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Diocese

The dissolution of the Priory of St Mary Overie

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One day a wealthy visitor arrives at the Priory demanding to see the Prior.

 The visitor, Willyam Peter, is one of Henry VIII's commissioners. Henry is trying to weed out the failing monasteries, close them down and keep their assets. Willyam has instructions to inspect the Priory of St Mary Overie.

Unfortunately for Henry, the Priory is fulfilling its commitment to the people of Southwark. Henry orders the Prior and the canons to process through the streets of the town, carrying their finest gold and silver altar ware. Henry is hoping that the Southwark inhabitants will be outraged by the wealth of the Priory whose members take a vow of poverty.

Foiled again! The procession appears not to upset the locals.

Only one course of action left. William Pryor presents a new document form Henry, to the Prior, to read to the assembled community.

Dismay. Henry has decided to close the Priory anyway. Wars don't come cheap and someone has to pay for the protection of the realm.

The canons count their pensions. £6 a year for the ordinary canons, £8 a year for the Sub Canons, and £80 a year for the Prior. At least £80 is what the Prior should have received. Bartholomew Fowle rejected this meagre sum and in return was awarded £100 a year!

The Priory is dissolved in 1539 and the canons adopt secular modes of dress as their wearing of scapulas could have them arrested. The Priory buildings are given to friends of Henry VIII.

As time goes on further changes occur in the country's religious life. Henry's son, Edward VI shows considerable concern in the appearance of churches. With importance being on 'the Word', brightly coloured vestments, gold and silver altarware, even altars are not required. The language of Latin is abandoned in favour of English, so all can understand and take part in the service.

Mary I attempts to revert back to the 'Old Faith' during her reign (1554-1558), but her methods, being so harsh, are not popular. Elizabeth I, the last of Henry's children, reinstates Protestantism, becomes Head of the Church of England and persuades Parliament to introduce an Act of Uniformity which attempts to keep the majority happy.

The religious question, for the most part, is settled.

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