How far and quickly did England shift towards Protestantism under Edward
VI?
AimsUnderstand the religious changes under
Edward VIBy completing a sorting exerciseUnderstand how far England became
ProtestantTo complete an AS level question tomorrow
in exam conditions
4 Phases The changes taken in Edward’s reign can
be viewed as 4 phases (stages)Phase 1 – Destructive (removal of Catholicism)Phase 2 – State of Limbo (dealing with
Protestant activity)Phase 3 – Formative (Protestant form of
worship and belief established)Phase 4 – Completion (reform saw
establishment of full Protestantism)
End of Henry VII’s
reign
Removal of
Catholicism
Unofficial Protestanti
sm
Ceremonial
Change
Doctrinal Change
Full Protestanti
sm
End of Henry VII’s
reign
Removal of
Catholicism
Unofficial Protestanti
sm
Ceremonial
Change
Doctrinal Change
Full Protestanti
sm
End of Henry VII’s
reign
Removal of
Catholicism
Unofficial Protestanti
sm
Ceremonial
Change
Doctrinal Change
Full Protestanti
sm
End of Henry VII’s
reign
Removal of
Catholicism
Unofficial Protestanti
sm
Ceremonial
Change
Doctrinal Change
Full Protestanti
sm
End of Henry VII’s
reign
Removal of
Catholicism
Unofficial Protestanti
sm
Ceremonial
Change
Doctrinal Change
Full Protestanti
sm
End of Henry VII’s
reign
Removal of
Catholicism
Unofficial Protestanti
sm
Ceremonial
Change
Doctrinal Change
Full Protestanti
sm
Key Change – First Book of Common Prayer 1548Cranmer’s workEnforced by Act of UniformityA half way measure fearing that anything more
radical would not be acceptedTherefore satisfied few people – Catholics saw it as
Protestant and the Protestants thought it was full of Popery.
Outlined the Liturgy – e.g. o Services in Englisho Sacraments like baptism, last rites, confirmation,
marriageo Communion of both kindso No prayers for the deado Worship of Saints discouraged (not banned)o Fast and holy days remained
Furthermost swing towards ProtestantismCranmer satisfied many radical reformersFollowed Calvinist ideasEucharist or Communion followed the principle that
the bread and the wine did not represent the body and blood of Christ – but a symbol of remembrance of Christ.
Altars replacedIn conformation the sign of the cross was abolished
Enforced by Second Act of Uniformity – under which offence for clergy and laity not to attend Church of England services.
Key Change – Second Book of Common Prayer 1552
Summary – How Protestant? Key PointsCranmer wrote both books of common prayer
which gave the Church a Protestant Service.Enforced by the Acts of Uniformity – the second
Act of Uniformity actually making no attendance at Church an offence.
Edward was a radical Protestant and was involved in the religious changes –e .g attendance at PC meetings where religious issues were discussed.
There were other factors influencing change e.g. greed, European reformers, John Hooper, Latimer and Ridley, lack of opposition and Somerset and Northumberland
Summary – How Protestant? Key PointsThe Edwardian Reformation can in the final
analysis be seen in three stages – 1) Catholicism swept away 2) Protestant ceremonial changes 3) Reformed Protestant doctrine introduced.
Protector Somerset was a committed Protestant but was restrained by war, finance and Catholics.
Duke of Northumberland moved England toward Protestantism – however it can be argued this was for personal rather than religious gain. Gaining the favour of Edward, preventing Mary’s potential succession and reducing Catholic influence generally.
Summary – How Protestant? Key PointsYES Removal of Catholicism - chantries were
closed, images removed and altars replaced etc. Removal of Six Articles, heresy and treason laws.
Ceremonies changed
Doctrine – Prayer books enforced by the Acts of Uniformity and laid out particularly in Second Prayer book. E.g. Changes to communion / Eucharist
Summary – How Protestant? Key PointsHOWEVERBut the extent to which the people became
Protestant is hard to measure. Many welcomed Mary who would return
England to Catholicism, others were against her. There was a lack of good preachers to spread
Protestantism. Many conformed in public, however private
Catholic worship remained. Some opposition e.g. Western (Prayer Book)
rebellion and Gardiner
Comparison Question
Focus on the theme of the question – DO NOT generally compare.
Put the sources TOGETHER – not separately.
Similarities DifferencesEvaluate the provenance
Plan
Complete Questions 3 (a) and 3 (c) as homework for next Tuesday.
Think carefully about Question 3 (c)
Use all the sourcesShow your knowledge of the periodStick to the theme of the questionSupport the statement first by using the
sources and your own knowledgeChallenge the statement by using the
sources and your own knowledge