HVIII 1509-1547

Religious changes 29-47

What act did HVIII pass in 1532 and what did it do?

Act in conditional restraint of Annates

Usually a newly appointed bishop would send their first years revenue to Rome but this was banned

Bishops could now be chosen by the english instead of the pope and that england would ignore any punishment imposed on it by the pope - made the pope weak

Religious changes 29-47

Who were the reformers and why were they gaining influence from 1529-32?

Protestants like cromwell and cranmer were becoming stronger as they were offering HVIII solutions to his problem. Tyndale wrote the ‘Obedience of a Christian man’ which said kings had ultimate power given by god, Anne illegally got a copy and gave it to Henry - he liked it because it would give him more power

Religious changes 29-47

Which act in 1533 declared that england was an empire governed by one supreme head and king, making Rome have no power to rule over matrimonial cases (Catherine could get no help from the Pope) and also allowed Cranmer to declare HVIII’s marriage to Catherine invalid and his marriage to Anne valid

Act in restraint of appeals to rome

Religious changes 29-47

Which act in 1534 made Mary I be removed from the line of succession in favour of Anne Boleyns children and made it treason to attack or deny the marriage between HVIII and Anne

Act of Succession

Religious changes 29-47

Who was executed in 1534 and why?

Elizabeth Barton, saw visions of the virgin mary and prophesised that Henry wouldnt stay on the throne if he stayed married to Anne - made HVIII paranoid

Religious changes 29-47

What act solidified the break with rome?

1534 act of supremacy

HVIII justly and rightly is supreme head of the church of england

Religious changes 29-47

What did the 1534 act for the first fruits and tenths do?

all church taxes were to go to the king, gave the crown an extra £40,000 annually

Religious changes 29-47

When were smaller monasteries, worth under £200 dissolved

1536

Religious changes 29-47

What religion did Jane seymour follow and how did it influence henry when they married in 1536

She was strongly protestant which meant that HVIII had a close protestant influence

Religious changes 29-47

In what year did HVIII introduce his act of ten articles and why was it significant?

1536, Catholic 7 sacrements were rejected with only baptism, eucharist (bread and wine as the real blood and flesh of christ) and penance (confession of sins & asking for forgiveness) upheld. This act also denied the existence of purgatory

Significant because this was the most protestant that HVIII ever went

Religious changes 29-47

What did the royal injunctions 1536-1538 change about the Church

clergy ordered to defend the royal supremacy in sermons, abandon pilgrimages, teach children lords prayer and the 10 commandments in English. 1536

English bibles to be placed in all churches, relics to be removed from churches and pilgrimages actively discouraged e.g. Beckets shrine in Canterbury dismantled 1538

Religious changes 29-47

Who did HVIII execute in 1538 which shows he was still catholic at heart

Execution of John Lambert for his denial of transubstantiation (bread and wine are the blood and body of christ - Catholic belief) shows henrys belief in the real presence of the Eucharist

Religious changes 29-47

When was HVIII excommunicated by the pope?

1538

Religious changes 29-47

When were the 6 articles introduced and how were they significant?

1539

They were significant because they slowed down the reform towards Protestantism. Confirmed transubstantiation and the hearing of confession and banned marriage of priests - Catholic beliefs.

Severe penalties were given for going against this act, denial of transubstantiation led to automatic burning - 2 bishops resigned, Latimer and Shaxton

Religious changes 29-47

When were all monasteries dissolved?

1539

Religious changes 29-47

What catholic act did HVIII pass in 1543 and what did it do

Act for the advancement of true religion

Restricted access to the english bible to noble class in private, didnt like how the word of god was disputed, rhymed, sung and jangled in every alehouse

Religious changes 29-47

When was the kings book published and what did it defend

1543

defended transubstantiation and the six articles - catholic. Liked preaching - catholic and protestant. And attacked the use of images - protestant

Religious changes 29-47

When was Edward I given a protestant tutor, John Cheke

1544

Religious changes 29-47

When was Anne Askew burned, what was it for and what did it reveal about HVIIIs faith

1546

burned for denying transubstantiation - this showed that HVIII was still committed to catholic practices

Religious changes 29-47

When did HVIII name the regency council for Edward and what was its significance?

1547

Was heavily protestant

Government 1509-29

When did Wolsey announce that ant crimes should be punished regardless of rank - encouraging people to come forward with complaints.

To try nobles he used the Court of the Star chamber

As a result, by how much did the cases rise and give an example of who was tried

1516,

Cases rose from 12 per year to 120, Sir robert sheffield was sent to the tower for aiding and abetting homicide 

Earl of Northumberland was imprisoned for contempt of court

Government 1509-29

What tax reform did Wolsey oversee and what was its affect

people previously had been taxed using the fifteenths and tenth system (had to pay 1/15th or 1/10th of their moveable goods)

Wolsey changed the system to one where if parliament wished to grant a subsidy, taxpayers were individually assessed under oath, and those with incomes below a certain limit didnt need to pay

A 1523 tac received less than half of the 800,000 expected. This subsidy was collected in instalments, the second was due in 1525

Government 1509-29

When was the amicable grant and what was it

1525

Wolsey wished to raise money for war against France, 1523 subsidy was still being collected and Wolsey did not have a good relationship with parliament - didnt wish to call upon them.

