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Year 8 - History

Thomas Cromwell and the Reformation Parliament

Henry VIII and the Reformation: how unusual was the English Reformation?

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the European Reformation and its influence on Henry VIII's break with Rome. In doing so, pupils compare the English Reformation to the ones experienced on the continent.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how the power of the king changed due to the Reformation Parliament.

Key Notes

  • Thomas Cromwell was an important minister who helped Henry VIII increase his power.
  • Cranmer used theological ideas to argue for the annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
  • The Reformation Parliament (1529-1536) radically changed the powers of the monarchy.
  • The 1534 Act of Supremacy made Henry the 'Supreme Head of the Church of England'.
  • Henry had to rely on Parliament for the Break with Rome.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Parliament: representatives from across the country who advise the king, approve taxes and make laws
  • act: a written law passed by Parliament
  • supreme: the highest in rank or authority

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • There has always been a large variety of names that people could be called.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Thomas Cromwell was an important minister who helped Henry VIII increase his power. Cranmer used theological ideas to argue for the annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Parliament'

representatives from across the country who advise the king, approve taxes and make laws.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: There has always been a large variety of names that people could be called. Correction: In societies that do not experience a great deal of immigration, the pool of names that people can be called can be limited. This was the case for hundreds of years in England, causing many people to share the same names (e.g. Thomas!).

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 History guide library.