English Reformation: Henry VIII to Elizabeth I

English Reformation

Crown-led movement initiated by King Henry VIII primarily to secure an annulment and establish a church independent of Rome.

Henry VIII

King who initiated the English Reformation to secure a male heir and an annulment from Catherine of Aragon, leading to the creation of the Church of England.

Catherine of Aragon

Henry VIII's first wife, from whom he sought an annulment because she only had one surviving daughter, Mary.

Anne Boleyn

The woman Henry VIII wished to marry, which was a key motive for his break with Rome.

Pope Clement VII

The Pope who delayed Henry VIII's annulment, due to his alliance with Spain.

Church of England

Created by Henry VIII, it became independent from Rome but remained largely Catholic in doctrine and liturgy under his reign.

Edward VI

King whose short rule (1547-1553) significantly Protestantized the Church of England, introducing reforms like sola fide and English sermons.

sola fide

The doctrine of justification by faith alone, a key Protestant reform introduced during Edward VI's reign.

Mary I (Mary Tudor)

Queen (1553-1558) who sought to restore Roman Catholicism and was known as "Bloody Mary" for executing over 300 Protestants.

Elizabeth I

Queen (ascended 1558) who prioritized stability and compromise, establishing the moderate Protestant Church of England through the Elizabethan Settlement.

Elizabethan Settlement

A moderate Protestant Church of England created by Elizabeth I, subordinate to the state and deliberately ambiguous to accommodate different beliefs.

proto-Protestants

Early reformers like John Wycliffe and the Lollards who called for changes