[AMDG&BVMH]

"vigorously persecuted Protestants "

and Elizabeth vigorously persecuted Catholics . . . just to complete your apt summary of the situation. ;)

Henry VIII, the earlier 'Defender of the Faith' did not believe he was doing anything but remaining Catholic, tho severing the Church in England from Rome and putting it under the crown -- he was wrong, of course, as you pointed out. Severed from Rome, the Church in England could only be what the crown and advisors to the crown demanded that it be.

Henry VIII also persecuted/supressed the monastaries and took possession so that he and his allies could benefit from the land and money. He also killed anyone who would not state that they accepted him as head of the church in England, re: St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More.

What an ugly bit of history thus came to pass, because Henry VIII could not satisfy himself with his first, long suffering wife. It is said he wanted a male heir; well, we know that gene comes from the father not the mother; so it was all, all in vain . . .

[drstevej]

***and Elizabeth vigorously persecuted Catholics . . ***

Yes she did.

***What an ugly bit of history thus came to pass, because Henry VIII could not satisfy himself with his first, long suffering wife.***

A Burma Shave advertisement from the past...

Henry the Eight
He sure had trouble
Short term wives
And long term stubble...
BURMA SHAVE

[CatherineofAragon]

"What an ugly bit of history thus came to pass, because Henry VIII could not satisfy himself with his first, long suffering wife"

Preach it, brother.