Instructions
Read through the tasks below and complete them in the spaces provided. For the timeline, you will need to research and write short notes about why each event was important. For the newspaper report, use your imagination and historical knowledge to write from the perspective of a journalist in 1534.
Timeline of Turmoil: The English Reformation
Complete the timeline below by adding short notes under each event. Your notes should explain what happened and why it was a significant event in Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church.
1533: Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn
Notes:
1534: The Act of Supremacy is Passed
Notes:
1536: The Dissolution of the Monasteries Begins
Notes:
The Tudor Times - Special Report!
Imagine you are a newspaper reporter in 1534. Write a short news article about the Act of Supremacy. Your article must include the headline provided and imagined quotes from King Henry VIII, the Pope, and an ordinary villager.
The Tudor Times
ENGLAND'S ONLY SOURCE FOR ROYAL NEWS AND GOSSIP
Henry Declares Himself Head of Church of England!
LONDON — In a move that has shaken the foundations of Christendom, Parliament has today passed the 'Act of Supremacy', granting King Henry VIII ultimate authority over the church in this land. The King is now, by law, the 'Supreme Head of the Church of England', replacing the Pope in Rome.
Write your article below. Continue the report and make sure to include the three required quotes.
The King himself addressed the court, stating his reasons with great force. He was quoted as saying:
"__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________"
News of the Act has reached Rome, where Pope Clement VII is said to be incandescent with rage. A source close to the Vatican reports the Pope's reaction:
"__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________"
Meanwhile, the common folk of England are uncertain what this will mean for their daily lives and their worship. We spoke to a farmer from Essex, who gave us his thoughts:
"__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________"
Answer Key
(Note: Student answers may vary. The following are examples of good responses.)
Timeline of Turmoil: The English Reformation
1533: Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn
Notes: Henry wanted to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, because she had not given him a male heir. When the Pope refused to grant the divorce (annulment), Henry took matters into his own hands. He had the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, declare his first marriage invalid. He then secretly married Anne Boleyn, who he hoped would give him a son. This act directly defied the authority of the Pope and was a major step towards breaking away from the Catholic Church.
1534: The Act of Supremacy is Passed
Notes: This law, passed by the English Parliament, made the break from Rome official. It legally declared that King Henry VIII was the 'Supreme Head of the Church of England'. This meant that the Pope no longer had any religious authority in England. It gave Henry the power to control the church's doctrine, appointments, and wealth. Anyone who denied this act could be executed for treason.
1536: The Dissolution of the Monasteries Begins
Notes: Acting as the new Head of the Church, Henry ordered the closure of all Catholic monasteries, convents, and priories in England and Wales. He seized their vast lands and incredible wealth (gold, silver, and other treasures). This action had two main purposes: it massively increased the King's finances and it destroyed the power bases of Catholic loyalty, further securing the new Church of England.
The Tudor Times - Sample Article
(This is an example of a completed article. Student answers should include similar themes.)
Henry Declares Himself Head of Church of England!
LONDON — In a move that has shaken the foundations of Christendom, Parliament has today passed the 'Act of Supremacy', granting King Henry VIII ultimate authority over the church in this land. The King is now, by law, the 'Supreme Head of the Church of England', replacing the Pope in Rome.
This dramatic change follows years of disagreement with the papacy over the King's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Now, all clergy and nobles will be required to swear an oath accepting the King's new title, or face dire consequences. The decision cements England's separation from the Catholic Church and places immense spiritual and financial power into the hands of the Crown.
The King himself addressed the court, stating his reasons with great force. He was quoted as saying:
"This realm of England is an empire, and I will not be commanded by any foreign power. The security of my kingdom and the Tudor line is paramount. I answer to God alone for the spiritual well-being of my subjects, not to a bishop in Rome."
News of the Act has reached Rome, where Pope Clement VII is said to be incandescent with rage. A source close to the Vatican reports the Pope's reaction:
"This heretic king has committed a grave sin against God and the Holy Church. He is excommunicated! Let all true Christians know that this English king has chosen damnation for himself and his people through his arrogance and lust."
Meanwhile, the common folk of England are uncertain what this will mean for their daily lives and their worship. We spoke to a farmer from Essex, who gave us his thoughts:
"We've always been loyal to the King, but also to God and the Pope. Now we are told the King is in charge of the Church? It is confusing. We just hope this doesn't bring trouble to our village. We pray for a good harvest and peace."