dissolution of the monastries

• monasteries with smaller income of under £200 a year were closed in 1536 while larger ones closed between 1539-40
• in 1535 a census looked at the wealth of the churches and Cromwell sent round inspectors to look at the behaviours in the church. It showed the churches in poor condition.
• Most of the larger monasteries surrendered voluntarily however the second act of dissolution was enforced
• Wolsey dissolved 29 monasteries
• over 500 religious houses dissolved, crown income doubled and re-sale estimated at £1.3 million
• monasteries seen as upholders of traditional religion, Protestants did not believe in their value e.g., dissolved in Germany.
• England under threat of Catholic crusade, he was excommunicated, many larger monasteries had income of £1000/ year.
• With money from monasteries Henry did not need to ask for as much taxation, making him more popular
• Land, from monasteries, could be used as patronage. Henry could buy off opposition e.g., Duke of Norfolk who took money before religious beliefs
• new grammar schools created (Canterbury and Chester), many monks left in poverty, money spent on warfare, wealthy gained from dissolution, monasteries were a social relief.
• gave Henry an extra £140,000 yearly and he sold land to 40,000 people