Opposition to H8s reformation: Individuals

who opposed H8s reformation

Thomas More, Aragonese faction, John Fischer, Elizabeth Barton, Monasteries

why did Thomas More oppose

Fallen from favour (was Chancellor for a brief period) when showed reluctance to support H8s plans to marry AB.

Refused to swear the Oath because it would go against the Pope’s authority (Catholic faith/traditional beliefs)

Believed that H8 had offended the laws of God & the Church.

how did More oppose

Refused to swear the Oath of Succession.

Allegedly overhead to be said saying he didn’t accept H8 as the head of the church by Cromwell’s supporters.

Used passive resistance to signal his opposition to changes.

why did the Aragonese faction oppose

Mary’s exclusion from the succession in 1536

how did the Aragonese faction oppose

Those who opposed the attack on the church generally expressed their concerns by being sympathetic to CoA in the matter of the royal divorce.

Lords Darcy and Hussey supported the Pilgrimage of Grace.

Courtenay was linked to the activities of Reginald Pole, Yorkist descendant.

why was the Aragonese faction not threatening

From 1532, the growing influence of Thomas Cromwell & the presence of AB and her supporters at court largely silenced the Aragonese faction.

Lords Darcy and Hussey executed for treason. Courtenay arrested and executed in 1539.

why was More not threatening

Executed July 1535

why was More threatening

Most high profile opponent of the royal divorce.

Famous politician & widely respected as a humanist.

why was the Aragonese faction threatening

Sir Henry Guilford was the comptroller of the King’s Household
Henry Courtenay (leader of faction) was a member of the King’s Privy Chamber.

why did John Fischer oppose

Believed that H8s actions against CoA were wrong

how did Fischer oppose

Vocal in opposition to H8s divorce to CoA (supporter of CoA). Consistently opposed H8s polices to the annulment. Refused to swear the Oath of Succession. Corresponded with Charles V (HRE) whom he encouraged to invade England & remove H8.

why was Fischer threatening

One of the most senior & well-respected clerics in the English church.

why was Fischer not threatening

Fischer accused of treason and executed June 1535. Unskilled in politics. Lack of support for opposition from Rome

who was Elizabeth Barton

the Holy Nun of Kent

why did Barton oppose

Subject to visions granted by the Virgin Mary with a strong line against the divorce.

how did Barton oppose

1528 visions focused on H8s marriage & she warned of disastrous consequences if he abandoned CoA. Threatened that H8 would die in a month if he divorced CoA.

Bocker encouraged pilgrimages and published books based on Elizabeth’s visions.

why was Barton threatening

most dangerous opponent as those around her were playing a political game and using her ‘visions’ to criticise H8 in an orchestrated campaign. Links to Courtenay, Hussey (Aragonese Faction), More and Fischer, & Carthusian monks. Their attempts to coordinate a resistance movement represented a genuine threat that H8s gov couldn’t afford to ignore. Wide following among the English clergy & nobility.

why was Barton not threatening

Elizabeth & monks arrested in Sept  1533 & executed 1534.

why was there monastic resistance

Against the divorce, supremacy & the new heresies

how did monks oppose

Carthusian order refused to accept the divorce & in 1534 resisted gov pressure to agree to a declaration against the authority of the pope.

why was the monks threatening

Strongest clerical resistance to H8. Carthusian order, London based, more significant & organised.

why were the monks not threatening

Cistercians & Benedictines who owned the great rural monasteries dissolved 1536. Individual monks preached against. 18 Carthusians executed.