The English Reformation in its European context

History

In this unit, pupils identified key differences between Protestants and Catholics. In 'Elizabeth I: why has Elizabeth been represented so differently?', pupils will need to apply their understandings of doctrinal differences to understand some of the political challenges which Elizabeth I faced during her reign.

In 'The Christian Church: how completely did the Great Schism transform Christendom?', pupils studied the split between the Catholic and Orthodox branches of Christianity. In this unit, pupils will focus on the split between Protestantism and Catholicism in Western European Christianity and analyse some of the political implications of this split.

In this unit, pupils learn about the European Reformation and its influence on Henry VIII's break with Rome. In doing so, pupils compare the English Reformation to the ones experienced on the continent.

Henry VIII and the Reformation: how unusual was the English Reformation?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

When is the Protestant Reformation considered to have begun in Europe?

Complete the sentence: A {{}} is a member of a Western Church which does not recognise the pope as its head.

Complete the sentence: A {{}} is a Christian who believes that the pope has authority over the Church.

Each European country wanted to have their own unique version of religion.

It was influenced by the monarch at the time and what they personally believed.

Reformists interpreted the Bible in different ways based on language.

Why were there differences in Protestant belief in Europe?

the Reformation moved swiftly, aided by the printing press

the Reformation moved slowly, limited by the monarch

desire to remove the power of the pope and reduce Church corruption

all Catholic beliefs removed relating to the Eucharist

some Catholic beliefs remained relating to the Eucharist

goals to reduce/remove entirely ornamentation in churches

Match the beliefs to the correct Protestant Reformation.

Who were the three leading Reformists in the European Protestant Reformation?

Complete the sentence: The closure of monasteries in England from 1536 to 1540 was known as the {{}} of the Monasteries. 

England did not experience a true Catholic Reformation.

England did not experience a true Protestant Reformation.

Henry only made Church reforms as he wanted an annulment.

Henry made Church reforms as he was a Reformist.

Why are changes that Henry VIII made to religion in England during his reign sometimes referred to as the ‘Henrician Reformation’?

to offer a basic education and provide food during times of hardship

What was the role of monasteries in England prior to 1536?

Henry commanded Cromwell to perform a survey of the monasteries.

Cromwell’s survey found that many monasteries were corrupt.

The Dissolution of the Lesser Monasteries Act was passed.

Put the following events in order to show the process in which Henry VIII closed the monasteries in England after 1536.

Complete the sentence: Henry's son, Edward VI, made England more Protestant and introduced the 'Book of {{ }}'.

Who did Mary I's 1555 Act of Supremacy reinstate as the head of the Church in England?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The English Reformation in its European context

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.