The Importance of the Church of England in 1558 (Edexcel GCSE History)

Elizabeth’s relationship with the Church of England

Elizabeth’s relationship with the Church of England was important. Her father, Henry VIII, established the Church of England in 1532. England no longer had papal influence in official religious matters. The English monarch had the ultimate responsibility to govern and organise the Church. 

The Church of England provided Elizabeth with a useful instrument of power. In 1558, Elizabeth did not have access to the technology available to monarchs today. Many of Elizabeth’s subjects would never see or hear the queen in their lifetime. Elizabeth relied on the Church of England to spread information and enforce her new laws. The Church of England acted on behalf of Elizabeth in areas of poor relief and law and order.

It was vital for Elizabeth to closely govern the Church of England. Without their support, Elizabeth’s authority would weaken.

How Important Was Religion in 1558?

• Religion played an incredibly important role in Elizabethans’ day-to-day lives

• The Church dictated people’s lives from ‘cradle to grave’ 

  • People went to Church every Sunday

  • As a baby, the Church would christen them

  • The Church would marry them

  • When they died, they would have a funeral at the Church

• Elizabethans believed in the importance of celebrating religious festivals

  • Harvest festivals prayed for a successful harvest and the avoidance of famine

  • Holy Days like All Saints Day called for Catholics to take Mass

• The Church gave support to the local community

  • The Church taught their congregation the values needed to lead a good life

    • Elizabethans strongly believed in the concepts of heaven and hell

  • They provided food and shelter for the poor

• After the English Reformation in 1532, beliefs about religion divided communities

  • Some decided to risk their safety by continuing to practice Catholicism They listened to the Pope over the English monarch

    • Some Catholics refused to attend Church of England services

  • Others embraced Protestantism

    • They listened to the teachings of the Church of England

  • The religious division in Europe added to the conflict within England

The Roles of the Church of England

• Henry VIII created the Church of England in 1532

• The Church of England adopted the responsibilities previously undertaken by the Catholic Church

• The diagram below highlights the roles of the Church of England:

What did the Church of England do in Elizabethan times?