The rise of the gentry

What was the dissolution of the monasteries?

When King Henry VIII turned the country from Catholic to Protestant when he created the Church of England, he ordered all of the monasteries to be closed down

How did the dissolution of the monasteries lead to the rise of the gentry?

The gentry could grow in power as there was more land available for them to buy and more people could become part of the gentry

What was the result of the dissolution of the monasteries?

25% more land was available for purchase (as previously the church had owned 25% of all land in England)

Why did the gentry rise in power?

When the monasteries were closed, land became available to buy, the ornaments previously held in the church were sold and even the building materials of the church was broken down and sold