Dissolution of the Monasteries (significance)

Dismantling of the Catholic Church

Unintentional step towards Protestantism

Removed traditional Catholic practices e.g pilgrimage

Financial gain

Henry could gain wealth that the monasteries possessed

1/3 of the country’s landed property

Wealth could pay for fortifications along the south coast to prevent invasion

What was there a need to destroy

Potential opposition by those who professed obedience to the Pope

Why can the dissolution be seen as an important change

It was irreversible

Why was the dissolution a major change for ordinary people

They had educated, helped the poor and helped the sick

Limitations of significance of the dissolution

Other legislation was more important e.g Break with Rome, Act of Supremacy 1534