One of the most fundamental changes that occurred in 16th-century England was the replacement of traditional.
Catholicism by Protestantism, which began when Henry VIII superseded the Pope as head of the Church of England in 1534.
The king commanded that Bibles recently translated by William Tyndale and Miles Coverdale should be displayed thoughout his kngdom, giving everyone the chance to read the scriptures in English for the first time.
English also replaced Latin in chrurch services.
Closure of the monasteries five years later removed 10,000 Chtholic monks.
Edward VI and the protectors who ruled in his name accelerated the movie into Protestantism.
Archbishop Cranmer’s Prayer Book was introduced throughout the nation, but it was opposed by Roman Catholicis and Protestants alike, since it fudgedthe central issue of the mass.
Were the consecrated bread and wine miraculously changed into the body and blood of Christ, or was the sacrament simply a commenmoration of Christ?
For Mary, who restored Catholicism as soon as she became ruler, there was no doubt that the former was true.
Those who opposed her were burned at the stake.
Thousand of ordinary people died, creating lasting bitterness and anti-Catholic prejudice.
Elizabeth inherited a demoralized and confused kingdom, yet by the end of her reign the Church in England was firmly Protestant.
The queen achieved this largely though moderation and tolerance.
William Byrd, her organist at the Chapel Royal, was Catholic, as was Lord Howard of Effingham, commander of the Enhlish Fleet, and other prominent members of the Court.
However, change was not accomplished without a theological tussle.
Puritan extremists considered religious reform was insufficient.
Perceived popish ornaments in churches were destroyed and exquisite medieval craftsmanship smashed by religiousn zealots.
Some Jesuit priests continued to practise the old rites in secret; they hid in the houses of sympathizers and in specially built priests’ holes in some country houses.
In churches, familiar ritual involving incense, burning candles and monastic chant gave way to plainsong and long, tedious sermons.
This was not to everyone’s liking and congregations began to decline.