In England in 1536, a number of small monasteries were dissolved, their assets removed to the Head of the Church in England, which was now Henry VIII, and the people either pensioned off or sent on to find places at one of the hundreds of monastic institutions remaining across the country.

The large scale survey commissioned by the king, know as the Valor Ecclesiasticus, was a wide ranging and deeply thorough record of church assets, which covered the majority of the country and, critically, the population. It is far more detailed than its earlier, and more famous, sister survey the ‘Domesday Book’ and it reveals in incredible detail the lives of ordinary people and the landscape you would have seen if you lived at this time.

In this interview we also learn that a total, full scale dissolution of all monasteries in England and Wales was not the plan, how passive resistance was strong and tells us a lot about Henry VIII’s actual power, and how women were uniquely affected by the closures.

(Get the extended, ad-free edit of this interview a week early in Patreon.com/BritishHistory)

Professor James Clark is one of THE leading authorities on the dissolution of the monasteries and drops truth bombs which will make you have to reevaluate everything you think you know about Henry VIII's plans, and even the man himself.

Watch the other interviews with James on the Dissolution here: Click Here

Watch exclusive talks from James about Anne Boleyn's role in the Reformation but joining my Patreon at Patreon.com/BritishHistory

I'd really appreciate your help in making this show the best it can be. I know time is precious but if you do have 10 minutes you can spare to fill out this anonymous listener survey, I'd be really grateful - http://bit.ly/britishhistorypodcast-survey

Philippa founded award-winning Historic Tour Operator British History Tours in 2014. Find out about these luxury, fully-escorted, immersive historical experiences at BritishHistoryTours.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.