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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Dissolution of the Monasteries
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The destruction of the monasteries, abbeys and priories of England in 1536–41 and the seizing of their lands for the crown. To the other practical advantages derived by Henry VIII from the *Reformation, this policy added a major economic windfall. It was ruthlessly executed on the king's behalf by Thomas *Cromwell. A survey in 1535 of all ecclesiastical property was rapidly followed by inspectors looking into allegations of monastic corruption and licentiousness; the evidence in the second survey was used to justify seizing what had been listed in the first.
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The smaller establishments were closed down in 1536 (provoking the *Pilgrimage of Grace) and the remainder suffered in a second wave up to 1541. The abbey churches were destroyed and the secular buildings were usually sold to private citizens, which is why many romantic abbey ruins in England have a grand country house of the late 16C in the near vicinity.
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