Why did Henry VIII break with the Catholic Church? - Worksheet

The worksheet poses a significant historical question: Why did Henry VIII break with the Catholic Church? This question prompts learners to delve into one of the most pivotal moments in British history, the formation of the Church of England. The break with the Catholic Church was a result of a complex mix of personal, political, and religious factors. Chief among them was Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn, which the Pope refused to sanction. This led to Henry's assertion of religious autonomy, his eventual rejection of papal authority, and the establishment of the monarch as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

The worksheet also touches upon the enduring memory of gunpowder, treason, and plot, referring to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a significant event in British history that is commemorated annually on November 5th as Guy Fawkes Night. Additionally, it prompts students to consider how Henry VIII's actions changed the way people worship, which includes the shift from Catholic practices to those of the newly formed Anglican Church, affecting religious rituals, church governance, and the relationship between the church and state. This educational resource, created by Focus Education (UK) Ltd, aims to engage students with these historical events and their long-lasting impact on British society and culture.