As part of Henry VIII's break with Rome, monasteries across England were suppressed. Monks and Nuns had a bad reputation: immoral, greedy and not focused on their correct lifestyle. Besides the monasteries had great wealth.

• Think about why the monasteries were suppressed
• Think about how they were suppressed
• What happened to the monks and nuns - few were executed?
• What happened to those relying on the charity of the monasteries?

Fourtains Abbey was founded in 1132 by the Cistercians. Closed under the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. by Johnteslade

Alter piece fragments from the Dissolution of the Monasteries. PHGCOM

Ballintubber Abbey. Suppressed in 1603, Burnt in 1653. The congregation continued to use the building. Eventually it was restored. Andreas F. Borchert.

St Benets Abbey in Norfolk, the only monastery to avoid dissolution. Instead it was traded to the Diocese of Norwich for other lands. by Linda Kenney

The Francisan Quin Abbey. Suppressed 1541.  by zoney ♣ talk

Benedictine Selby Abbey, became the local parish church. by Dylan Moo

A drawing of an official tasked with inspecting monasteries. leaving. The monastery in question is believed to be Colchester. The commisioner is leaving after sacking the monastery and hanging the Abbot.

All these pictures come from wikimedia.org.