To get around this, Wolsey suggested a non-Parliamentary tax, an Amicable Grant, appealing to taxpayers patriotism

In Lavenham suffolk 10,000 men revolted and the duke of norfolk and duke of suffolk were sent to suppress it. Wolsey took the blame and had to publicly pardon the rebels and even paid the prison expenses of the leaders

No further taxation was attempted, could be seen as the beginning to Wolsey’s fall from power

Government 1509-29

Were finances under Wolsey a success? Why or why not

No

spent/expenditure 1509-20 = £1.7 million

only gained 822,000 in total.

£322,000 in subsidies (taxes)

£340,000 in clerical (church) taxes

£260,000 in forced loan

Government 1509-29

What were the JPs forced to do under Wolsey

Swear an oath of loyalty to the king - meant they were more likely to carry out the kings orders

Government 1509-29

What happened with Wolsey and parliament

only called two parliaments, 1515 and 1523.

1515- Wolsey dismissed parliament before they had even voted on his taxation proposals

1523, needed to raise money for war with France, Wolsey tried to go to parliament personally to persuade the House of Commons. Parliament agreed a smaller grant than Wolsey requested

Government 1509-29

What were Wolseys acts against enclosure

1517 - an enquiry was launched into enclosed land - legal proceedings were taken against 260 landowners

1523- ended his anti-enclosure policy in order to get support for the war with France. However, enclosure still continued so his policy had little impact

Government 1509-29

What were Wolsey’s actions against profiteering

He wished to protect people from overcharging for basic food.

The star chamber dealt with food racketeers, in 1518 he fixed poultry prices in London, and he issued proclamations against dealers who profiteered in grain

Government 1509-29

What was the Eltham ordinances of 1526

Now only 6 people in the privy chamber instead of 12, Wolsey gets more influence (get rid of people he doesnt like) while Henry gets more money

Reduce number of courtiers in court as feeding, entertaining them all etc is too expensive

Not successful, Wolsey is too busy trying to get Henry’s annulment. Plans were made but never followed through

Government 1509-29

What happened with Wolsey and the church

Tried to improve the quality - as Papal legate he ordered Bishops to do their jobs more thoroughly

They also had to inspect religious houses - as a result, 30 were shut and lands confiscated 

Removed 8 unsuitable heads of monasteries

Made plans to close or join smaller monasteries together to improve efficiency

Government 1529-47

What were the finances like

Court of Augmentations established to deal with the new income after the dissolution. Receivers were sent to deal with dissolved estates and reported to central staff in London. Crown income doubled - £150,000 to £300,000

Court of the First Fruits and Tenths - established to collect money that had been sent from rome.

Professional administrators were needed to work the new systems, rather than untrained nobles and clergy. Wolsey and Cromwell were both examples of new government officials - hardworking and often from humble origins - relied on the king for their positions

Government 1529-47

What was the control over the whole kingdom like

1536 - wales was incorporated into England, english common law and language were to be used throughout Wales.

1536 - The council of the North was given greater powers after the pilgrimage of Grace - now responsible for law and order North of the river trent. Nominating and overseeing the work of JPs and dealing with more serious crimes such as treason. Henry’s authority increased - Head of the church, no longer subject to the Pope’s views

1540 - Kings law was felt everywhere, abolition of sanctuary 

Government 1529-47

What was the privy council like

Elton saw this as the most significant part of the ‘revolution’

The privy council - small compared to predecessors who has 70, only around 20 members, mainly lawyers rather than those from the traditional ruling class

John Guy has pointed out that the Privy council began in response to the crisis of 1536 and as the majority were conservatives, unlikely that Cromwell established it himself

Important change - government could now run itself on a day to day basis with the monarch making the overall policy decisions

Government 1529-47

What was parliament like

Before the reformation 1529-36 parliament had been called rarely and was linked to the monarch’s need for finance

Parliament’s role increased as it enacted the legislation establishing the break from rome with Henry as head of the church - it was now recognised that the King represented ultimate authority and could legislate on any aspect of society

Cromwell chose to use Parliament to strengthen the changes he introduced and to involve the ruling class in those changes.

The composition of Parliament changed - abbots were removed from the Lords

Government 1529-47

What was cromwell like in the 1530’s?

Protestant alliance of cromwell and Anne Boleyn was very powerful but Anne’s miscarriage in 1536 led Henry to believe that God was angry at the marriage. Her fall was supported by those who wanted the restoration of the Catholic practices and Princess Mary in the succession.

To keep his position, Cromwell joined them and led the attack on Anne, marriage eventually declared invalid on the grounds that Anne’s sister had slept with the king.

