The Opposition to the Henrican Reformation

The Opposition to the Henrican Reformation

The English reformation is widely discussed amongst historians; it was

a process that saw the removal of the longstanding Papal influence and

the beginnings of a new English Church. The reformation was believed

to be a quick process, imposed upon the country from above. The

decrees, acts and events of the reformation forced drastic changes

upon both the English clergy, masses and the Papacy. These changes

were unpopular and discontent was widespread. In spite of such

feelings the reformation experienced little delay and monarchical

power over the English Church continued to increase. That is not to

say there was no opposition to the reformation, for it was rife and

potentially serious. The opposition came from both the upper and lower

classes, from the monks and nuns and from foreign European powers.

This opposition however, was cleverly minimised from the outset,

Cromwell’s master plan ensured court opposition was minimal and new

acts, oaths and decrees prevented groups and individuals from publicly

voicing their dissatisfaction. Those who continued to counter such

policies were ruthlessly and swiftly dealt with, often by execution,

and used as examples to discourage others.

Henry’s desire for a nation free of foreign religious intervention,

total sovereign independence, a yearning of church wealth and the

desire for a divorce sewed the seeds for reform. The divorce case

angered many people. Catherine of Aragon was a pious and popular Queen

who was depicted as a devout Catholic and loyal wife. During the

divorce Henry was not only faced with Papal opposition but also

staunch resistance...

... middle of paper ...

... Such opposition was

also given further momentum by individuals such as More, Fisher and

Barton who created effective propaganda for the Queen’s cause.

Although the opposition was potentially serious it mounted to very

little. Henry and Cromwell ensured that these small isolated pockets

of discontent both inside and outside of court were eliminated and

that persistent defiant individuals were executed. In addition the

Pilgrimage of Grace amounted to nothing as the rebels did not wish to

battle, in addition the King’s promise to offer pardons and restore

some monasteries appealed to the rebels. It can therefore be concluded

that although the opposition to the Henrican reformation was rife it

posed little threat to Henry thanks to the quick response and actions

of Cromwell who pinned down opposition in its early stages.