The Dissolution of the Monasteries

In this compelling account, James Clark examines the dissolution of the monasteries in Tudor England, highlighting its far-reaching effects on society. Spanning from 1536 to 1540, this tumultuous period marked the end of nearly a thousand years of monastic life, resulting in significant disruption akin to the Norman Conquest. Utilizing national and regional archives alongside archaeological evidence, Clark reveals the personal stories of the last residents of these religious houses and challenges common narratives about their swift destruction. With rich detail, he illustrates the deep connections the people of England had with their monasteries, preserving memories of their fixtures as treasured relics of the past.