How religion changed in the time of the Tudors.
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In 1509 Henry VIII became king. He married Catherine of Aragon. At this time, the people of England were Christians. They were part of the Catholic Church, led by the Pope based in Rome.
In 1525 Henry wanted a divorce from Catherine. The Pope would not give Henry a divorce.Henry was not a Protestant, but he was angry with the Pope.
In 1534 Henry split from the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. He made himself head of the Church in England.
In 1547 Henry died and his son Edward VI became king. In 1549–51 many of the men in power in England believed in Protestant ideas.
In 1553 Edward died at the age of 16. His sister, Mary I, became queen. Mary was a Catholic. She hated the changes that had been made to religion in England. In 1555–6 all the changes made to religion in the previous years were ended.The Catholic Church was back in England and the Pope was the head of the Church again. People who held Protestant ideas were arrested. About 300 were burned at the stake.
In 1558 Mary died. Her sister, Elizabeth I, became queen. In 1559–63 Elizabeth wanted England to have peace and not be divided over religion. She created the Church of England. This mixed both Protestant and Catholic ideas and ways of doing things. The queen was the head of the Church of England. In 1603 Elizabeth died. During her time as queen, there were attempts to get rid of her and replace her with a Catholic ruler. None worked.
Today Queen Elizabeth II is head of the Church of England.