Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40 - 2 Opposition to,…
Full specification wording
Option B3: Key topic 3: The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40 - 2 Opposition to, and impact of, Reformation, 1534–40: Impact of the Reformation on the English Church, including the work of Thomas Cranmer and the influence of Thomas Cromwell.
The Reformation profoundly impacted the English Church, shifting its structure and doctrine.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Reformation profoundly impacted the English Church, shifting its structure and doctrine. Thomas Cromwell, as Vicegerent in Spirituals, wielded immense influence, driving the dissolution of the monasteries and issuing the Royal Injunctions of 1536 and 1538, which attacked Catholic practices like pilgrimages and the veneration of relics. Thomas Cranmer, as Archbishop of Canterbury, provided the theological framework for these changes. He supported the translation of the Bible into English, leading to the authorisation of the Great Bible in 1539, which was placed in every parish church. Together, Cromwell's administrative ruthlessness and Cranmer's Protestant leanings began transforming the English Church from a traditional Catholic institution into one with distinct reformist characteristics, despite Henry's own conservative views.
What earns the marks
- The Reformation removed the Pope's authority, placing the King at the head of the English Church.
- Thomas Cromwell, appointed Vicegerent in Spirituals, used his power to issue Injunctions that restricted traditional Catholic practices such as pilgrimages.
- Thomas Cranmer, as Archbishop of Canterbury, promoted reformist theological ideas and supported the introduction of the English Bible.
- The publication of the Great Bible in 1539, championed by both Cranmer and Cromwell, made scripture accessible to English congregations for the first time.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming the English Church became fully Protestant by 1540.
Put it right: The Church remained largely Catholic in doctrine (as seen in the Act of Six Articles in 1539), though it was independent of Rome and had some reformist elements.
Confusing the roles of Cromwell and Cranmer.
Put it right: Cromwell was the political and administrative enforcer (Vicegerent), while Cranmer was the highest-ranking cleric (Archbishop) focusing on theology and liturgy.
Assuming Henry VIII drove all the doctrinal changes.
Put it right: Henry remained doctrinally conservative; it was Cromwell and Cranmer who pushed for reformist changes like the English Bible and attacking relics.
Exam tips
- When discussing the impact on the Church, distinguish between structural changes (Royal Supremacy) and practical changes (English Bible, attacking relics).
- Use the Royal Injunctions of 1536 and 1538 as specific evidence of Cromwell's influence on everyday religious practices.
- Highlight the partnership between Cromwell and Cranmer in pushing a reformist agenda further than Henry VIII might have naturally gone.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B3: Key topic 3: The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40 - 2 Opposition to, and impact of, Reformation, 1534–40: Impact of the Reformation on the English Church, including the work of Thomas Cranmer and the influence of Thomas Cromwell. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What significant action did Thomas Cranmer take as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1533?
Listen
The Reformation profoundly impacted the English Church, shifting its structure and doctrine. Thomas Cromwell, as Vicegerent in Spirituals, wielded immense influence, driving the dissolution of the monasteries and issuing the Royal Injunctions of 1536 and 1538, which attacked Catholic practices like pilgrimages and the veneration of relics. Thomas Cranmer, as Archbishop of Canterbury, provided the theological framework for these changes. He supported the translation of the Bible into English, leading to the authorisation of the Great Bible in 1539, which was placed in every parish church. Together, Cromwell's administrative ruthlessness and Cranmer's Protestant leanings began transforming the English Church from a traditional Catholic institution into one with distinct reformist characteristics, despite Henry's own conservative views. A strong answer earns marks for these points. The Reformation removed the Pope's authority, placing the King at the head of the English Church. Thomas Cromwell, appointed Vicegerent in Spirituals, used his power to issue Injunctions that restricted traditional Catholic practices such as pilgrimages. Thomas Cranmer, as Archbishop of Canterbury, promoted reformist theological ideas and supported the introduction of the English Bible. The publication of the Great Bible in 1539, championed by both Cranmer and Cromwell, made scripture accessible to English congregations for the first time. A common slip: Claiming the English Church became fully Protestant by 1540. Instead, The Church remained largely Catholic in doctrine (as seen in the Act of Six Articles in 1539), though it was independent of Rome and had some reformist elements. Exam tip: When discussing the impact on the Church, distinguish between structural changes (Royal Supremacy) and practical changes (English Bible, attacking relics).
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Cromwell issued Royal Injunctions attacking Catholic practices
- 2. The Great Bible was published and placed in parish churches
- 3. Cromwell issued further Royal Injunctions restricting pilgrimages
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Religion and the Church
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Ideas and beliefs
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Power and authority
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Change and continuity
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Religion and the Church
- The English Church was transformed from a traditional Catholic institution into one with distinct reformist characteristics, though it remained largely Catholic in doctrine.
- Ideas and beliefs
- Reformist theological ideas were promoted, and traditional Catholic practices such as pilgrimages and the veneration of relics were attacked.
- Power and authority
- The Reformation removed the Pope's authority, placing the King at the head of the English Church, while Cromwell as Vicegerent in Spirituals wielded immense influence.
- Change and continuity
- Structural and practical changes occurred, yet the Church remained largely Catholic in doctrine, as seen in the Act of Six Articles in 1539.
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