the Dissolution of the Monasteries

How many monks and nuns were there at the start of Henry's reign?

Around 8000 monks and 2000 nuns.

What were the three vows expected of monks and nuns?

Poor, chaste, and obedient.

What fraction of all the lands in England was owned by monasteries?

One third.

What was the annual income of the top 20 monasteries?

Over £1000 a year.

What role did heads of monasteries play in local governance?

They administered local justice and advised the King.

Who educated the children of wealthy families?

Monks and nuns.

What did monks and nuns do for the souls of the dead?

They prayed for them.

What service did religious houses provide for travelers?

Safe places to stay.

What type of art did monks and nuns produce?

Beautiful works of art, such as illuminated manuscripts.

What assistance did poor people receive from local monasteries?

They received food and help.

What was the public reason for the dissolution of monasteries according to Cromwell?

Spiritual and moral decay.

What document did Cromwell's inspectors use to justify the dissolution?

Compendium Compertorum.

How many monks and nuns were found engaging in illicit practices during the inspections?

Hundreds.

What is now understood about the reliability of the evidence collected by inspectors?

The evidence was not reliable.

Which abbey was noted for its charitable distribution of income?

Whalley Abbey.

What influence did Protestant ideas have on Cromwell?

They influenced his decisions regarding the monasteries.

How did Henry show support for traditional monastery roles despite the dissolution?

He re-founded two monasteries in 1537.

What was Henry's concern regarding the monasteries during the Act of Supremacy?

Doubt about their loyalty and links to the pope.

What happened to the majority of monks and nuns in response to the Act of Succession?

They swore an oath accepting it.

What survey did Henry commission to assess the wealth of monasteries?

Valor Ecclesiasticus.

What was the total income of monasteries revealed by the survey?

£160,000 a year.

How did Henry intend to use the wealth of the monasteries?

To finance wars and avoid reliance on parliament.

What was the first Act of Dissolution?

Passed in March 1536, it closed 300 smaller monasteries.

When was the decision made to close larger monasteries?

Towards the end of 1537.

What distinguished the process of the second Act of Dissolution?

Monasteries were individually targeted and 'invited' to surrender.

By what year was the dissolution process completed?

1540.

What were the consequences of the dissolution for buildings?

Hundreds of cathedral-sized buildings were left empty and often looted.

What was lost due to the destruction of monasteries?

Much beautiful architecture, libraries, art, and stained glass windows.

What benefit did Protestants gain from the dissolution?

The removal of a powerful symbol of Roman Catholicism.

How did Henry's income change after the dissolution?

It more than doubled from around £100,000 to £240,000 a year.

What did the sale of monastic land provide to gentry and nobility?

Opportunities to buy land that they previously could not have owned.

What was the typical pension for ordinary monks and nuns after dissolution?

A one-off payment of 20 to 30 shillings.

How many nuns managed to obtain alternative employment after the dissolution?

The majority suffered, as many were not allowed to work in the church.

What effect did the dissolution have on communal charitable work?

Communities lost out on the monasteries' charitable activities.

What happened to monastic schools after the dissolution?

They were closed, reducing educational opportunities for the poor.

What was the public opinion regarding the destruction of tombs?

People were angry that tombs of their ancestors were demolished and no one was left to pray for their souls.