Henry VIII assumed direct royal control in 1539 and granted the abbey the status of a cathedral by charter in 1540, simultaneously issuing letters patent establishing the Diocese of Westminster. By granting the abbey cathedral status Henry VIII gained an excuse to spare it from the destruction or dissolution which he inflicted on most English abbeys during this period.
When did Henry VIII take direct royal control?
1539
Henry VIII assumed direct royal control in 1539 and granted the abbey the status of a cathedral by charter in 1540, simultaneously issuing letters patent establishing the Diocese of Westminster.
Henry VIII assumed direct royal control in fifteen thirty-nine and granted the abbey the status of a cathedral by charter in fifteen forty, simultaneously issuing letters patent establishing the Diocese of Westminster.
When did Henry VIII take direct royal control?