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Why did Henry VIII dissolve the monasteries?

A description of the process by which Henry VIII dissolved England's monasteries. They were rich and powerful institutions loyal to the Pope. As well as removing a potential opponent, the Dissolution left Henry with a vast bank of land which he sold off. Buyers scrambled to take over the assets of the monasteries. By getting rich this way, they also committed themselves to Henry as Head of the Church.

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3 minutes