• In June 1529 she came to Blackfriars Court and knelt before Henry pleading to not be cast aside - earned her a lot of sympathy