The Tudors Rebellion Timeline

Yes, much to Cromwell's dismay, Henry really only made his kingdom Pope-less...not Protestant. But, still, I think he and Cromwell did 'start' what would later become the Anglican church. As a Protestant, I must say, even the Anglican church seems very Catholic to me.

As for the poor, I'm reading Schofield's book on Cromwell, and he writes of a revolutionary bill that Cromwell had drawn up to help the poor. It was based on having the able bodied poor doing public works for pay...and it also allowed for monetary support for those who were unable to work due to health or other issues beyond their control. The bill was shot down by parliment (sp?) and Henry. It's unfortunate, as the way it reads, it seems very modern and may have been a great way to get things done in the kingdom and find honest work for the unemployed at the same time.

Also, because the Bible was now to be printed in the language of the people, I think it promoted education. If nothing else, it must have been quite a wonderful thing for believers to finally be able to read the Book that their Faith was based on.

In Schofield's book it is also suggested, and he does give sources and letters, that at first Cromwell was not for the dissolution of the monestaries totally. His first approach was to plant Reformers in the ranks of the monks and have them preach Protestant ideas to them...hoping to change their views. In the beginning, it was many of the nobles that were more for the dissolution of the monasteries (Suffolk and Norfolk, to name a few) because they were receiving many of the spoils, as was a very pleased king.

The one thing that seems to hold true, is that when ever there is a revolutionary change, no matter if it is good or not, people suffer. But, in the long run, I do think the Reformation brought about many good things..

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