Voluntary Suppression

• Many powerful and rich monasteries remained after 1536; any that had an income of more than £200 and therefore did not come under the 1536 Act.
• From 1537, official policy was to encourage religious house to opt for voluntary suppression; this meant closing themselves down.
• Cromwell sent out commissioners to each of the houses. Those that seemed prepared to fight were noted.
• Cromwell had told the commissioners to leave these houses alone, but an implied threat was made.
• Large numbers agreed to voluntary suppression and handed their property and wealth over to the Crown.