The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 (J410/12) - English Reformation c.1520–c.1535 — OCR GCSE History
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The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 (J410/12) - English Reformation c.1520–c.1535 explained
This topic examines the English church around 1520 and the pressures that led to reform by 1535.
Read the full explanation
The church was wealthy and central to daily life: it owned land, collected tithes and provided parish worship, festivals and charity, shaping ordinary people's routines and beliefs. The Lollards spread criticisms of church wealth and practices, and Luther's ideas from Germany challenged papal authority and key doctrines, spreading through print. In the 1530s critics attacked abuses and corruption, while popular attitudes to reform ranged from loyalty to quiet discontent. Henry VIII's desire to annul his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon drove his break with Rome, and the Reformation Parliament of 1529–1534 passed legislation that limited papal power and recognised royal supremacy.
Your focus
- Describe the wealth and importance of the church in England c.1520.
- Explain the ideas of the Lollards and Luther and the criticisms of the English church in the 1530s.
- Identify Henry VIII's desire to annul his first marriage and the legislation of the Reformation Parliament 1529–1534.
The English Reformation c.1520–c.1550 (J410/12) - English Reformation c.1520–c.1535 exam tips
Marking Points
- Describes the wealth of the church, including land and tithes, and its importance in ordinary people's lives.
- Explains that the Lollards criticised church wealth and practices and that Luther's ideas challenged papal authority.
- Identifies critics of the English church in the 1530s and the range of popular attitudes towards reform.
- States that Henry VIII sought to annul his first marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
- Recognises that the Reformation Parliament of 1529–1534 passed legislation limiting papal power and asserting royal supremacy.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Match each option to the correct date range, especially the Reformation Parliament of 1529–1534.
- 💡Distinguish Lollard criticism from Lutheran ideas when both appear as options.
- 💡Check whether an option describes the church's wealth and social role, not just its doctrines.
- 💡Link Henry VIII's annulment to the legislation that followed rather than to later events.
Common Mistakes
- Confuses the Lollards with Luther's followers; keep their separate origins and ideas distinct.
- Places the annulment and Reformation Parliament outside 1529–1534; keep the legislation within that date range.
- Assumes all ordinary people welcomed reform; recognise a range of popular attitudes.
- Treats the church as only a spiritual body; include its wealth and social role.