Henry VIII suppressed the Roman Catholic monasteries, seized their
property, and ended by declaring the Church of England independent of
the Pope. Thenceforth he assumed the title of Supreme Head of the
National Church. Under Edward VI Protestantism was established by
law. Mary led a reaction in favor of Roman Catholicism, but her
successor, Elizabeth, reinstated the Protestant form of worship.
Under Elizabeth the Puritans demanded that the National Church be
completely "purified" from all Catholic forms and doctrines. Severe
laws were passed under Elizabeth for the punishment of both Catholics
and Puritans who failed to conform to the Church of England.