Secrets of The National Archives: The Act of Supremacy, 1534

The Act of Supremacy of 1534 declared Henry VIII the supreme head of the Church of England, formally rejecting the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Primarily a political manoeuvre to grant Henry the power to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, the act made it treason to support the Pope's authority.

Neil Johnston, head of early modern records at The National Archives will explore an act that divided the nation and paved the way for future upheaval including the dissolution of the monasteries and some of the most high-status treason trials of the period.

Secrets of The National Archives showcases some of the most notable documents and stories from the collection. From iconic documents such as Domesday, to hidden gems, discover The National Archives’ unique and rich collection and explore history as it happened. Discover the rest of the series here.

Image credit: The Act of Supremacy, 1534, TNA C 65/143 m5 (8, 9)

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