Religious Changes
Edward Mary
Although a minor he had strong protestant affiliations, A proclamation stated she would proceed cationaly but
the regency council made it easier to move towards her views made clear. She told people to stop printing
protestantism. It was still not partially strong in England. protestant and they won't be punished unless they
continue. Was welcomed with great enthusiasm,
England was still largely catholic, even without the pope. parliament opened with a sung mass even though still
Traditional practices still popular and major changes like technically illegal. Oxford chalices reapered, altar & cross
dissolution of monasteries provoked unrest. So set up at St Nicholas Cole Abbey in London. Mass and
Sommerset would have to remove all catholic practices. practices in over 6 churches. Large numbers at Mary's
England's religion coronation, rule was welcomed (because of her religious
views or legitimate reigne) Warm welcome
Somerset's policies slow, old traditions destroyed. Little
evidence of a fully reformed church. Not surprising he Catholic much like her mother, her religion helped sustain
was at best a moderate protestant. Bishops divided in her after her mothers device and her illegitimacy. Believed
views, a significant number (and Gardiner) opposed to Edward young death sign God brought her to the throne
change as for most lower clergy and a bulk of the to restore rightful religion. She didn't understand the
population. Few areas (east anglia, london) in favour of implications of abandoning royal supremacy and restoring
reform. Governments religious views papal authority. Couldn't see that catholics remained loyal
and profited from events like dissolution of monasteries.
Government reviewing condition of Church through, Catholic
royal visitation examining state of clergy, doctrine and
practices. July 1547 order Book of Homilies (provide Marys wanted to undo religious changes made since
clergy a model sermon and Erasmus’ Paraphrase) placed 1529, restore papal authority and traditional catholic
in every church. Clergy order to conduct services in practices and transubstantiation belief. Re-establish
English, preach sundays, English bible, remove dissolved religious houses, end clerical marriage, restore
superstitious images/statues. Some argued no religious priest status, secure catholicism future by marrying and
changes until Edwards 18 under the will of his father. having kids, persecute those who disagree with views.
Changes to the church Goals
Autumn 1547 parliament under act of Chantries, Oct 1553, parliament refuse to repeal act of supremacy,
dissolved the Chantries. Calmined the attack was suggesting some anit-papal feeling. But passed act of
superstition as they were masses for the soles of the repeal (undid Edwards changes, restored religious sistation
dead was more to fund the war against scotland. to 1547 under act of 6 articles) Mary gave up title of
Chantries dissolution supreme head of church. Used royal prerogative to
suspend second act of uniformity and restore mass. Acts
Parliament repealed treason act, radicals free to
discuss/demand more radical reform. Resulting in more Some disaffection, Wyatt's rebellion (Jan 1554) Used as
radical views and unrest. Iconoclastic attacks on images evidence of displeasure with religious changes but
and alters, pamphlets attacking masses. Having repealed rebellion took place before she carried out any significant
treason law, the government struggled to control. changes and the persecution of protestants. More a
Proclamation issued between Jan-April 1548, restore reaction to fears of Spanish marriage, although the
order, limited preaching. Didnt impact much as Sept 1548 marriage might make it easier for Mary to impose change
council banned all public preaching, limiting spread of and secure a catholic succession. Uprest
protestantism. Treason act
Early 1554 protestant began to leave for Germany/
Success against Scotland meant parliament met in a Switzerland. 800 committed prodstant(mostly gentry,
stronger position, so brought more protestant measures. clergy and the wealthy) went to exile for the rest of her
Act of Uniformity (Jan 1549) ordered clergy to use reign. The lesser couldn't, some radicals waiting to see the
Protestant practices - Sacraments: communion, baptism, developments. Protestant’s
confirmation, marriage, burial. Clergy could marry. Signing
masses for dead souls banned. Holy communion, mantins, Introduction of royal injunctions (spring 1554) restored
evensong in English. Laity receive both bread/wine. traditional practices (holy days, processions, ceremonies)
Catholic practices that stayed-Fast day (& other holy led to depriving many married clergy of their job, some
days) Catholic belief in purgatory neither condemned or restored when abandoned their wife. Protestant bishops
upheld. Worship of saints discouraged not banned. Act of removed from offices. April 1554 parliament rejected
Uniformity reintroduction of heresy laws, didn’t agree till promise