GCSE History Edexcel: Henry VIII - Causes of the Dissolution of the Monasteries (Lesson 23)

In this lesson, students will both recap the main roles of the monasteries in early Tudor England and then go on to explain the main reasons for the Dissolution of the Monasteries starting in 1536. The lesson is suited for or could easily be adapted for students aged 12-16

This lesson examines the following questions:
What were the main roles and functions of the monasteries?
What part did Thomas Cromwell play in the dissolution of the monasteries?
What were the main causes of the dissolution of the monasteries?

This is a fully resourced lesson which includes a printable fact sheet as well as worksheets, discussion tasks, engaging background information, warm up tasks and learning reviews.

The downloaded lesson includes the following:

1x main Power Point:
Slide 1: Title slide – The Causes of the Dissolution of the Monasteries
Slide 2: Main Lesson Aims
Slide 3: As You Enter Warm Up: In what ways do modern day school inspections provide reliable and unreliable evidence about a school? This is linked to the issues of accuracy linked to Cromwell’s investigations.
Slide 4: Starter Definition: What was the Dissolution of the Monasteries?
Slide 5-6: Recap Activity: What were the main rules and functions of the monasteries? Answers revealed.
Slide 7: Starter Task: A decision making discussion.
Slide 8-11: Starter Task 2: Students introduced to how Cromwell investigated the monasteries and analyse various sources linked to his findings about the poor behaviour of monks and nuns. They then analyse why the findings were inaccurate.
Slide 12: Background Information: A basic timeline of the dissolution of the monasteries.
Slide 13: Background Information: Monasteries today.
Slide 14-15: Task 1: Students use the A4 worksheet provided make notes about the process of the dissolution and the causes of it.
Slide 16: Task 2: Students write a speech or letter to parliament arguing why the monasteries need to be closed down.
Slide 17: Follow Up Challenge Questions.
Slide 18: Example exam questions.
Slide 19-20: Learning Review – 10 question quiz with answers
Slide 21: Lesson Fact Sheet

I would be grateful if you could leave a review for the lesson if you feel the lesson is effective for you. Many thanks if you spend some of your valuable time doing this as feedback is highly valued.

All images used in this lesson are in the public domain and are therefore copyright free at the time of publishing. Images which require attribution have been attributed in the notes section of each slide where the image appears. If you feel any errors have been made, please contact me at raschoolresources@gmail.com in the first instance to resolve any issues. My lessons are completed using PowerPoint and designed on widescreen formatting. Thank you.