Some may say that this evidence of Protestantism can be balanced by examples of how England was remaining Catholic, for example the introduction of the Six Articles in 1539, as these showed key Catholic ideas, such as transubstantiation and celibate priests. However the extent of Catholic beliefs was being lessened, for example in 1536 the Ten Articles were produced which showed only three sacraments, instead of the usual seven, which clearly suggested increased Protestantism. In 1545 the Catholic book of prayers was replaced by the more Protestant ‘King’s Prymer’, which is clear evidence of religious change. Remains of Catholicism obviously still existed because a religion cannot disappear over night, but evidently it was being edged out by Protestant values.
There is the possibility of arguing that England was not becoming Protestant because Henry VIII remained a devout Catholic, and only split from the Catholic Church in order to get a divorce, as opposed to religious reasons. His fifth wife, Catherine Howard, was also Catholic and had great influence over him. Some people may argue that if the monarch of a country is Catholic then the country must also be. However Henry was not consistent in his beliefs, both his fourth and sixth wives were inclined towards Protestantism, and he did close down the monasteries. The issue of why the monasteries were actually closed down, i.e. for religious or economic reasons, is debatable, but it must be pointed out that it does create flaws in the idea that he was strongly Catholic, if that was the case he would not have done so. The issue of Thomas Cromwell is also important here. In 1538 Cromwell was given a position where he had a great deal of influence over religious issues, and as he had Protestant beliefs this could indicate that the country was leaning towards Protestantism. However Henry VIII had him executed in 1540, some say because of a difference in spirituality. Yet this is not at all definite, there are many examples of Henry executing people due to personal differences, so this could easily have been the case here. The king executed both Catholics and Protestants as and when he wished. It seems that Henry did whatever suited him, and therefore his beliefs are not a strong argument for the case that England was still, to a large extent, Catholic.
It is essential on this issue to consider beyond the monarch, as it is the views of the ordinary people at the time that actually reflect the extent to which the country had become Protestant or remained Catholic. It could be said that the bulk of the population was still participating in Catholic practises, such as attending confession, in 1547, and therefore the country itself was Catholic. However the fact that there was very little opposition to the reform suggests that people were unhappy with the Catholic Church and the corruption within it, and sympathised much more with Protestant values. By 1544 all church services were in English, and Catholic prayers were no longer being used, which clearly indicates that people were being subjected to Protestantism. Geographically some areas, such as Kent, were more Protestant than others, for example Lincolnshire, so the extent of Protestantism differed depending on the county, but though some areas were slower to develop their religious change, throughout the country such change was happening.
In conclusion, by 1547 England was Protestant to quite a large extent. Obviously some still felt ties to the traditional Catholic beliefs, but religious life had changed for ordinary people. Their church services were now in English, as were the bibles in their churches. Catholic shrines had been destroyed and people were being discouraged from purchasing relics or indulgences. Henry VIII, as opposed to the Pope was now the authoritative religious figure, and the monasteries were no longer in existence. The king’s break from the church had allowed Cromwell and Cramner to use their influence to reflect the urge for religious change that was felt by the English people. By 1547 religious life and worship had shifted a great deal, and Protestant ideas were very valued, though the country was not yet officially ‘Protestant’. However this name was only a technicality, and Protestantism seemed inevitable after Henry’s death, considering the young impressionistic new king, the religious values of his advisers, and the feeling amongst the people of the country. Protestant ideas were distinctly felt by people throughout society, and the evidence backing this up is strong, and despite the erratic nature of Henry VIII, fairly consistent.