In this lecture, we focus on the dissolution of the monasteries in England from 1536-40, focusing in particular on: (i) the history of the dissolution of monasteries in England; (ii) the first systematic dissolution of the monasteries under Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1525; (iii) why Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries; (iv) the nature of Henry VIII’s religious views, including the influence of Erasmian theology; (v) the escalation of the dissolution of the monasteries and its legal basis; and (vi) resistance to the dissolution of the monasteries, including the monks of the London Charterhouse and the Brigittines of Xion, and the abbots of Glastonbury, Reading, and Colchester.

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This lecture is part of a larger course exploring the history of monasticism in Britain, starting with its origins in the 5th and 6th centuries and ending with the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. The full course can be found here: massolit.io/courses/britain-monasticism-598-1540?source=yt

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MASSOLIT works with university academics to produce short video lectures in the arts, sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is available to schools and colleges on an institutional license as well as via private subscription: massolit.io/?source=yt