Cromwell then turned on his conservative allies, accusing them of trying to restore Princess Mary to the succession, they lost their influence at court and Cromwell became Lord Privy Seal and Lord Cromwell of wimbledon. His supporters now surrounded the King in the Privy Chamber, his position seemed secure

By the late 1530s, people were turning against him as he organised the marriage with Anne of Cleves in 1539 while Henry was turning against his religious changes (6 articles) Catherine Howard was used by her Uncle the Duke of Norfolk, a catholic and Cromwell’s bitterest rival on the Privy council to poison Henry’s mind against him

Although he had some influence as he was made Earl of Essex in 1540 - rare for someone of such low burth

Catherine spread rumours that Cromwell was deliberately taking his time with Henry’s annulment to Anne and that he was sheltering a group of protestants in Calais

Cromwell fell as Henry believed he was putting his own interests first and had failed him - The protestant foreign alliance, religious changes and the humiliation of the Cleves marriage 

He was executed on charges of treason, plotting to bring a full Protestant church to England

Government 1529-47

What was the government after the fall of Cromwell like? Was Henry in Control in 1540-1547

Intense rivalry between conservative and reform factions

HVIII didnt choose another Cromwell or Wolsey to dominate the government and his poor health could mean he had less control over the factions

Alternative interpretations say that Henry was not manipulated by factions, he used a policy of divide and rule to strengthen his own position, he was aware of them and enjoyed watching them jostle for his attention

1540 - Catholic faction dominated (led by Norfolk and Gardiner) Cromwell executed, 6 articles introduced and Henry married Catherine Howard

1541- Cranmer informed Henry of Catherine’s adulterous behaviour, she and her two suspected lovers were executed and Norfolk fell out of favour

Do Henry’s reactions suggest that he maintained control? Norfolk was recognised as a loyal servant and allowed to withdraw from court. Henry’s next wife was a lot more sensible, Catherine parr looked after him through his illnesses and did much to unite his family

Government 1529-47

What were the threats to Cranmer

1543

conservatives led by Gardiner and Norfolk tried to break the relationship between Henry and Cranmer by suggesting that Cranmer was dabbling in protestant heresy.

Henry told Cranmer that they were planning to arrest him and out him in the Tower

Henry gave Cranmer a ring to produce when they pounced to show his support which Cranmer did to keep his freedom.

Henry then told off the accusers and put Cranmer in charge of his own investigation. Charges were dropped as the prosecutors did not want to put evidence before the accused.

Does it show that:

Henry was in control and not manipulated by the factions as he stood by his loyal servant

Henry was manipulated as he allowed the case to develop

Did he enjoy embarrassing his councillors to demonstrate he was in charge

Government 1529-47

Significance to the marriage to catherine parr

1543

Enabled reformers to dominate influence over Henry

Catherine was a reformer - close to the Seymour family and gathered Protestant scholars around her and organised Protestant tutors for Edward and Elizabeth.

Her supporters were implicated in the heresy of Anne Askew - Wriothesley and Rich tried to extract evidence using the rack

1546 Conservatives tried to plot against her - Gardiner suggested to Henry that Catherine was trying to influence his religious views. The conservatives offered to get a list of charges and heresy against her. Henry agreed but also made sure Catherine knew about the plot.

Catherine won over her husband by promising to believe and follow what he wanted and saying that as a mere wife she surely couldnt influence him. Henry did not tell her opponents they had made up so when they arrived the next day to arrest her, he shouted at them

Again HVIII had shown he was in control - but he had subjected his wife to an ordeal which could have been avoided.

Government 1529-47

Significance to the end of the reign 1540-1547

Reformers dominated - whereas norfolk hadnt shone in foreign policy, men such as Hertford (Edward Seymour) and John Dudley excelled

Catherine parr had survived

Gardiner was out of favour as he had been involved in the plot againsr Catherine. He was also accused of wanting the Pope to be head of the Church and not giving land to the King

Protestants were becoming more powerful - Sir Anthony Denny was made Chief gentleman of the privy chamber. As henry stayed more in his rooms, denny was able to control access, and therefore influence on the king. Hwe also got control of the dry stamp - the outline of the king’s signature which was used to revise Henry’s will.

1546- the catholic position declined further as Norfolk and his son Surrey were arrested for treason - Surrey had spoken openly about his claim to the throne and put part of the coats of arms of his ancestor Edward I onto his family crest. He was executed and Norfolk only survived as Henry died before he could order the execution.

First actions

What was the succession like?

Peaceful - evidence of HVII’s victory in the wars of the roses.

Despite Henry being the heir to the throne since arthurs death in 1502, he had not been allowed to set up his own court in Ludlow Castle, as was usual for a prince of wales and so he was somewhat unprepared for kingship.

He was very well educated and had both Yorkists and Lancastrian support because of his parents

But he had a very different approach to kingship, His father had remained distant from his subjects whereas HVIII wanted to be the centre of attention. 

First actions

What was the first thing HVIII did after ascending to the throne

Attacks on the old regime

Arrested Empson and Dudley in 1509, they were put in the tower. A commission to look into any wrongdoings found only minor complaints - but they were still executed

Many of the bonds that HVII issued were cancelled, HVIII claimed that they were made ‘contrary to law,reason and good conscience, to the manifest charge and peril of the soul of our late father’

Summoned a great council to send out commissions (investigations) across the country to hear complaints against the old regime - unprecedented

First actions

What was the second thing that HVIII did after ascending to the throne

Marriage to Catherine of Aragon

HVIII had been betrothed to catherine since arthur’s death in 1502. In 1504, Henry was given special dispensation to marry Catherine, despite this, the king has not allowed them to marry

HVII had insisted that catherine stay in England largely because he did not want to repay her dowry, but also to keep alive the possibility of an alliance with Spain and continued to delay any possible marriage between Catherine and HVIII

HVIII announces his intention to marry Cathrine in the same month his father dies (april), they marry and have a joint coronation in June

First actions

What was the third thing HVIII did after ascending to the throne

Councillors and war

When HVII came to the throne he had to appoint all his own councillors, by comparison, HVIII inherited those of his father. E.g. John De Vere - Earl of Oxford and Bishop Fox who were all anti-war.

