What caused the dissolution of the monasteries?
The Reformation in Tudor England was a time of unprecedented change. One of the major outcomes of the Reformation was the destruction of the monasteries which began in 1536. The Reformation came about when Henry VIII wished to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, who had failed to give him a male heir.
How were the monasteries dissolved?
The Dissolution of the Monasteries was a policy introduced in 1536 CE by Henry VIII of England (r. 1509-1547 CE) to close down and confiscate the lands and wealth of all monasteries in England and Wales. The plan was designed as a lucrative element of his Reformation of the Church.
What was the effect of the dissolution of the monasteries?
The suppression of the monasteries transformed many aspects of English life and its culture. It also allowed for a massive transfer of land from religious orders to the English nobility. This had important political consequences and strengthened Protestantism in England.
Did any monasteries survive the dissolution?
Chester Cathedral Founded originally as a Benedictine Abbey, it survived destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries because the monastery was handed over to the city. In 1541, it became the cathedral seat for Chester.
Who was responsible for the dissolution of the monasteries?
The year 1536 saw Henry order the closing down of the wealthy Roman Catholic Abbeys, monasteries and convents across England, Wales and Ireland. This act became known as the ‘Dissolution of the Monasteries’. The Dissolution of the Monasteries lasted four years to 1540.
Who initiated the process of dissolution of monasteries?
The dissolution of the monasteries was one of the key features of the reign of Henry VIII. The monasteries were seen as being a cornerstone of Papal authority in England and Wales.
What was the dissolution of the monasteries ks2?
Who destroyed monasteries in England?
King Henry VIII of England
These monasteries were dissolved by King Henry VIII of England in the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The list is by no means exhaustive, since over 800 religious houses existed before the Reformation, and virtually every town, of any size, had at least one abbey, priory, convent or friary in it.
What did the monasteries provide for the people?
A monastery provided local communities with spiritual guidance; very often its church was for wider public use, it gave employment, and its monks provided education, safe-guarded holy relics, entertained the pilgrims who came to visit, looked after orphans, the sick and aged, and daily gave out food, drink and alms to …
What happened to monks after dissolution?
Some members of religious orders chose exile; others offered resistance to the changes. When the Carthusian monks refused to take the Oath of Supremacy, recognising Henry VIII as head of the church, several were hanged, drawn and quartered, while others ‘disappeared’ in prison and were starved to death.
Are there still monasteries today?
Even as Western Christian monasticism fascinates ever more spiritual seekers, its number of recruits is diminishing. In the territories of the former Soviet Union, however, monasticism is experiencing a revival. Since 1989 hundreds of monasteries have been restored to worship, and many now house young novices.
Where did monasteries gain their wealth?
Although their members were poor, the monasteries themselves were rich and powerful institutions, gathering wealth from land and property donated to them.