Opposition to the Reformation

Opposition to the Reformation

1. Elizabeth Barton (Holy Maid of Kent)

   • had prophecies against the King's marriage to Anne, started speaking out
   • Bishop Fisher and Archbishop Warham supported her
   • Dr Bocking planned on publishing her prophecies - Cromwell stopped this
   • Nov 1533 - sent to the tower, charged with treason
   • April 1534 - executed with 5 others who supported her
     • on the same day as the aristocracy had to take the Oath of Succession - acted as a warning

2. Monks (Observant Franciscans and the Carthusians)

   • against divorce, Royal Supremacy and Anne Boleyn
   • both groups are highly respected and dominant in London
   • both spoke out against divorce and supremacy - they are both punished
   • Franciscans - 7 monasteries closed down in 1535, 18 are starved to death and all monasteries closed by 1539
     • more stubborn monks are imprisoned - 30 out of 200 died in prison
   • Carthusians - many are executed, 6 in 1535, 18 are starved to death - all monasteries closed down by 1539
   • The way Henry treated the Friars created his tyrant image

3. Bishop Fisher

   • only Bishop to get executed
   • Fisher was a strong supporter of Catherine and Papal Supremacy
   • He was Bishop of Rochester - poorest bishopric in England, showed he was holy
   • Henry started to dislike him because he was outspoken about the divorce
   • 1533/34 - he supported the Holy Maid of Kent, he was mentioned in the charge against her - threat
   • he was fined £300 but not executed - it's hard to execute a bishop
   • April 1534 - refused to take the Oath of Succession - he was put in the tower
   • Fisher was known by Catholics abroad
     • Chapuys told Charles V to invade
     • the Pope made him a Cardinal - made Henry furious
   • He was found guilty of treason and executed June 1535
     • caused outrage in Europe

4. Sir Thomas More

   • he puzzled historians - saint or sinner?
   • he had used heresy to burn protestants
   • 1532 - resigned due Submission of the Clergy - his relationship with Henry changed (he was loyal, but only as far as his conscience allowed)
   • Cromwell and Cranmer tried to save him
   • 1534 - wouldn't take Oath of Succession or Supremacy - however didn't speak out against it
   • Found guilty of treason - executed 1535 - caused uproar
   • Richard Rich have purgid evidence - lied - More represented himself