Tag Archives: Catholicism

Defender of the Faith

Why was Henry VIII given the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ in 1521?

On the 11th October 1521, Pope Leo X granted the title “Defender of the Faith” to King Henry VIII of England.

Waltham Abbey

Waltham Abbey and the Dissolution of the Monasteries – a short overview

On the 23rd March 1540, Waltham Abbey in Essex became the last abbey to be dissolved by Henry VIII.

John Rogers execution

John Rogers and the Protestant persecutions under ‘Bloody’ Mary I of England

On the 4th February 1555, John Rogers became the first Protestant martyr under ‘Bloody’ Mary I of England.

Execution of Thomas Cranmer

Why was Thomas Cranmer executed in 1556?

On the 21st March 1556, Thomas Cranmer was executed for heresy.

James I of Scotland

James VI of Scotland: the 13 month old king

On the 29th July 1567, James VI was crowned king of Scotland when he was just 13 months old.

Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

On the 8th February 1587 Mary Stuart, more commonly known as Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed in the great hall of Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire.

Arrest of Guy Fawkes during the Gunpowder Plot

The Gunpowder Plot and the discovery of Guy Fawkes

On the 5th November 1605, the Gunpowder Plot was foiled when Guy or Guido Fawkes was discovered guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder that had been placed in an undercroft below the House of Lords in London.

Arrest of the Five Members

Why did Charles I attempt and (fail) to arrest the Five Members of Parliament?

On the 4th January 1642, Charles I attempted and failed to arrest the Five Members of Parliament, prompting the English Civil War and his own eventual execution for treason.

William and Mary

The Declaration of Right: how William and Mary became co-regents in 1689

On the 13th February 1689, William and Mary became co-regents of the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland after agreeing to the Declaration of Right.

Treaty of London 1839

The Treaty of London: Belgian independence and the First World War

The Treaty of London recognised and guaranteed the independence and neutrality of Belgium.