Question 10

How far did the religion of English people change under the Tudors?

Introduction

• Provide a brief overview of changes under the Tudors. Clearly define the differences between Protestant and Catholic faiths.

Development

• Explain how England became a Protestant country firstly under Henry VIII. Explain the reasons why Henry VIII turned to Protestantism due to his problems over love, money, power and religion, explain the clever way he exploited the wealth of the monasteries.
• Explain how the appearances of churches as well as the services performed changed radically under Edward VI and the reasons for the changes. Try to include as many technical details as possible about the changes to the interiors of churches. What was the main aim of these changes? You may wish to include labelled diagrams to illustrate your points.
• Explain how Mary tried turning back the clock and return to Catholicism and her motives for doing so. Assess the popularity of the measures she used to enforce her changes, e.g. burning at the stake. Use your notes on why so many different people disliked Mary and why she had the nickname, ‘Bloody Mary’
• Explain how successful Elizabeth I was by adopting the ‘via media’, the middle way. Describe the changes Elizabeth made that wouldn’t upset either Catholics or Protestants, as well as the firm way she dealt with threats to her reign, e.g. the plots, the Armada and the treatment of Jesuits.

Conclusion

• Sum up the changes that occurred under the Tudors, the extent and pace of the changes and whether England was a truly Protestant country by the end of Elizabeth’s reign.