Religion In 16th Century England Essay Example

Religion in Britain in the 16th is complex- yet an important part of the country’s religious history. This essay will discuss how religion became a force of historical change that all stemmed from Henry VIII and his choice to break from the Catholic Church and divorcing his wife, ultimately resulting in an everlasting change in British life and beliefs. 

When Henry VIII became king, it was due to his father’s death in 1509. Henry makes a marriage alliance with Catherine of Aragon (Miller, pg. 75). Catherine birthed 5 children, but only 1 survived to adulthood- Mary Tudor. Having no male heir raised questions of legitimacy and made Henry nervous as a female heir to the throne is not deemed a ‘true monarch’ since a female would need a male ruler to assist her (Dr. Cousins, week 4). Not having any sons makes Henrys’ claim weak. This is not something wanted by Henry and decides to make changes that does cause life altering consequences in England. Henry decides on divorce from Catherine. He states that their marriage is ‘incestuous’, since Papal Dispensation was needed due to marrying his late brother Arthurs’, widow which is Catherine (Dr. Cousins, week 4). Now with Catherine older and not able to have more children, Henry believes that he needs to marry another woman; one that will give him a son and secure the Tudor Dynasty. This woman is Anne Boleyn.  Henry asks Pope Clement VII, but does not agree as marriage during this time is rarely granted a divorce. Henry is still at this time a devout Catholic, even with how much pressure England and his advisors are putting on Rome to give him a divorce. What starts a change is the clashing religious views that Anne holds; believing in Protestantism not Catholicism like Henry (Duffy, pgs. 85-86). Anne does become pregnant in 1533 and Henry marries her in secret (Dr. Cousins, week 4).  The Act of Supremacy in 1534 is the sole act that changed British life forever. Thomas Cranmer, an academic from Cambridge, and a Evangelical gave a major help to Henry by securing that his marriage to Catherine was ‘null and void’ (Miller, pg. 100). The creation of this Act that declared “the king, our sovereign Lord, his heirs and successors, kings of this realm, shall be taken, accepted and reputed the only supreme head on earth of the Church of England, called Anglicana Ecclesia” (Duffy, pg. 84). This bold act makes Henry the Head of the Church of England and cuts all ties with Rome. 

Religion is being changed in England. Henry creating this act shows his fervor to have Anne as his wife, yet new problems arise form this change; all of England must change their religion from what they have followed for centuries. The people changing their religion to accepting Henry as ‘the only supreme head…’ means many must forgo their ties with Rome as being the Head of the Catholic Church to now Henry VIII being the Head of the Church of England. Many who are strong believers of Catholicism start to face serious consequences. One example would be Thomas Moore; he became one of Henrys trusted advisors (Dr. Cousins, week 4). Moore, a devout Catholic wrote numerous religious works, and well known in England (Duffy, pg. 85). This all changed for him in 1534 when Henry enacted the Oath of Succession; that all subjects pledge an oath of allegiance and declare that Henry is the sole ruler of England and head of the English Church. Moore refused the Oath and was beheaded in 1535 (Dr. Cousins, week 4). This Oath is a turning point in British life. Now, people not only have to change their religion, but take an Oath or face certain execution and be labelled treasonous. This change is significant and causes a shift in everyday life. Thomas Moore’s actions of refusing the Oath, shows how religion is such a huge part of peoples lives, and not easy to turn a blind eye to the Catholic Church. 

Henry not only forced his people to alter their religious views and pledge allegiance to himself as the Head of the Catholic Church, but Henry enacting the ‘Dissolution of the Monasteries’ is another major change for religious life in Britain. From 1536-40, 300 monasteries became defunct and dissolved. Monasteries have centuries old historic roots in Britain. Before Henry separated with Rome, Monasteries are seen as an important part of Catholic life (Dr. Cousins, week 4). Henry believes the wealth from the Monasteries became too ‘slothful and ungodly’. (Miller, pg. 102). Dissolving the monasteries and the deep roots these religious buildings have for many in the country, is another historical and religious change. People’s daily life for hundreds of years consisted of monasteries, and as especially important to many Catholics in Britain. To see them dissolved is a hardship and change that has profound weight. This is seen today; the monasteries in Britain are now just broken skeletons of what they used to be (Cousins, week 4). 

In conclusion, religion in Britain has been very tumultuous in the mid 16th century. King Henry VIII divorcing Catherine and separating from the Catholic Church caused much change that forced the people change their religion for the sole purpose of Henry wanting a divorce. Henry making it treasonous for not accepting this form of religion shows the power he can enact which does make a impact in Britain. This made a historical impact for the country that is still seen after Henry. England has never been fully Catholic since and an everlasting change has been made.