In this reign we find that though England lost much of her former
political freedom, yet she gained that order and peace which came from
the iron hand of absolute power. Next, from the destruction of the
monasteries, and the sale or gift of their lands to favorites of the
King, three results ensued:
1. A new nobility was in great measure created, dependent on the
Crown.
2. The House of Lords was made less powerful by the removal of the
abbots who had had seats in it.
3. Pauperism and distress were temporarily increased.
4. Finally, England completely severed her connection with the Pope,
and established for the first time an independent National Church,
having the King as its head.