Henry also appointed his own councillors, young men like himself, who were bred of HVII’s pacifist policies. E.g. Charles Brandon became Earl of Suffolk.

In particular, they urged war with England’s most traditional enemy, France.

The main division between Henry’s early councils was therefore between young and old, war and peace.

First actions

How was the privy chamber managed?

Henry VII had kept everyone out of the privy chamber, While HVIII didnt.

He was surrounded by his young Councillors and courtiers who wold try to work out the perfect time to influence him.

First actions

Who was Thomas Wolsey and what was he like

Came from humble origins (traditionally believed to be the son of an Ipswitch butcher). After staying at Oxford University he entered the church, becoming a chaplain to many influencial people before his appointment to the court of HVII

1510- appointed to the council, recommended by Bishop Fox (anti-war)

1512- Wolsey realised he could only advance further if he served the king - and the king wanted war so he switched sides

1514- Archbishop of York

1515- Cardinal and lord chancellor

1518- Wolsey became Papal degate - the pope’s representative that had the Pope’s power, but he couldnt give Henry his annulment. 

Called himself Altar rex - wanted to be a royal - Hampton court palace used to be Wolseys

First actions

How did Wolsey remove his political rivals?

Win them over

Charles brandon, Duke of Suffolk: a long time favourite of Henry VIII, Mary Tudor married Louis XII of france in 1514. He died 3 months later and in 1515 Suffolk was sent to bring Mary back. Charles married Mary in secret on the return journey much to HVIII’s displeasure. Wolsey persuaded Suffolk that he would speak to Henry on their behalf to prevent them being expelled from court

Destroy them

Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham: Despised Wolsey as Wolsey was low born and Buckingham believed that the rights of nobles had eroded over time. Wolsey persuaded Henry that Buckingham was guilty of treason and he was executed in 1521

Foreign Policy 1509-29

What did HVIII want from his foreign policy and how did his father’s councillors react

HVIII wanted war, money and power. England used to own a lot of France but they lost it in the 100 year war, he wanted it back.

His fathers councillors didnt like it, war was expensive and disruptive. For war you must ask for taxes from the poor - leaving you vulnerable for revolts

Foreign Policy 1509-29

What were HVII’s first actions in foreign policy

Walked out of an audience with the French ambassador, denied writing a letter of friendship to Louis XII and signed a peace treaty with France in 1510 - Mixed messages. 

1511- the council discussed war. some argued that war wasted money and threatens security - The Pope was leading a holy league to expel france from italy, Henry used the idea that Louis XII might try to depose the pope to justify England’s intervention (Excuse to help the church, in reality only wants glory)

1512- Henry attacked south-west France, it was a disaster. Ferdinand (spain) did not send the promised Spanish troops and Henry’s fleet was defeated. Heavy rain, lack of food etc. 

1513- BATTLE OF THE SPURS Wolsey organised a 4 pronged attack against France- HVIII led a huge invasion of france - 30,000 soldiers defeated The French and captured Therouanne and Tournai. Although they were expensive and difficult to protect/maintain

1513- Scotland invaded while HVIII was in France. James IV was killed at the Battle of Flodden - meant the threat from the north was eliminated

1514 - Treaty with France as run out of money, Sister Mary to marry Louis XIII to cement alliance (later married Charles Brandon)

1514- Francis I became king of France - renewing attacking on italy which challenged HVII image as the strongest monarch - theyre too similar to get along

1518- Treaty of London took the idea from the Pope- signed by the major powers and 20 minor - agreement of international peace and friendship, anyone who broke it would feel the might of the other powers

1520- Field of the Cloth of Gold

Foreign Policy 1509-29

What were the positives and negatives of the 1518 Treaty of London

Didnt last

wholly at the mercy of shifts in the great power, politics which England had no control over

Wolsey was running out of money - had to find another way of pleasing Henry

Prestige for Henry - centre of Europe’s attention

contained detailed agreements which signified serious intent

Foreign Policy 1509-29

Why was Foreign Policy 1521-25 difficult

Constantly changing situations

1521- Wolsey was still trying to negotiate peace between Charles V and Francis as part of his role as arbiter of Europe - FAILED 

Treaty of Bruges- Signed by Charles V and Wolsey - agreed the marriage of Mary I (Henry’s daughter) to Charles when she is 12. This agreed that Henry would join the war in 1523, the delay was Wolseys idea so he could continue negotiating peace between Charles V and Francis and have time to raise funds.

War began between Charles V and Francis

1523- Henry joins the war - 10,000 troops invaded france and got within 50 miles of Paris. No support from charles arrived as he was fighting France in italy (Henry felt betrayed). The army retreated and Wolsey began negotiations with Francis

1525- Battle of Pavia- The balance of power in Europe was gone, Francis captured Charles V, 10,000 French were killed - Henry hoped for a share of France but Charles had no intentions of giving Henry anything (probably due to the delay)

1525- Charles was not serving England’s interests so Wolsey started to make peace with France - not popular in court because France = traditional enemy 

Foreign Policy 1509-29

Foreign Policy 26-29

1526- Francis I was released, immediately began plotting against Charles V

The league of Cognac- set up by Wolsey between France and Italian states (who were against Charles V, Henry was involved because he was a friend of France) - HVIII didnt get too involved as wanted to be peacemaker

1527- Charles V sacked (invaded and destroyed) Rome, kidnapping the Pope. Wolsey tried to free the Pople and pressured Charles V by putting a Ban on trade with the Netherlands; cloth workers in England were upset 

1529- The Peace of Cambrai was signed between Charles V and Francis I and the Pope. Wolsey was not involved as he was in England trying to gain the annulment of the marriage of Catherine from Henry (Charles and Francis now friends - could potentially go against Henry)

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

Why did Henry want an annulment?

