Page "Dissolution of the Monasteries" Paragraph 4

Cardinal Wolsey had obtained a Papal Bull from the Pope, authorising some limited reforms in the English Church as early as 1518, but reformers ( both conservative and radical ) had become increasingly frustrated at their lack of progress.

Henry wanted to change this, and in November 1529 Parliament passed Acts reforming apparent abuses in the English Church.

They set a cap on fees, both for the probate of wills and mortuary expenses for burial in hallowed ground ; tightened regulations covering rights of sanctuary for criminals ; and reduced to two the number of church benefices that could in future be held by one man.

These Acts sought to demonstrate that establishing royal jurisdiction over the Church would ensure progress in " religious reformation " where papal authority had been insufficient.