The English Reformation ( ca 1300 -1603). Index

Opinion  varies as to the timing of the Reformation in England, but  I have commenced in the period leading up to the reign of Richard II
( r 1377-1399) when the medieval Catholic Church of Rome was at the height of its influence, and the `objectionable excesses` became subject of public criticism. In particular it was the conduct of the church hierarchy that began the decline and they were in time followed into dissolute ways by their rank and file. It was a long and complicated process and not just Henry VIII seeking a divorce. Indeed, the Papal Bull of 23 March 1534 and the definitive decision on the divorce  is, by some, regarded as
the break by Rome from England, and thus the turning point
for the Reformation in England.

To better understand the
Reformation  it is necessary to be aware of what was going on in Europe
at the time. The events there coloured Rome`s views to Protestantism
generally, and in particular its own secular alliances. Had the Church
confined itself to clerical matters there could well have been a different
outcome to the  movement for reform of the Church. As it was, the influence of Huss and Jerome
(Bohemia); Erasmus; Luther and Melanchthon (Germany); Zwingli, Calvin and
Beza (Switzerland); Farel, Lefevre and Bp. Briconnet (France); Gustavus Vasa
and Olaf Paterson (Sweden); and others,
contributed greatly to the religious Reformation and supported England and
Scotland as they too,
sought change.

A list of the Kings and Queens of England, and their reigns, is here.

Please note this section is `work in progress` so content will vary as new pages are created
and edited.

Letter restraining the Benefices of the Romans within the Realm AD 1231.

The First
Admonition of the English Parliament 1572

The Hampton Court Conference, 1604.