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The 1324 The English Reformation

1324 AD

No English Reformation in 1324 was officially instituted. The English Reformation took place historically during the 16th century when King Henry VIII separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 1530s. But if you are speaking of religious uprisings or hostilities within England around 1324, there were significant events related to the tension between the church and the monarchy as well as precursory ideas of reform which would ultimately spawn the Reformation. In the early 14th century, England was closely associated with the Roman Catholic Church, which had a dominant influence on politics and religion. The Pope in Rome could appoint bishops, tax, and even influence kings. However, for decades tensions between the English monarchy and the Catholic Church had been building.

One of the primary conflicts during this period was between King Edward II (who ruled from 1307 to 1327) and the papacy. Edward II had severe internal problems, including political opposition from his barons and problems with his leadership. In 1324, England was in conflict with France, which led to tensions regarding church appointments and control. Pope John XXII, who was working out of Avignon, France, was engaged in these disputes, and the conflicts over church power in England continued to mount. Although the full-scale English Reformation did not take place until the 16th century, the early 14th century saw the beginnings of reformist thinking.  One of the most important figures to emerge a short time later was John Wycliffe c. 1330–1384.

Wycliffe was a theologian and scholar who challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, and he felt that the Bible ought to be translated into all languages so that everyone could have access to it. His opinions, which became fashionable in the later 14th century, were some of the earliest substantial criticisms of the Church in England. During the 1320s, discontent with the riches and power of the clergy increased. Nobles and commoners alike felt that the Church was more concerned with money and political power than religion. This provided a basis for future reform movements.