Main purpose of a royal marriage was to secure the succession. Catherine of Aragon had several miscarriages, and had given birth 6 times. 5/6 births were stillborn or the children died within Weeks - Princess Mary = Henry’s only surviving legitimate child.

By 1527 Catherine was 42 and unlikely to concieve again, England had never before had a female ruler.

Henry had one surviving son, Henry - Duke of Richmond, by his mistress = proof he can produce healthy, male children.

In addition, the spanish connection was now less important to Henry after allying with France against Charles V (Catherine’s nephew) 

The bible said ‘If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonoured his brother. They will be childless’ Leviticus 20:21

BUT

‘if brothers are living together and one of them dies without a son, His widow must not marry outside the Family. Her husband’s brother shall take her and marry her and fulfill the duty of a brother-in-law to her’ Deuternomy 25:5

= CONFLICTING

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

The beginning

Mary Boleyn (a married woman) had been Henry’s mistress since about 1521, 

From 1526 onwards, Henry began to witch his attention to Anne, Mary’s sister. Anne had previously spent time in the court of the king of France = exotic and exciting

Unlike her sister, Anne refused to give in to the king’s advances and by 1527 the king had proposed to her. The king believed an annulment would be quick and easy to obtain

Thomas Boleyn rose quickly on the back of his daughters’ success, becoming first Lord Rochford and then Earl of Wiltshire

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

Catherine’s response

Catherine opposed the annulment as it would mean that Mary would be declared illegitimate. She claimed her marriage to Arthur was unconsummated and therefore still been a virgin when she married Henry

Is this true? she was said to be transported to London incredibly slowly as she was believed to be carrying Arthur’s heir after his death

Catherine was also popular in England, perceived as a victim of Henry and Wolsey’s schemes. Wolsey’s enemies at court saw Wolsey as being the manipulative mastermind behind Henry’s actions

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

The quest for the annulment

Wolsey thought it would be easy - just need to persuade the pope to declare the dispensation for the marriage in 1509 invalid. Henry had written a defense againse Luther and Wolsey was a Papal Legate (had the Pope’s powers in england) and had contacts at the Vatican

BUT pope clement VII was not free to act of his own accord, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V had sacked rome in 1527 and the Pope was effectively his prisoner. He was reluctant to reverse the decision of a previous pope

1527- Wolsey in his position as Papal legate ‘summoned’ Henry to a legatine court to address issues concerning the salvation of the royal soul (annulment). The pope sent another papal legate in 1528. Catherine appeared before the court and appealed to Henry - declaring her marriage valid and then left - refusing to come back when called.

Henry tried a new approach in trying to persuade Catherine to enter a nunnery, dissolving the marriage while ensuring Mary’s legitimacy

by 1529 The court had not made a decision, Catherine appealed to the pope and the pope recalled the case to rome

Wolsey had not delivered what Henry wanted

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

Wolsey’s fall

his failure to secure the annulment meant that he was no longer useful - a last gasp attempt to save himself was his gift of Hampton Court to Henry.

Henry initially protected Wolsey from his enemies at court but then removed him from his position as Lord Chancellor in 1529.

Wolsey’s wealth was confiscated, although he kept the title of Archbishop of york.

In 1530, Wolsey attempted a political comeback by corresponding with French and Charles V agents - this was presented to the king as treason by his enemies at court (because Wolsey was loyal to someone outside of the country rather than the king)

Wolsey was arrested in November but died of dysentery on his journey to london

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

Why did Wolsey fall?

Political enemies - Wolsey had few allies (other than the king) and many enemies, not least through collecting revenue for the king. = Isolated figure. His extravagant lifestyle led to his enemies calling him altar rex (the other king)

The Amicable Grant - Wolsey was left to accept full responsibility for the failure of the Grant in 1525. Meanwhile, his political enemy (The duke of Norfolk) ended the rebellion against the Grant in East Anglia

Opposition to Wolsey’s Foreign Policy - Wolsey’s pro-french policy in the mid 1520s was opposed by other courtiers such as the Duke of Norfolk. Wolsey’s big failure was leaving England isolated following the alliance between Charles V and France in 1529, His enemies sensed weakness

Isolation from the King - Wolsey’s various roles often took him away from Henry. Increasingly, Henry looked to men such as the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and later Lord Rochford (Anne Boleyn’s father), for advice rather than Wolsey

Anne Boleyn - Wolsey could not predict the rise of Anne, Henry’s determination for an annulment led to Wolsey being put in a difficult position between Catherine and Henry while the Boleyn’s gained influence in court.

Annulment/fall of Wolsey

What happened to Wolsey’s rivals?

