English reformation

Peter’s Pence

A tax to Rome in order to restore the rights of sacraments in Britain after the Pope took them away when King John had a disagreement with him. Disliked by the English.

Wycliffe

Founder of the Lollards and convicted heretic in the Catholic Church. Were present in England for years before the Reformation. 

Lollardism

Wycliffe-inspired pre-reformation beliefs. Advocated for a Christ-like life of evangelical poverty. Heavily persecuted by English monarchs and deemed heretical.

Henry VII Tudor

Took the throne from Richard III in battle, tenuous claim to the throne, really is the only one left after the War of the Roses killed everyone. Marries Elizabeth of York to cement claim to the throne.

Catherine of Aragon

Habsburg princess of Spain, marries Arthur Tutor as a means to secure a political alliance, and then Henry VIII after Arthur dies. Henry VIII cannot produce an heir with her, so she was banished. Mary Tutor is their child.

Arthur Tutor

Eldest son of Henry VII, married Catherine of Aragon to secure a political alliance with the Habsburgs and then dies shortly after.

Mary Tudor

Daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Catholic, almost Spanish princess, more like her mother. Eventually becomes queen, attempts to reverse the English Reformation and persecutes English Protestants leading her to be known as “Bloody Mary.”

Wolsey

Cardinal and Lord Chancellor, advocated to the Pope on Henry VIII’s behalf to allow an annulment of his marriage. Pope not pleased since he has to do theological workarounds AGAIN for Henry. Stripped of his titles after his failure, charged for treason, but died naturally.

Defense of the Seven Sacaraments

Written by Henry VIII (allegedly ghostwritten by Thomas More) as a defense against the Reformation. Earns him the title “Defender of the Faith.”

Charles V

HRE emperor, most powerful man on Earth, nephew of Catherine of Aragon, kept happy by the Pope so he would agree for the re-marriage with Henry VIII. Sacked Rome once because he was mad at the Pope.

Crammer

Leader of the English Reformation and Archbishop of Canterbury. Helped build Henry VIII’s case for marriage annulment, pushing towards the schism. Eventually imprisoned and executed as a heretic under Queen Mary’s rule. Wrote Book of the Common Prayer.

Thomas More

Statesman and Lord Chancellor of England after Wolsey’s dismissal. Known as a “Man of all Seasons.” Fiercely Catholic and hated the Reformation. Notable for his persecution of heretics. Wrote and co-wrote several defenses of the Catholic faith with Henry VIII. Refused to swear the Oath of Supremacy, resigned, and refused to sign the Oath of Succession. Put on trial for treason and executed.

Act of Supremacy

Declared King Henry VIII as the only supreme head of the Church of England, thus breaking ties with Rome. Granted the monarch power over all spiritual and religious matters in England.

Tyndale

Leading figure of the English Reformation, translated the Bible into English “Tyndale Bible.” Inspired by Luther and challenged Catholic authority in England. Provided a basis for breaking the CoE from Rome. Opposed Henry VIII’s annulment, fled to Belgium, and eventually jailed and executed for heresy.

Act of Succession

An order to accept Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn as “undoubted, true, sincere, and perfect.” Removed Mary from the line of succession and legitimized his children with Anne. Thomas More notably refused to acknowledge it.

Six Articles

The theological basis of the Church of England. Transubstantiation, Communion in One Kind (only bread needed), Celibacy of the Clergy, Vows of Chastity, Private Masses, and Auricular Confession (obligatory). Severe punishment for denying the articles.

Marian Injunctions

Religious policies and practices of Queen Mary that reversed the English Reformation, promoted Catholicism, and suppressed Protestants. Many Protestants were burned at the stake during this time.

Julius II

Allowed Henry VIII to marry Catherine of Aragon, but later claimed that Pope Julius should have never issued the marriage to begin with, using it as a means to justify annulment.