4.1: Henry VII and Post-War Religious Conflicts
Religious Conflicts
Following his victory in the Wars of the Roses, Henry VII focused on ensuring that England remained peaceful and that his own position as king was secure. He worked to strengthen the central government and reduce the influence of the nobles. He was known for being thrifty and built up the financial reserves of the monarchy. Upon his death, his son Henry VIII continued these policies of consolidating royal power.
Henry VIII is perhaps best remembered for his decision to break away from the Church of Rome and for his six marriages.
Henry VIII’s Reign and Marriages
Henry VIII ruled as king of England from 21 April 1509 until his death on 28 January 1547. His six wives are a central part of his legacy:
- Catherine of Aragon: A Spanish princess, Catherine had several children with Henry, but only one, Mary, survived. When Catherine could no longer have more children, Henry sought to divorce her in hopes of having a male heir with another wife.
- Anne Boleyn: Anne, an Englishwoman, gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth. She became unpopular and was accused of having affairs. Anne was executed at the Tower of London.
- Jane Seymour: Jane married Henry after Anne’s execution. She gave birth to Henry’s much-desired son, Edward, but died shortly after his birth.
- Anne of Cleves: A German princess, Anne married Henry for political reasons, but the marriage was soon annulled.
- Catherine Howard: Catherine, a cousin of Anne Boleyn, was also accused of infidelity and was executed.
- Catherine Parr: Catherine was Henry’s final wife, and she outlived him. She remarried after Henry’s death but died soon after.
The Establishment of the Church of England
Henry VIII’s desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon led to a major religious shift in England. He needed approval from the Pope to dissolve the marriage, but when the Pope refused, Henry established the Church of England. This new church granted the king the authority to appoint bishops and decide how people should worship, rather than the Pope.
The Protestant Reformation
During Henry’s reign, the Reformation was spreading across Europe. This movement opposed the authority of the Pope and the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants formed their own churches, which emphasized reading the Bible in vernacular languages instead of Latin, rejecting prayers to saints, and promoting a more personal relationship with God over submission to Church authority. Protestantism gained influence in England, Wales, and Scotland throughout the 16th century.
In Ireland, however, attempts to impose Protestantism, combined with efforts to implement English laws on land inheritance, sparked rebellions by Irish chieftains, leading to violent conflicts.
Wales and the Act for the Government of Wales
During Henry VIII’s reign, Wales was formally united with England through the Act for the Government of Wales. This act reformed the Welsh legal system and allowed Wales to send representatives to the House of Commons.
Succession and Religious Turmoil
Henry VIII was succeeded by his son Edward VI, who was a strong supporter of Protestantism. During Edward’s reign, the Book of Common Prayer was written for use in the Church of England, and a version of this book is still in use today in some churches. However, Edward’s rule was short; he died at the age of 15 after just over six years on the throne.
After Edward’s death, his half-sister Mary became queen. A devout Catholic, Mary persecuted Protestants during her reign, earning her the nickname ‘Bloody Mary’. Like her brother, Mary’s time as monarch was brief, and she was succeeded by her half-sister Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.