Description: The last years of Henry VIII's life, 1539-47, have conventionally been seen as a time when the king persecuted Protestants. This book argues that Henry's policies were much more ambiguous; that he continued to give support to Protestantism and that many accordingly also remained loyal to him. It also examines why the Protestants eventually adopted a more radical, oppositional stance, and argues that English Protestantism's eventual identity was determined during these years.
Brief description: Alec Ryrie is Lecturer in Modern History, University of Birmingham.
Review Quotes: "Well-researched and exceptionally well-written." Comitatus