Henry VIII and the wealth of the Church
This image is from the title page of the Valor Ecclesiasticus (Church Valuation), commissioned by Henry VIII.
In 1534, Henry VIII appointed himself head of the Church in England. He also passed a law so that all taxes on Church income were paid to the Crown (not the Pope). Henry commissioned the Valor Ecclesiasticus so he would know how much wealth the Church had in England and Wales - and how much he could get his hands on. The information was used to decide which monasteries should be closed. The dissolution of the monasteries started in 1536 and their assets went to the Crown. It was a major demonstration of the power of the king.
This illustration in the Valor Ecclesiasticus shows the king's authority. Henry dominates the picture, sitting with his arms and legs stretched out. His courtiers cower in the background.
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