The Reformation in England was a complex process that began in the early 16th century. Historians note that it was originally more political than religious. Luther’s Reformation ideas started entering England as early as the 1520s, brought in by merchants. The pivotal moment came during the reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547), who sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon due to the lack of a male heir. When the pope refused to grant the annulment, Henry took matters into his own hands, leading to a series of parliamentary acts that culminated in the 1534 Act of Supremacy, which declared the King as the supreme head of the Church of England. This break from Rome was primarily motivated by dynastic concerns rather than doctrinal changes. The dissolution of monasteries followed in 1536-41, significantly impacting religious life in England. Despite these changes, Henry VIII largely maintained Roman Catholic doctrines, even defending them against Reformation influence earlier in his reign. The religious landscape in England continued to shift under subsequent monarchs, with Reformation leanings dominating during Edward VI's reign, followed by an attempt to restore Roman Catholicism under Mary I. Throughout this period, religious reforms led to confusion among the populace and sometimes resulted in persecution of those who opposed the prevailing religious authority. William Tyndale was one of the brightest lights of reform from England, and was burned at the stake in 1536.

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