The Kings Annulment

Question 1

Cromwell challenging the Pope

Answer 1

Cromwell realised the Pope would never grant the annulment.

He proposed that Parliament should pass in law transferring the power to grant an annulment from the Pope to Henry himself.

Question 2

Anne Boleyn’s pregnancy

Answer 2

By January 1533 Anne was pregnant and Henry had to marry her quickly to ensure the child would be legitimate.

Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer secretly married.

But in the eyes of the Catholic Church Henry was still married to Catherine.

Question 3

Act in restraint of appeals 1533

Answer 3

Stated that England was not subject to foreign rule and made Henry the supreme head of England.

Meaning he could now grant his own annulment.

Question 4

Cranmer and the annulment

Answer 4

Cranmer lead the annulment case and announced that the original papal dispensation for Henry and Catherine‘s marriage was not valid so they had never be married and therefore his marriage to Anne was the legal one.

Question 5

Gaining Henry’s favour

Answer 5

Securing the annulment gained Cromwell the role of chief minister for Henry.