Clergy

Clergy were expected not to marry or have sexual relationships, although already-married priests could retain their wives. Reform was therefore not simply an immediate removal of every existing marriage.

Church courts were religious courts, overseen by bishops. They dealt with clergy accused of crimes as well as religious and moral offences. They existed alongside the king's courts rather than replacing them.

For most people in Tudor England, religious change was experienced here: in the words spoken during services, the objects surrounding them and the work of their clergy. Changes made by the monarch therefore reached into familiar routines and beliefs about salvation.

Below the archbishops, bishops administered areas called dioceses. They supervised clergy, maintained discipline and managed Church land. Dioceses contained local parishes, where priests served their communities.