The reformation took different courses in the three kingdoms for a variety of reasons. The social and political climate, as well as traditions and customs were distinct to each area. In the 15th and beginning of the 16th century, the British Isle was a fragmented society. Before one looks at how the reformation effected each kingdom different, we must first look at the cultural organization of these areas and their systems of power. In London, the surrounding area and the south east of England were, in general, under direct influence of the King. It was a wealthy and commercialised part of the country. It had links to the continent and London was the centre of the government. This kingdom was quite urbanised and was considered the civilised part of the country. They used a farming method known as tillage rather than having pastures like the rest of the country. The North of England, including Wales and the area of Ireland known as the Pale, was less urbanised and less commercialised. The population were more mobile. They were still …show more content…
For centuries the Catholic church was the dominant form of Christianity in Europe. The church controlled most social services, like education and the control almost one third of the land in Europe. The reformation in Europe started in Germany with Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk who challenged the way the Catholic church conducted themselves in regards to the sale of indulgences and the wealth of the church. He criticised the Catholic Church for keeping its riches and extorting the poor. He posted his 95 thesis on a church door, in 1517, condemning the church and wanted to focus on scripture, which he believed was the word of God. His ideas spread rapidly across Germany and Europe thanks to the printing press and publications into the