State vs. Church: Implementing Reformation (Cromwell, Stokesley, and the London Diocese)

Abstract

Henry Kamen wrote that medieval times pulpit had been chief moderator of public opinion, and in sixteenth century both Protestants and Catholics rediscovered potential of ser mon.1 Although it is questionable how many people actually listened to sermons, Kamen's opinion was shared by authority figures in early modern period. This was certainly case in London dio cese in 1530s (as discussed by Brigden in her magisterial account of city, and amply demonstrated by struggle between two of Henry VIII's leading councillors to control most famous pulpit in country). St Paul's Cross was used, historically, as govern ment's vehicle of persuasion and was often employed to proclaim to large crowds what could only be termed the official government line.2 Prior to dramas of early 1530s there would have been little or no need to focus attention on this issue. The bishops of London (who controlled preaching at Cross) usually worked hand in glove with king and council. Unfortunately, by 1534, this was no longer a safe assumption for king to make. John Stokesley, bishop of London between 1530 and 1539, found himself on wrong side of king's leading councillor Thomas Cromwell due to a clash of religious beliefs. Although bishop had been one of king's champions in matter of Aragon divorce