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Henry didn't at anytime ,as far as I know, break with the Catholic Church! What he did do was to close down the Religious Houses and confiscate their goods and chattels! This should have made Henry very rich indeed because the money raised from the sale of their land and buildings must have been astronomical! They owned about third of all the land in England. How-and-ever, there were many claims on him for what was left! He was forced by circumstances relating to his marriages and various divorces to placate the nobility and gentry. This he did by selling the nationalised land and buildings at a cut rate to the Catholic and Separatist Gentry both. Other money went in pensions to monks and nuns whom he had wronged and the few schools that he built. Other monies went on building Forts or castles around the coast to protect England from various enemies! All in all, Henry didn't make that much from his ,'great steal,' and even so what he got he frittered it away!

In reality, under Henry, England became a Protestant country. He became the single leader of both church and state, and as a result controlled the resources of both, with full access to all assets. He became very rich and powerful. The problem with Henry was, he could not manage the finances of England well, and nearly led England to financial ruin during his reign. But, the wealth of England and the wealth of the Church of England were his to control, and he lived a lavish lifestyle.

In other words Henry was a man of his time and place, very much as the monarchs of Continental Europe were! Vain, greedy and powerful with a large portion of self will! As indeed were the various popes! But to say that under Henry's rule England became a Protestant country, is to beg the question of, 'just what is a protestant'? Classically a Protestant was a follower and supporter of Luther in his objections towards the pope! Henry certainly didn't do this and neither did The Church in England or the country at large.

Henry was a Catholic as were his three children. They were made so by baptism and Confirmation both of which were indelible, as far as I have been taught!

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14y ago

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Related Questions

Who lead England's break from the catholic church?

Henry VIII.


What did Henry VIII break away from?

The Roman Catholic Church.


What evidence is there to support the idea that Henry VIII remained a catholic at heart after the break up with the church?

Henry VIII wanted to break with Rome, but not the Catholic religion. The Church in England, at least during Henry's reign, remained Catholic in theology and liturgy. After the break and until Henry's death, the Protestant religion was still illegal in England.


Why did King Henry VIII break with the Roman Catholic church for money?

Roman Catholic AnswerHenry VIII did not break with the Catholic Church for money.


What king replaced the pope as head of the Catholic Church?

No king has ever replaced a pope as head of the Catholic Church. Henry VIII did break from the Catholic Church and formed what is the Church of England but which is not a Catholic Church as it is not in union with Rome.


What did Thomas More do that was significant?

He opposed Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church.


What was the significance of Henry VIIIs break with the Catholic Church?

It undermined the power and authority of the pope.


What did Thomas More do that was so significant?

He opposed Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church.


What was the significance of Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church?

It undermined the power and authority of the pope.


Why did Henry VII break from the Catholic Church and start the Anglican Church?

because the pope would not grant him a divorce


Who was involved in the break of the catholic church in England?

King Henry VIII separated the English Church from the Catholic Church when the pope refused to grant King Henry a divorce. By forming a separate church, of which he was the head, he could grant himself a divorce.


What economic reasons were there for Henry VIII to break away from the Roman Catholic Church?

When Henry became Head of the Church in England, he confiscated property which had previously belonged to the Catholic Church. The wealth then became part of the Royal Treasury.