They became too powerful

Conservatives: against religious reform - consisting of men such as the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, they opposed Wolsey’s pro-french foreign policy and resented his position considering his low birth

The Boleyns: Lord Rochford and his family’s fortunes rose and fell with those of his daughters. They initially supported Wolsey when he seemed their best chance to get an annulment but later joined forces with Cromwell and Cranmer

Aragonese: Those loyal to Catherine - their most notable member was Thomas More

Religion pre-reformation

What was the church like in 1509?

there were occasional complaints but most people accepted its authority

Humanists wanted reform by removing the abuse within it while retaining its authority

1511 The dean of St Paul’s cathedral preached to a group of assembled clergy about the major problems and abuses of the church

Religion pre-reformation

What was Protestantism

a response to the various alleged abuses of the catholic church

1519 Martin Luther - people cant just pay the church - they can get salvation through God’s grace and they will be forgiven if they have faith. Ceremonies, sacraments or indulgences alone wont get someone into heaven

Tyndale was heavily influenced by Martin Luther - he translated the new testament into english and smuggled it into the country in 1526

Tyndale wrote ‘Obedience of a christian man’, in which he argued that the king should regain his sovereighty from the Pope - Henry read Anne Boleyn’s version despite it being heretical

Tyndale was then burnt at the stake for heresy but Henry insisted his bible was put into every English church - a supporter of Tyndale was Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury 

Religion pre-reformation

Complaints about the Catholic church

Tithes = 10% of your entire wage to the Pope - dont like that at all - Financial abuse

Simony - buying or selling any church jobs - it was an offence but still happened

absenteeism - priest not being there because they had more church’s to look after, church life still went on

Wolsey tried to improve quality by shutting monasteries and firing heads of monasteries who were unsuitable

Religion pre-reformation

How strong was the pre-reformation church

most monasteries offered charity, education, employment and prayers for departed souls

High levels of recruitment to the priesthood

Archbishop visitations to 260 parishes - majority were good

Norwich wills 1370-1534 90% contained bequests to the church

Norwich % of graduates among the clergy = 1450-1499 = 32% 1500-1532= 42%

Chantries (chapels where you pray for the dead) increased

Masses for souls of the dead were mentioned in wills -pray for heaven

People went on pilgrimages

In Kent, 6 priests were accused of sexual offences, 4 priests were ignorant (poorly educated in religion) - found through archbishop visitsations

number of monks declined

Abuses

Religion pre-reformation

Monasteries

The dissolution happened because:

of Monks’ loyalty to the pope

Doctrine - Monks prayed for souls in purgatory

The need to ensure the loyalty of the landed (rich) classes to the new church by giving them land from the monasteries - money> principle

Cromwell’s idea to increase Henry’s wealth so that he could avoid imposing tax

How it happened:

1535 Cromwell set up an investigation called the Valor Ecclesiasticus he also set out inspectors to the monasteries to look at the spiritual health of the church. These visitations had 2 clear aims:

1. To gauge wealth of the monasteries to see how the crown would use the income

2. Cast monasteries in the worst possible light to persuade parliament that they should be dissolved quickly - much of what they found could be fabricated/exaggerated.. E.G. Bury St Edmunds the abbot gambling money away, the convent (nuns) visiting the monks, Relics from saints e.g. The cuttings of St edmund’s toenails

Smaller monasteries closed first (1536) to test the countries response - THE PILGRIMAGE OF GRACE)

Consequences of the dissolution:

563 monasteries dissolved, 3,000 monks pensioned off

Crown income doubled - £120,000 to £250,000

Resale value of monastic land = £1.3 million

Removed a massive symbol of Catholicism

Gave many a vested interest in the reformation - they gained land from the monasteries

Religion

Opposition to the reformation

John Fisher - Respected all across Europe for his piety and scholarship. Stood by Catherine and his belief that the powers of the Pope were god-given - thought that the denial of Papal supremacy was sinful. Belonged to the circle that was in Contact with Charles V’s active ambassador but had also been in contact with Charles V himself. Imprisoned and threatened by the gov when he refused to swear the oath of succession. Executed in 1534 after being made a cardinal by the Pope

Elizabeth Barton - 16 yr old girl that rocketed to fame in 1525 because of a vision she had of the virgin mary, her visions continued and her later prophecies were exhortations against Henry’s marriage to Anne. Ralied against the king in person when he visited Canterbury, remained important until 1533 when she claimed the king would cease to be on the throne in a month. Her spiritual Tutor Bocking had plans to publish a collection of her prophecies = forced Cromwell into action. Executed in 1534 out of political necessity. Sort of serious as she gained a lot of support

Margaret Pole - house of york, had stronger claim to the throne but married so she was less of a threat. Stayed loyal to Catherine after the annulment, refused to leave Mary’s household when it was broken up, Reginald her son was loyal to the Pope and left England before becoming a cardinal and there were rumours he was getting an army together - Henry believed margaret was involved so he executed her in 1541. Kind of serious, she was one of the 5 women who were executed and was a threat to Henry

Pilgrimage of grace

Religion

Pilgrimage of Grace 1536

CAUSES:

Dissolution of the monasteries - claimed by Aske to be the greatest cause. Rebels demanded the restoration of monasteries. Religious houses provided food,clothing and shelter to travellers and the poor

Defense of the faith - Oaths, songs and propaganda gave the rebellion a cultivated religious resonance and helped justify the rebellion. Rebels called for an end to the draining of the church’s wealth, the reunification of Henry’s royal supremacy and the rehabilitation of the Catholic Mary Tudor

Food shortages - poor harvest in 1535 and 1536

Taxation- opposition to the king’s demand for taxes. Hostility of Cromwell’s initiative of taxing in times of peace - 1534 subsidy act introduced.

