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The Renaissance and Henry VIII's Reformation
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New ideas spread across Europe in the 1500s. In England, Henry VIII broke away from the Pope and changed the Church for ever.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance (rebirth) was a revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman learning, art and science.
The printing press was developed in Europe by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-1400s. William Caxton set up England's first printing press in 1476.
Books became cheaper, so new ideas spread fast.
The printing press was developed in Europe by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-1400s. William Caxton set up England's first printing press in 1476.
Books became cheaper, so new ideas spread fast.
The Reformation in Europe
In 1517 Martin Luther, a German monk, criticised the Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences (payments said to reduce punishment for sins).
His followers became known as Protestants. Europe split between Catholics, loyal to the Pope, and Protestants.
His followers became known as Protestants. Europe split between Catholics, loyal to the Pope, and Protestants.
Henry VIII breaks with Rome
Henry VIII's wife Catherine of Aragon had a daughter, Mary, but no surviving son. Henry wanted the Pope to annul (cancel) the marriage. The Pope refused.
Henry married Anne Boleyn in 1533. The Act of Supremacy (1534) made Henry Supreme Head of the Church of England.
From 1536 to 1541 Henry closed the monasteries and took their land and wealth. This is the dissolution of the monasteries.
Henry married six times in all.
Henry married Anne Boleyn in 1533. The Act of Supremacy (1534) made Henry Supreme Head of the Church of England.
From 1536 to 1541 Henry closed the monasteries and took their land and wealth. This is the dissolution of the monasteries.
Henry married six times in all.
Give two reasons why Henry VIII broke with the Pope.
- He wanted a son, so he wanted to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
- Breaking with Rome gave him control of the Church and its wealth, such as the monasteries.
- Some advisers and Anne Boleyn supported new Protestant ideas.
Answer: He wanted an annulment for a male heir, and he gained power and money by controlling the Church.
Renaissance: revival of ancient learning; Caxton's press (1476). Luther began the Reformation (1517). Henry VIII wanted an annulment; the Act of Supremacy (1534) made him head of the Church of England; monasteries dissolved 1536 to 1541.
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