the state of the church and belief by 1547

• Absence of a chief minister

  • last period of Henry's reign without a chief minister
  • Henry controlled both the state and the church
  • reformists and conservatives within his inner circle vied for influence
• Disputes over doctrine and practice

  • conservative faction targeted Catherine Parr and Thomas Cranmer
  • conservatives opposed further reforms, fearing Cranmer's Protestant leanings
  • attempts to link Parr and Cranmer to radical reformers like Anne Askew

  Catherine Parr

  • born in 1512 to courtiers, married Henry in 1543
  • promoted by the evangelical faction, shared their views
  • previously married twice, aligned with Henry's daughter Mary's household
• Conservative Efforts Against Cranmer

  • conservatives aimed to undermine Cranmer, linking him with heretical views
  • The Prebendaries Plot in 1543 target Cranmer
  • Henry's support evident through symbolic gestures like the personal ring
• Relations with France & Scotland and their impact

  • dissolution of monasteries funnded aggressive foreign policies
  • conflicts with Scotland & France, aiming to assert dominance and territorial claims
  • comlpex relationship with James V of Scotland, leading to the Battle of Solway Moss
• Henry's Invasion of France (1544)

  • largest english army, initially aimed to join Charles V in attacking Paris
  • shifted focus to capturing Boulogne, straining resources
  • Treaty of Camp (1546) gave temporary control of Boulognee but was costly
• Growing Influence of Seymour faction

  • Edward Seymour, Lord Hertford, gained prominence after military successes
  • final years saw the downfall of Howard faction, reducing conservative influence
  • Earl of Surrey's execution in 1547 marked a significant political shift

  Henry's Role in Governance:

  • despite factional disputes, Henry remained active in governance
  • factions vied for influence over Edward's future reign
• Importance of Succession

  • Edward to inherit the throne and Supremacy upon Henry's death
  • no single regent appointed due to Henry's cautious nature
  • Edward Seymour positioned to act on Edward's behalf
• Death of Henry VIII

  • died Jan 28, 1547, without reversing his excommunication
  • his church: humanist influenced, Catholic doctrine, seperate from Rome
  • focuses on succession, and maintaining the Church of England's independence
• Religious state by 1547

  • established a Church with Catholic doctrine centered in the Eucharist
  • limited impact of reforms like the English Litany and Cranmer's homilies
  • emphasized Bible reading but restricted individual interpretations