Opposition to Cromwell’s policies - North thought they were under attack from the Crown’s regime. Cromwell was seen as the ‘evil’ mastermind, Treason act, heresy and royal supremacy were seen as cromwells acts. Cromwell was seen as a scapegoat

MAIN EVENTS:

began in linconshire and spread north. Aske became the leader of 30,000-40,000 men, insisted that it was a peaceful pilgrimage - carried banners with the wounds of christ. Rebels made their headquarters at York and Lord Darcy handed them Pontefract castle - the most important fortress of the North. Had control of the North and outnumbered the Kings army. Gov was caught off guard - Norfolk sent to meet the rebels - rebels presented their demands and were offered a pardon and the rebels dispersed - believing that their demands would be listened to 

CONSEQUENCES:

180 executions

The percy family (earl of northumberlands) was destroyed and had to surrender their lands to the crown

Greater control of the north was ensured through reorganisation of the Council of the north

Religion

Was the Pilgrimage of grace serious or not serious?

percy familt destroyed

took control of pontefract castle

outnumbered the kings army

Lord darcy was involved (should have been on Henry’s side)

In north - far away

Demands

easily dealt with - pardon

some were monks so did not pose such a big threat

peaceful

no march on London or attempt to overthrow the king

Religion

Why was there such a lack of opposition

possibility of being convicted of treason

took a while for the news to spread about the shutting of the monasteries

Bullied into submission (Bishops) - only one stood up against the reformation (bishops were concerned that henry would interfere further in the church, so agreeing would prevent this)

Cromwell ensured there was no opposition (used the printing press to circulate arguments for the case of the king’s supremacy. ‘reliable’ preachers were liscened and gave sermons against Papal authority and defended the king’s marriage and supremacy . Personal letters to bishop’s and JPs asking them to enforce legislation and make arrests

Most opposition was as a result of the monasteries rather than the royal supremacy

many may have quietly opposed the outwardly conformed to the changes

Mainly benefitted from the reformation e.g. those who received monastic land so had vested interest in its survival

reformation change was slow and given in small parts

Religion

What methods were used to discourage opposition?

The treason law 1534 - made it treason to discuss the king or queen’s death or to say he was a heretic

The church - cromwell ordered bishops to ensure clergy who preached against the reformation were dealt with

Cromwell - Issued injunctions, tirelessly pursued those against the reformation and personally investigated cases of treason

Printed propaganda - Pamphlets distributed justified the annulment and religious changes and church services used to explain the changes

Oaths of loyalty to the supremacy - had to be sworn by all important men

Foreign Policy 1529-47

The impact of the reformation on foreign relations

dreams of military glory had to be postponed in the 1530’s as henry focused on religion

The natural alliance with Charles V was undermined as Charles was unimpressed with Henry’s treatment of his aunt (Catherine of Aragon)

1529-36 there was an uneasy peace between Francis I and Charles V so an alliance between England and france was unlikely - france didnt need an english alliance and didnt want to be associated with a heretical country

1536- Francis and Charles V fell out over ownership of Milan, Henry hoped to take advantage of this to gain a useful ally as Catherine and Anne were dead but he had to deal with the Pilgrimage of Grace instead

1538 - 10 yr truce between Charles and Francis as the pope urged them together with Scotland to launche a crusade againsr England in the catholic cause (links to the execution of the countess of Salisbury and to HVIIIs religious moderation/act of 6 artcicles/looking for an ally with German protestants and marriage to Anne of Cleves)

Foreign Policy 1529-47

Relations with Scotland

Likely that relations between Francis and Charles V would break down = an opportunity for military glory for Henry. 

Got involved with Scotland first to stop them from helping france OR because he felt that James V ( his nephew) did not respect him as the most powerful monarch in Europe

1540 - Henry wrote letters to James helpfully advising him how to deal with the Church - james found these letters patronising as Scotland was strictly anti-protestant. Cardinal Beaton was one of James’ closest advisors and Mary Guise his french wife (most powerful catholic family in france) 

1541 - he arranged to meet in York, great pomp and ceremony on the journey up there. James didnt turn up - his advisers were worried he might be kidnapped (great public humiliation to Henry and so he wanted revenge)

1542 - Charles V and Henry agreed to attack france in 1543, Scotlands response was to launch border raids into england in support of France. Henry decided to attack scotlanf first and the Duke of Norfolk crossed the border on a 6 day burning spree

1542 - 20,000 scots attacked but were defeated at Solway Moss. Henry gained important prisoners and James V died (leaving a 6 day old Mary in charge). Henry wanted to stop scotland supporting france and now an oppotunity presented itself.

