Henry VIII and the break with Rome

Study note

Henry VIII continued the policy of centralising power and is most famous for breaking away from the Church of Rome and marrying six times. To divorce his first wife he needed the Pope's approval, and when the Pope refused, Henry established the Church of England, in which the king, not the Pope, could appoint bishops and decide how people should worship.

Memory tip: Henry VIII broke with Rome to get a divorce, creating the Church of England.