King Henry and his role in the English Reformation

“Cold-blooded, deliberate cruelty mark not only his advancing years but his whole reign,” wrote Sir Charles Oman. This quote exemplifies the thoughts and opinions held by many towards King Henry VIII and the way in which he reigned from 1509 to 1547 . However many thought otherwise. His Lord Chancellor proclaimed that, “Henry was a most gentle gentleman, his nature so benign and pleasant that I think till this day no man hath heard many angry words pass …

…have been devised after long and mature deliberation and are issued in order to eschew not only the dangers of souls, but also the outward unquietness which by occasion of the said diversity in opinions (if remedy were not provided) might perchance have ensured.” WORKS CONSULTED Dickens, A.G, Carr, Dorthy. The Reformation in England. London: Edward Arnold Ltd., 1967 Ridley, Jasper. Henry VIII. NewYork: Viking Penguin Inc., 1985 Smith, Lacey. Henry VIII. London: Jonathan Cape Ltd., 1971