1543 - by the end of the year the situation looked promising as Mary’s regent, Earl of Aaran had arrested Beaton and seemed likely to make an agreement with Henry and Parliament had agreed to a translation of the bible. The treaty of Greenwich 1543 agreed the marriage of edward and Mary. The situation very quickly changed once Henry demanded they end alliances with France - the Scottish parliament rejected the Treaty of Greenwich and renewed treaties with France

1544-5 - Henry was furious but not prepared to carry out the long process of conquest so he sent Jane Seymour’s brother (the earl of hertford) on a rough wooing - burning Edinburgh and the lowlands. The scots refused to capitulate Henry’s achievement and solidified the Auld alliance with France

Foreign Policy 1529-47

Relations with France

1544 - inavded France with Charles V, the plan was to launch a full scale attack on Paris. The army moved very slowly, led by the ageing Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk BUT the army was 48,000 (the largest ever to have left England). Lack of trust between Charles and Henry so neither kept to the plan. Henry ignored paris and captured Boulogne and on the same day Charles made peace with France so he could focus on internal problems. French war cost over £2 million, spending all the money he had gained from the dissolution and financial problems such as the debasement of the coinage threatened enfland’s security by provoking French attacks on the South coast and the loss of the Mary rose

1546- Treaty of Ardres - France agreed to allow Henry to keep Boulogne for 8 yrs and start to repay the pension from 1475, but this did not cover the expense and the upkeep of Boulogne and left debt for his children’s reigns.

Foreign Policy 1529-47

Relations with Ireland

For the first part of the reign, HVIII ruled ireland through the leading nobleman the earl of kildare (catholic and works for HVIII but not under control) England ruled the Pale (area around Dublin) and had little control over the rest of ireland.

1534- Kildare was angry that Cromwell (as part of hs revolution/strengthening of HVIII’s power in gov) wanted to appoint english to the highest positions in ireland - therefore threatening his influence since Cromwell didnt think Kildare could be trusted to enforce Reformation. Kildare was summoned to London and so sent his wife and moved gunpowder from Dublin to his estates. He finally went to London where he died in the tower. His son ‘silken’ Thomas was furious and with his 5 uncles raised 1000 men in Munster aimed to expel the english and become the sole ruler of ireland. As no foreign aid arrived Thomas surrendered and was promised to keep his life but was actually executed in London with his 5 uncles and 75 others.

Dangerous - Ireland could be used as a back door into England, a safe place for french and spanish catholic troops . Thomas called for catholic support and condemned HVIII religious reforms. Cost £25,000, lasted 14 months and irish troops loyal to england were used to defeat them (humiliating)

Foreign Policy 1529-47

Consequences of the relations with ireland

Kildare family now without leaders so HVIII appointed english born officials - ending the rule by Irish to the crown was greatly resented - England no longer had alliance/goodwill of a powerful family in ireland

Geraldine (kildare family name) land confiscated and granted to loyal english born officials and were appointed to gov positions such as lord deputies, lieutenants and chancellors 

A pernament english garrison was estavlished

Under the guidance of Lord Deputy St Leger 1541 the irish parliament declared that irelands king was Henry - it was felt that ireland would be more loyal if their king was henry and all irish declared subjects of the king

The policy of surrender and regrant meant that nobles surrendered their land and title to the king and return for their promise of loyalty received legal ownership of their land and an english title of either earl or baron, agreed to pay taxes, learn to speak english, adopt england’s clothes and customs and reject pope’s authority (most likely forced)

The earl of desmond was the first to reconcile to the english crown in 1541. This was a slow process of persuasion but many had come to the king when he susoended the policy when he was at war with france and scotland in 1543

Left ireland in a mess

Foreign Policy 1529-47

Success and failure 

Relations between France and Spain likely to break down - Henry got involved with Spain to stop James from helping France

1542 HVIII decided to attack scotland first - 6 day burning spree (20,000 scots attacked but were defeated at Solway Moss -HVIII gained important prisoners and James died shortly after. 6 day olf Mary queen of Scots in charge = vulnerable

Potential to marry Edward to Mary for alliance (Treaty of Greenwich 1543)

1544 48,000 army left england to invade france (biggest ever)

HVIII captured Boulogne

Treaty of Ardres - HVIII keeps boulogne for 8 yrs and france starts to repay 1475 french pension

Earl of Kildare killed

No foreign aid helped silken thomas and he surrendered, 80 killed

Kildare family now without leaders

Kildare family lands confiscated and granted to loyal english born officials

A permanent garrison was established in Ireland

Irish parliament declared that Ireland was a kingdom and HVIII was its king

policy of surrender and regrant

earl of desmond first to reconcile to the english crown in 1541

1540- HVIII wrote letters to nephew james to help - James found them patronising - james refused to be protestant as very close to powerful catholic french family 

1541 arranged meet up with James at York, he didnt show = public humiliation for H 

1542 - in response to spain and henry wanting to attack francr in 1543, scotland launched border raids into england

Scottish parliament refused treaty of Greenwich bc H wanted them to end theit alliance w/ France, they renewed it instead

1544-45 Earl of Hertford on rough wooing 

no trust between charles and henry - neither stuck to plan to attack paris

on the same day HVIII took boulogne, Charles made peace with France

French war cost over £2 million, spent all money gained from the dissolution, debasement of the coinage = huge problem - inflation and french attacks on the south coast

Treaty of Ardes not cover the expense and upkeep of Boulogne - left debt

Earl of Kildare’s son ‘silken’ thomas and 5 uncles raised 1000 men in Munster to expell English rule

Ireland could be used as a backdoor into England and a safe space for french and spanish troops to stay

Ireland cost £25,000 and lasted 14 months

english crown was greatly resented so england could no longer have the alliance/goodwill of a powerful family in ireland