History Extra Podcast: Tudor England | Episode 4 – Religion and Superstition

Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host: Emily Brifitts
Guest: Tracey Borman, Author, Historian, and Broadcaster

Introduction

In the fourth installment of the History Extra podcast series, host Emily Brifitts delves deep into the intricate tapestry of religion and superstition in Tudor England. Joined by the esteemed historian Tracey Borman, the episode unpacks how faith and folklore influenced daily life, societal structures, and political maneuvers during one of England's most tumultuous eras.

The Pivotal Role of Religion in Tudor Society

Emily Brifitts introduces the topic by highlighting the centrality of religion in Tudor England. Tracey Borman emphasizes, “It was absolutely pivotal. I can't overemphasize how important religion was in the lives of everybody” (02:42). She explains that religion permeated every aspect of life, from communal gatherings in churches to personal beliefs about the afterlife. Unlike today’s largely secular society, Tudor England’s populace was deeply devout, striving to attain heaven and avoid hell.

The English Reformation: Origins and Impact

The conversation shifts to the English Reformation, a seismic shift initiated in the 1530s. Borman provides a succinct overview: “The Reformation really gathered ground in England during the 1530s, and it began with Henry VIII's break” (03:44). She argues that Anne Boleyn was instrumental in this process, stating, “if there hadn't been Anne Boleyn, there wouldn't have been the English Reformation” (04:33). Henry VIII’s desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to the severance from the Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England with the king at its head.

Key Differences Post-Reformation:
Before the Reformation, England was intertwined with Roman Catholicism, but the establishment of the Church of England marked a shift in allegiance from the Pope to the monarch. Borman draws parallels to modern Brexit, noting the “sense of sudden isolation” experienced by the English people (05:54). The dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII had profound effects, including the displacement of communities, loss of employment, and redistribution of land to the Crown and rising gentry, fundamentally altering England’s social and economic landscape.

Impact of the Dissolution of the Monasteries

Borman elaborates on the dissolution’s immediate repercussions: “they were seen as being synonymous with Rome and they had to go” (08:07). The closure of monasteries led to widespread unemployment, increased vagrancy, and the dismantling of community support structures like hospitals and schools. The destruction and sale of these institutions not only reshaped the physical landscape but also ignited dissent and rebellion, most notably the Pilgrimage of Grace.

Key Figures Driving the Reformation

The Reformation was propelled by influential individuals:

• Thomas Cromwell: Described as “the driving force behind the English Reformation” (13:05), Cromwell orchestrated legislative changes and the dissolution of monasteries to bolster the royal treasury.
• Anne Boleyn: More than Henry VIII’s mistress, she was a fervent reformer who introduced heretical ideas that challenged the Catholic orthodoxy.
• Thomas Cranmer: As Archbishop of Canterbury, Cranmer played a pivotal role in shaping the Church of England’s doctrines.

Borman clarifies a common misconception: “Henry VIII never became a Protestant. He always remained Catholic, just not Roman Catholic” (16:17).

Intertwining of Religion and Politics

Religion and politics were inseparably linked in Tudor England. Borman states, “It was a political motive for the religious reforms because Henry wanted his annulment from Catherine of Aragon” (16:23). The Reformation served Henry’s personal desires for a male heir and furthered political agendas, including the redistribution of monastic wealth. This nexus of faith and power led to courtly factions, with conservatives like the Duke of Norfolk opposing reformers such as Cromwell and Cranmer.

Resistance and Rebellion among Ordinary People

Despite the overarching shifts, not all accepted the changes willingly. Borman likens the populace’s resistance to telling people, “if you were told the Internet doesn’t exist” (19:24). The Pilgrimage of Grace exemplifies widespread unrest, as communities vehemently opposed religious upheaval. The episode illustrates how these reforms were met with fear, confusion, and outright rebellion, highlighting the deep-rooted attachment to traditional beliefs.

