Skip to main content
Service phase: Beta

This is a new service. Help us improve it and give your feedback (opens in new tab).

Talk

Secrets of The National Archives: The Act of Supremacy 1534

Explore King Henry VIII’s groundbreaking act and its far-reaching consequences.

Date
13 March 2026
Location
Online
About this image

The Act of Supremacy, 1534. Catalogue reference: C 65/143 m5 (8, 9)

The Act of Supremacy of 1534 declared Henry VIII the supreme head of the Church of England, formally rejecting the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Primarily a political manoeuvre to grant Henry the power to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, the act made it treason to support the Pope's authority.

Neil Johnston, Head of Early Modern Records at The National Archives will explore an act that divided the nation and paved the way for future upheaval including the dissolution of the monasteries and some of the most high-status treason trials of the period.

Secrets of The National Archives showcases some of the most notable documents and stories from the collection. From iconic documents such as Domesday, to hidden gems, discover The National Archives’ unique and rich collection and explore history as it happened.

Event details

Date
13 March 2026, 14:00 to 15:00
Price
Free

Pay what you can

Location
Online, Live-streamed on Vimeo
Part of series
Secrets of The National Archives

This event has sold out.

Dates for this event

13 March 2026 (past event)

  • 14:00 to 15:00

Get priority booking

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exhibition updates and early booking for events, including talks and tours.

Speakers