Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:” Act for the Pardon of the Clergy, 1531. As Henry’s divorce/annulment gig drags on intensifying Henry’s desire for an male heir, Henry dusts off dusty, unused, late 14th century of Praemunire statutes limited Papal jurisdiction in investiture issues. Henry accuses the entire realm of clerks of disloyalty and threatens crippling fines—to get the Pope to budge in Harry’s direction (43). Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” One hears of the laments of Ridley from the Tower about the loss of the English service books of prayer and Biblical lections (146). Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Chapter 9. Music and English Liturgy—Margot Johnson, 144-166. John Merbecke (1510-1585), a Calvinist, organmeister, teacher of choristers, teacher of organists, and paid as a staffer, serves at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. His musical service for a sung Holy Communion is well known (145). Oh no! A Calvinist musician with a Book of Common Prayer! Can't be! Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” The Cleves-fiasco slumbers for a while and Harry is in a bad mood in the spring of 1540. Cram will pull another nullity-gig, the ever-pliable ABC. Trads and Evangelicals are in a tug of war. Barnes and other overt evangelicals annoy Harry and the trads score victories. Barnes faces off with Gardiner over sermons at St. Paul’s. Crum’s position of precarious in summer 1540.