King Henry VIII: Changing Church and Country

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King Henry VIII: Changing Church

What do you already know about King Henry VIII and his changes to the church?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will understand how King Henry VIII challenged and changed the church in England.

Who Was King Henry VIII?

King Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547. He is famous for having six wives and making big changes to religion in the country.

The Catholic Church Before Henry

Before Henry’s changes, almost everyone in England followed the Catholic Church. The Pope, based in Rome, was the head of the church.

Henry’s Early Life and Beliefs

As a young king, Henry supported the Catholic Church. He even criticised people who wanted to change religious rules.

Problems With Henry’s Marriage

Henry’s wife, Catherine of Aragon, only gave birth to one surviving child, a daughter called Mary.

No Male Heir

Henry wanted a son to rule after him. He asked the Pope for a divorce but the Pope said no.

Henry Wants a Divorce

Challenging the Pope

Henry was angry that the Pope would not let him divorce. He started to question the Pope’s power over English church affairs.

The Act of Supremacy 1534

In 1534, Henry passed a law called the Act of Supremacy. This made him the head of the Church of England, not the Pope.

Key Changes Henry Made

Dissolution of Monasteries

Henry made himself the head of the Church in England. People now had to follow his rules.

Head of the Church

He closed hundreds of monasteries and took their land and money.

Impact on People’s Lives

Many people’s lives changed. Some supported Henry, others stayed loyal to the Pope. Some lost homes and jobs when monasteries shut.

Religious Changes

Services in church started to slowly change. More was done in English instead of Latin. People began reading the Bible themselves.

What Stayed the Same?

Many church habits and beliefs stayed Catholic for a long time, even after Henry’s changes.

England and Europe

Some kings in Europe were shocked by Henry’s decision. Protestants supported him, but Catholic countries were angry.

Who Opposed Henry?

The Pilgrimage of Grace

People Who Spoke Out

Many people in the North joined the Pilgrimage of Grace, a protest against Henry’s changes.

Some people, like Sir Thomas More, refused to accept Henry as head of the church and were punished.

Long-term Changes

Henry’s changes started the English Reformation. Later rulers made even bigger religious changes.

Summary

King Henry VIII broke with Rome, changed the head of the church, and closed monasteries. His changes had a big impact on England.

Reflection

Why do you think Henry VIII wanted so much power over the church? Discuss with a partner or write your ideas.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

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