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Henry VIII and the English Reformation |
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The Dissolution of the MonasteriesBY DAVID ROSS, EDITOR
Starting small
Philosophical concepts of the power of the king over church may have played a part in Henry's decision to suppress the monasteries, but so did greed. The monasteries were rich, and a lot of that wealth found its way directly or indirectly to the royal treasury. Some of the monastery buildings were sold to wealthy gentry for use as country estates. Many others became sources of cheap building materials for local inhabitants. One of the results of the Dissolution of the Monasteries is that those who bought the old monastic lands were inclined to support Henry in his break with Rome, purely from self interest. Attitudes towards the Dissolution
Winners and losers
The fate of the monks and nuns
The English Reformation was slow to gather steam. Catholics were not mistreated (at least not at first), and in many parts of the country religious life went on unchanged. Catholic rites and symbols remained in use for many years.
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HISTORY CORNERName the Historic attractionBritish Heritage AwardsCelebrate the best of British Heritage in our annual British History QuizThis Day in British History21 May, 1471 Henry VI killed at Tower of London Henry's murder neatly coincided with the triumphant arrival in London of Edward of York (soon to become Edward IV) Monarch Mayhem
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