the reformation by 1536

• The Political position of the reformation by 1536

  • death of Catherine of Aragon (Jan 1536) and execution of Anne Boleyn
  • removal main reason for the break with Rome & tension with Charles V
  • despite events, marriage between Henry and Anne not validated in Christendom
• Key Developments

  • death of Catherine ended marriage dispute but did not resolve the legitimacy of Anne's marriage or their heirs
  • Anne's miscarriages led Henry to reconsider the future of the Tudor dynasty
  • Cromwell provided evidence for Anne's removal, leading to her execution for treason
• Impact of Henry's Jousting Accident

  • suggested by historians to have made Henry more tyrannical
  • injury handicapped Henry reinforcing need for absolute power
• Government and Parliament by 1536

  Changes in government:

  • reformation in Parliament (1529-36) drastically changed English governance
  • henry's power increased significantly, church's independence removed
  • parliament's role in governance expanded, especially in legislative initiation
• Government and Parliament by 1536

  Legislation and statute law

  • legislation confirmed break with Rome & Henry's supremacy
  • statute law became highest form of law in England
  • 1536 Act of Succession further reinforced Parliament's importance
• Doctrinal Position of the Reformation by 1536

  Henry VIII's role:

  • confirmed as supreme head of the church through parliamentary and biblical authority
  • believed in reforming Church doctrine, liturgy, and practices
  • doctrinal changes influenced by political, religious, and personal factors

  Core beliefs and Sacraments

  • key Catholic beliefs and sacraments remained in place
• Change and Continuity in faith and belief

  Evangelical Ideas

  • questioned Catholic doctrines like priesthood power and justification by works
  • promoted salvation by faith alone and translation of the Bible into English
  • Tyndale; Bible translation emphasized 'love' over charity

  Cromwell's influence

  • appointed vice-gerent in Matters Ecclesiastical in 1534
  • used position to balance demands for religious change and reinforce Henry's authority
  • issued the Order for Preachers (1535) and Injunction (1536) to regulate sermons and introduce the English Bible in parishes
• Change and continuity in the organization of the Church

  Structural continuity

  • church structure remained largely unchanged post-break with Rome
  • Dioceses and parishes continued as before

  Financial Reforms

  • Cromwell transformed Henry's finances using Church wealth
  • Valor Ecclesiasticus audit led to the dissolution of monasteries
  • redirected funds from Rome to the English Church and Crown