If Henry had not ushered in his type of reformation when he did, do you think England would have remained Catholic? For how long? Many of Henry’s courtiers were already practicing reform. The books were being smuggled into England. The reformation was sweeping Europe. Reformist’s views had reached Scotland by 1525. With reform all around Henry, wouldn’t he have taken a look even without Anne and Cromwell’s influence? What are your thoughts on this?

Sharon said

If Henry had not ushered in his type of reformation when he did, do you think England would have remained Catholic? For how long? Many of Henry’s courtiers were already practicing reform. The books were being smuggled into England. The reformation was sweeping Europe. Reformist’s views had reached Scotland by 1525. With reform all around Henry, wouldn’t he have taken a look even without Anne and Cromwell’s influence? What are your thoughts on this?

Interesting questions, Sharon. I often wonder this myself. While many of Henry’s courtiers were practicing reformed religion, it seemed Catholicism was still the religion of the people. I am not sure how much the early reform movement infiltrated everday Tudor life, so that last statment could be an assumption? It seemed Henry was always a conservative at heart. It was only when denied by the Pope that Henry split from Rome, since most of his religious policies mimicked Roman Catholicism. To me, Anglicanism is always more Catholic than Protestant in nature.
I feel that any religious change, without The Great Matter, would depend upon who succeeded Henry. I cannot see Mary being anything but Catholic, and if she immediately succedded Henry, England would have remained in the Catholic fold.
However, what if James of Scotland still became King of England (all things being equal)? He was a life-long Protestant. It seems he would change England’s religious policies. But, if the heir was a Catholic, things may have been different.
But really, these are just my rambling thoughts. I am not sure if they even make sense!

In many ways all of Henry’s wives were perfect in their own way.

KOA was the comfort and confidence builder that he needed, as I don’t think Henry 7th had much confidence or trust in Henry’s abilities to rule England,a reason I feel that Henry 7th named his mother as regent when he died.
Henry married KOA to try and prove to all and sundry that he was ready and old enough to be a man and a King.

Anne Boleyn was the passion he needed but she also brought out his sadistic and jealous side too.

Jane Seymour was the balm to shattered dreams and hurt pride, but Jane also restored his belief, that perhaps things weren’t so bad after all. Dying 12 days after giving birth to Edward would have hurt him but at least he now had a son, who would carry on the Tudor name. It also proved to all the doubters that the Tudor dynasty wouldn’t be just a flash in the pan.

Anne of Cleves (Racks on standby)brought out Henry’s respect, in the sence that she gave him what he wanted I.e A divorse, without creating a fuss.

Katherine Howard She brought out his bitterness, but she was also his last shot at passion. After her disgrace and death he was done with all that and just wanted peace.

Katherine Parr Well she certainly did give him the peace he desired, but she also rebuilt his family and perhaps for the first time taught him how to love his children for what they were and what they could do, rather then what they couldn’t do. She was the oinkment he needed for what was left of his life. Going to France was just his way of proving to K.P and to his people that he was still capable of great things, and perhaps if he had the health and strength he would have given France a damn good hiding, and not just the slap on the wrist they got.

Taking all the merits that each wife had, if he could have found just one woman who had all those traits, he would have had a happy and one wife marriage. England would still be ruled by the Pope and Catholic.