Christian Cyclopedia

(1491–1547). Tudor king of Eng. (1509–47); joined Holy League against Fr. 1511; appointed T. Wolsey* lord chancellor 1515; received title “Defender of the Faith” from pope 1521 for Assertio septem sacramentorum, directed against M. Luther*; in conflict with pope because latter refused to grant him divorce from Catherine of Aragon; dismissed Wolsey 1529: appointed T. More* chancellor 1529; secured from Parliament the Act of Supremacy 1534 (see Church and State, 9), creating a nat. ch. with king as head; closed monasteries and confiscated their property. See also Anglican Confessions, 1, 9; Cajetan; Clement VII, 2; England, B 1–4; Holy Leagues and Alliances; Luther Controversies of, c.