King Henry the Eighth (28th June 1491 - 28th January 1547) |
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Henry's own aims focused now on reducing the wealth and influence of the Church. He closed down the monasteries. In 1536 there were over 800 monasteries, and over 10,000 monks and nuns in Britain.
By 1541 there were none. The King shared their land and money with his supporters. Many English people feared that being cut off from the Roman church would cut them off from God; others were worried by so much change. But for most, the King's actions were acceptable. His claims sounded "patriotic". Many people had been put off by dishonest or proud churchmen, and so felt they had got what they deserved. |
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Netley Abbey in Hampshire, closed by Henry VIII in 1536 Photograph © Netley Abbey Tartan Army, 2001-2003 |
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But Henry's own beliefs changed little. In earlier years, he had written a book in support of the Pope against Luther. He continued to believe most of what he wrote then. But he gave freedom to other men to make changes he himself would not do. So Thomas Cranmer prepared the Prayer Book that would come into use in the next reign. Thomas Cromwell, his "First Secretary", sponsored the translation of the Bible. And things like these prepared the way for more clearly Protestant changes later. Two other things that Henry did were vital. He himself sometimes supported reform. At other times he turned back to the old ways. But all the time, he protected Thomas Cranmer from his enemies. This allowed Cranmer to continue his work of revising the services of the church. And when his son, Edward, was young, he gave him tutors with firm Protestant beliefs. Edward became King at the age of 9 years. Because of Henry's actions, he was surrounded by advisers who would carry on the reform of the Church in ways Henry himself did not wish to. |
Thomas Cranmer |
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The Dissolution of the Monasteries |
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