Martin Luther Died
On this day in 1546, Protestant Reformer Martin Luther died in Eisleben, Saxony, which was then
part of the Holy Roman Empire.
Luther was an extremely important figure in the Reformation, challenging the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church in a number of key areas.
Martin Luther: Diet of Worms Begins
On this day in 1521, the Diet of Worms began in Worms, Germany. This assembly was held from the 28th January until the 25th May 1521, with the Emperor (Charles V) presiding.
The Diet of Worms held in 1521 was memorable because it was the assembly which investigated Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. It was at this assembly that Luther was condemned as a heretic.
For more visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diet_of_Worms
England: Sir Thomas More Resigns His Office as Lord Chancellor of England
Sir Thomas More was born on the 7th February 1478. More’s political career began modestly enough, but rose through the ranks of power to become Lord Chancellor in 1529. However, he eventually ran into conflict with the king over the issue of papal authority versus that of the king. It was to be his undoing before Henry VIII, as he was unable to accept the Act of Supremacy.
On this day in 1532, Sir Thomas More resigned his office as Lord Chancellor of England, citing health issues. The true cause of his resignation was undoubtedly his position on the royal claim to supremacy in England.
Eventually his position led to his total fall from grace and he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was then tried for treason and finally beheaded on the 6th July 1535.
More had been an aggressive and vocal opponent of the reformation within Henry VIII’s inner circle. He was a severe persecutor of the Protestants and the church, being a staunch Roman Catholic (recognized by Roman Catholicism as a saint) to the bitter end.
King Henry VIII: Begins His Reign in England
Henry VIII was born Henry Tudor, to Henry VII (King of England) and Elizabeth of York on the 28th June 1491. His reign began on this day in 1509 and continued until his death on the 28th January 1547. He succeeded his father, Henry VII as King of England, Lord of Ireland and claimant to the throne of France. his reign lasted over 37 years and was perhaps one of the greatest (certainly one of the most powerful) kings in English history – not that this necessarily made him a great man.
Henry VIII is well known for his six wives and what became of them. He is also known for the part he played in the English Reformation. His split with the Roman Catholic Church saw the advance of Protestantism and the Reformation in England, though he remained theologically ‘Roman Catholic.’
For more on Henry VIII and the Tudor Dynasty, visit:
http://www.tudorhistory.org/
History for Today 