To what extent was the Church popular and powerful in 1485?

Why was the Church so powerful in 1485?
1. It owned about 1/3 of the land in England
2. It included a huge number of people including 35,000 ordained priests and 10,000 monks and nuns.
3. It had its own legal system which resulted in clergy being tried in seperate church courts
4. The Church in England was part of a wider Catholic Church which stretched across Europe and ruled by the Pope in Italy.
5. People's beliefs and fears - Life was short and unpredictable and the Church provided explanation for the events which effected peoples lives e.g. poor harvests or plagues.

What did people believe in 1485?

1. Most people with few exceptions followed the teachings and doctrine of Rome
2. That the Pope was the head of Church and the supreme authority over all spiritual matters
3. That the clergy held a special authority within the community. Priests interpretted the Latin Bible on their behalf and conducted the key ceremonies which marked the passing of time and life in the community.
4. People should submit to the authority of the Church in their lives.
5. There were 7 essential sacarments- The Eucharist, Baptism, Holy Orders, Confirmation, Marriage, Confession, Annointing the Sick
6. To avoid hell people shoudl attend church regulary, believe in the sacramanets and show thier faith in God.

What was the role of the Church in the community?

1. The Church would have been the most common and easily identifiable building within every community. - People were very proud of their Church and many made gifts and onations to the church to ensure the upkeep of its fabric. There is no doubt that when Henry VII came to the throne people supported the Church.
2. Most people when to Church regularly. The communisty would gather together to celebrate Holy Days and other festivals such as May Day.