Reigning Monarchs dictated the 'favoured' religion.
Schools taught the official religion decreed by the reigning Queen or King
Failure to adhere to the 'favoured' religion could often lead to great danger - Imprisonment. Torture. Execution.
Adhering to the 'wrong' religion brought risks to personal wealth, freedom and life
Queen Mary I (r.1553-1558), Elizabeth's sister, believed passionately in the Catholic religion and persecuted Protestants who were burned alive for their beliefs ( hence her nickname Bloody Mary )