The Relationship Between Heresy and Treason in the Early Modern Period

What was the relationship between heresy and treason in the early modern period?

From around 1400 onwards, the issues of treason and heresy became more closely linked.

How did the relationship between heresy and treason change?

The relationship between heresy and treason changed in 3 key ways.

• ❖ Between 1400 and 1700, heresy and treason became more entwined and were harder to tell apart.
• ❖ From the 15th century onwards, the roles of the Church and the state became more intertwined, which had an effect when it came to dealing with cases of heresy.
• ❖ In the 16th century, changes to the Church meant any opposition to it could also be considered treason against the crown.

Why was heresy linked with treason in the early modern period?

There were 3 main reasons why heresy was linked with treason in the early modern period:

• ❖ Changes to English society and religion, particularly in the 16th century, caused a stronger link to grow between treason and heresy.
• ❖ At the beginning of the 15th century, the king's men were given the job of carrying out punishments for heresy.
• ❖ During the English Reformation, the relationship between the Church and the throne became closer. This meant heresy could be interpreted as treason and vice versa.

How did Henry VIII influence the relationship between treason and heresy?

There were 4 key ways in which Henry VIII influenced the relationship between treason and heresy:

• ❖ Henry's actions in the English Reformation led to more prosecutions for treason and heresy.
• ❖ Under the Act of Supremacy in 1534, Henry became head of the church as well as head of the state. This meant anyone who disagreed with his religion could be accused of treason.
• ❖ Henry executed some Protestants as heretics during his reign.
• ❖ Many Catholics who protested against his changes to the English Church were executed as traitors.

How did Mary I influence the relationship between treason and heresy?

England rejoined the Roman Catholic Church under Queen Mary I. Almost 300 Protestants were burned as heretics.

How did Elizabeth I influence the relationship between treason and heresy?

Under Elizabeth, the relationship between treason and heresy became even more complicated in 3 ways:

• ❖ Elizabeth separated the Church from Rome once again and became its governor.
• ❖ Under the Act of Uniformity of 1559, people who refused to go to Elizabeth's Church could be accused of the crime of recusancy and fined.
• ❖ In 1570 the pope excommunicated Elizabeth and declared her an enemy of the Roman Catholic Church. From that point onwards, Elizabeth considered people who followed Catholic beliefs to be traitors.