The English Reformation in its European context
I can use my knowledge to compare the English Reformation to the European Reformations.
The English Reformation in its European context
I can use my knowledge to compare the English Reformation to the European Reformations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Henry VIII previously protected the pope against Protestant ideas.
- Henry had different reasons for the Reformation in England from those in Europe.
- The English Reformation had some specific causes not found in the Reformation in Europe.
- England's religious beliefs changed based on the monarch.
- The Reformation in England followed a different course to the Reformations in Europe, although there were similarities.
Keywords
Protestant - a member of a Western Church which does not recognise the pope as its head
Reformation - a 16th century movement calling for the reform of the Church
Catholic - a Christian who believes that the pope has authority over the Church
Common misconception
The Protestant Reformation was a single event.
The Protestant Reformation happened over a long period of time and happened differently in different countries. Some countries moved swiftly away from Catholic beliefs, whereas in others the pace of change was slower or even reverted backwards.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: The English Reformation in its European context, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: The English Reformation in its European context, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Henry VIII and the Reformation: how unusual was the English Reformation? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the Reformation moved swiftly, aided by the printing press
the Reformation moved slowly, limited by the monarch
desire to remove the power of the pope and reduce Church corruption
all Catholic beliefs removed relating to the Eucharist
some Catholic beliefs remained relating to the Eucharist
goals to reduce/remove entirely ornamentation in churches