Edexcel iGCSE History - King Henry VIII’s Annulment Lesson

This fully resourced Edexcel IGCSE History lesson explores how Thomas Wolsey’s role in Henry VIII’s annulment crisis ultimately determined his fall from power. The lesson focuses on Wolsey’s political struggles to secure an annulment for Henry VIII, with detailed analysis of the Tudor succession problem, Wolsey’s challenges with the Pope, Charles V, and the Blackfriars court collapse.

Students engage with key concepts such as long-term vs. short-term causes, Wolsey’s political dilemmas, and the English Reformation. Structured tasks include summarizing key facts, mind-mapping Henry’s motives, and analysing Wolsey’s problems. They also complete a 12-mark exam-style question focused on how the annulment shaped Wolsey’s downfall.

How I use this resource:
I use this lesson to teach how to approach extended writing on complex political issues, guiding students to build clear, structured arguments.

Ideal for Edexcel IGCSE History teachers seeking high-quality resources to support Tudor England studies, literacy skills, and exam success.
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