The latter years of Henry's rule

Question 1

What happened with the fall of Catherine Howard?

Answer 1

-Henry realised his mistake of marrying Catherine and so her and two others were executed.

-Henry recognised Norfolk’s previous loyalty and so allowed him to withdraw from court.

-Cranmer broke the news of Catherine’s adultery and pre-marital affairs through a sealed envelope in a church service - scared of what Henry would do.

Question 2

What happened during the attack on Cranmer?

Answer 2

-Catholic faction accused Cranmer of being a heretic and had him arrested.

• Henry warned Cranmer of the plot and gave him his ring as a sign of trust.

-However, Henry could’ve stepped in sooner and stopped the arrest - Henry liked to embarrass his own ministers and reinforce that they were dependent on his own will.

• Henry allowed Cranmer to investigate and lead his own case, resulting to the charges being dropped.
• King stood by a loyal servant and couldn’t be manipulated - learned from his mistake.

Question 3

What happened during the attack on Catherine Parr?

Answer 3

• She sympathised with reformist and even Lutheran beliefs - more than the law allowed.
• Accusers presented Henry with evidence of her being a heretic and he allowed them to confront her with evidence.
• Parr then told Henry she would believe and follow whatever he wanted her to, which satisfied him.
• When her accusers arrived the next day they were met with abuse from Henry due to this treasonous act.

Shows Henry to be in control but he could’ve avoided the ordeal.

Question 4

What happened with the fall of Gardiner and Norfolk?

Answer 4

• Reformists triumphed in Henry’s final years and used trumped up charges to get Gardiner imprisoned.
• Earl of Surrey executed for putting part of the royal coat of arms on his emblem without permission - had a claim to the throne through Edward I.
• Norfolk and Gardiner imprisoned and executed and would’ve been executed if Henry hadn’t of died.

Question 5

What was Henry’s rule like?

Answer 5

• After the fall of Cromwell, Henry left the day-to-day running to the government, resulting in a downhill slide.
• Henry seen as more tyrannical as he aged and his health problems dominated.
• He lost control of government and factional struggles dominated, resulting in government becoming slow and chaotic.