Edward VI: Radicalizing the Reformation

Upon Henry VIII’s death, his son Edward VI ascended to the throne at nine years old. Borman describes Edward as “a religious reformer” who furthered Protestant doctrines by introducing the Book of Common Prayer in 1549 and its revision in 1552 (20:54). Under Edward, the Church of England adopted more radical Protestant practices, stripping away Catholic rituals and symbols to create a purer form of worship. However, these changes also led to increased dissent and subsequent rebellions, such as the Prayer Book Rebellion and Kett's Rebellion.

Mary I: The Counter-Reformation and Religious Persecution

Mary I, Edward’s successor, sought to reverse the Reformation. Borman explains, “Mary was determined to essentially unpick the Reformation to return England to obedience to the Pope” (24:19). Her fervent Catholicism led to the persecution of Protestants, earning her the moniker “Bloody Mary” for the execution of around 300 Protestant heretics. This attempt to restore Catholicism intensified religious tensions, as many had benefited from or embraced Protestant reforms.

Elizabeth I: Establishing Religious Compromise and Stability

Elizabeth I emerged as a pragmatic leader determined to unify her realm through religious compromise. Borman highlights Elizabeth’s strategic approach: “Elizabeth is often quoted as saying that she did not wish to make windows into men's souls” (29:08). By passing the Act of Uniformity in 1559, Elizabeth established the Elizabethan Church, which balanced Protestant reforms with traditional Catholic practices. This compromise ensured relative religious stability, allowing individuals private beliefs while enforcing public conformity.

Superstition and Folklore in a Time of Reform

Despite the sweeping religious changes, superstitious beliefs remained deeply ingrained in society. Borman notes, “superstitious beliefs are slow to die” (36:16). Folklore and superstition provided explanations for the inexplicable, offering solace and control in an uncertain world. Practices such as alchemy, believed to transform metals or grant eternal life, persisted even among the elite, including Queen Elizabeth I.

Popular Superstitions:

• Omens and Signs: A hare running in front of someone was considered unlucky.
• Childbirth Rituals: Mothers used superstitious practices like tying ox skin around their thighs to ensure safe deliveries.
• Lunacy: The term “lunatic” is derived from beliefs linking madness to the moon’s influence.
• Witchcraft: Accusations of witchcraft were rampant, particularly targeting vulnerable women. Methods like "ducking" a witch in water often resulted in death, irrespective of guilt or innocence.

The Persecution of Witchcraft

Witchcraft accusations intensified during the Tudor period as fears and misunderstandings about natural phenomena prevailed. Borman describes the shift in perception: “witches had been seen as a force for good… suddenly… seen as a force for evil” (42:26). This demonization led to widespread hysteria, where neighbors often turned against one another, and accusations were a tool for social control or personal vendetta.

Societal Impact of Religion and Superstition

The interplay between religious reform and superstitious belief created a society fraught with fear, uncertainty, and conflict. Borman reflects, “England was largely a Protestant country by the end of the Tudor period, but there had been an awful lot of turmoil and turbulence and bloodshed along the way” (45:06). The era’s relentless religious and superstitious unrest reveals the profound fears and concerns of its people, grappling with existential questions and the volatile shifts in their belief systems.

Conclusion

Emily Brifitts wraps up the episode by underscoring the enduring legacy of Tudor England’s religious transformations and superstitious practices. The tumultuous blend of faith, politics, and folklore not only reshaped England’s societal fabric but also laid the groundwork for modern religious and cultural landscapes. The episode sets the stage for the next discussion, promising an exploration of Tudor England’s global interactions.

Notable Quotes:

• Tracey Borman: “It was absolutely pivotal. I can't overemphasize how important religion was in the lives of everybody.” (02:42)
• Tracey Borman: “Henry VIII never became a Protestant. He always remained Catholic, just not Roman Catholic.” (16:17)
• Tracey Borman: “They were seen as being synonymous with Rome and they had to go.” (08:07)
• Emily Brifitts: “Elizabeth is often quoted as saying that she did not wish to make windows into men's souls.” (29:08)

This comprehensive exploration by Emily Brifitts and Tracey Borman offers listeners an engaging and informative glimpse into the complex world of Tudor England, highlighting how religion and superstition were not just beliefs but powerful forces that shaped every facet of life.