London and the Reformation

In London the new faith was fervently evangelized and resisted, as the common religious framework had been dissolved. In its place was a succession of governments and monarchs, such as Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I. The dis-proportionate size and wealth of the capital, the strength of its religious example, both refomist and conservative, the network of connections within London and between London and the provinces and overseas and its integration of social forces and high politics meant that London played a major part in the reception of the English Reformation. Drawing on the archival sources of 16th century London, this study explores the religious dilemmas that were confronted during the Reformation.