Episode Eight: The Dissolution of the Monasteries and the Pilgrimage of Grace

This program delves into the history of King Henry VIII decent into tyranny. He executes all those who stand in his way, and dissolves the monasteries as they were not only posing the strongest opposition to his new state Church, but he also wanted the lands and wealth of the monasteries. However, the people were dismayed at the loss of the Abbeys for they gave much support to ordinary people, especially the poor. They formed what became known the Pilgrimage of Grace and marched on London and put their grievances before the King. The king put the rebellion down ruthlessly after promising to listen to them. Although Henry became a tyrant, he was also very charismatic being a writer and a very good dancer. In what we call the ‘dance of death’, we explore Henry's six wives in an historical dance sequence.