The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 (J410/12) - Dissolution of the Monasteries c.1534–c.1540 — OCR GCSE History
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The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 (J410/12) - Dissolution of the Monasteries c.1534–c.1540 explained
Cromwell drove the Dissolution as Henry VIII's chief minister.
Read the full explanation
The Valor Ecclesiasticus (1535) surveyed monastic income, and the Visitation of the Monasteries (1535–36) gathered evidence of laxity used to justify closure. The process ran from closing smaller houses to surrendering larger ones, backed by the Suppression Acts of 1536 and 1539. Reactions varied: some gentry and nobles supported it or profited by buying land, some monks resisted, and many ordinary people opposed it. Dissolution ended religious orders in England, hit the old and poor who relied on monastic charity, and destroyed buildings and libraries. Resistance included the Lincolnshire Rising and the Pilgrimage of Grace (1536–1537).
Your focus
- Identify the Valor Ecclesiasticus and the Visitation of the Monasteries and their purposes
- Describe the process of dissolution and the Suppression Acts of 1536 and 1539
- Explain the varied reactions and effects of the Dissolution, including resistance such as the Lincolnshire Rising and the Pilgrimage of Grace
The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 (J410/12) - Dissolution of the Monasteries c.1534–c.1540 exam tips
Marking Points
- Identifies the Valor Ecclesiasticus as Cromwell's 1535 survey of monastic wealth used to assess houses for dissolution
- Explains that the Visitation of the Monasteries gathered evidence of poor discipline to justify closing houses
- Describes the process of dissolution as the closure and surrender of houses, backed by the Suppression Acts of 1536 and 1539
- Recognises that reactions included support, people who took advantage by acquiring monastic land, and opponents
- Explains that the Dissolution ended religious orders and affected ordinary people, especially the old and poor who depended on monastic charity
- Identifies cultural impacts such as the loss of buildings, libraries and religious life
- Names the Lincolnshire Rising and the Pilgrimage of Grace (1536–1537) as resistance and protest
Examiner Tips
- 💡Link each cause to a specific document or Act rather than describing the Dissolution vaguely
- 💡Use precise dates for the Suppression Acts and the risings to show secure knowledge
- 💡Distinguish supporters, profiteers and opponents when a question asks about reactions
- 💡Connect effects on the poor to the loss of monastic charity and alms
Common Mistakes
- Confuses the Valor Ecclesiasticus with the Visitation; keep the survey of income separate from the inspection of discipline
- Treats the Dissolution as a single event; recognise it ran in stages from 1536 to 1540
- Assumes all ordinary people welcomed closure; remember that many depended on monastic charity and opposed it
- Attributes the Pilgrimage of Grace to 1539; place it in 1536–1537