History this week. January 15, 1535.

I'm Sally Helm.

King Henry VIII has a decree. As of today, he is, quote,

the only supreme head of the Church of England.

And he shall enjoy, quote,

all honors, dignities, preeminences, jurisdictions, privileges, authorities,

immunities, prophets, and commodities to the said dignity.

He's not leaving anything to trans.

And just in case, he also reserves the right to visit, repress, redress, record, order, correct, restrain, and amend.

Any and all, errors, heresies, abuses, offenses, contempts, and enormities.

Okay, that text is from King Henry's Act of Supremacy,

which technically passed Parliament a few weeks ago.

But today, he makes it official. In his grand, privy chamber, flanked by advisers and loyalists.

And with all those words and all those commas, Henry is saying something very radical.

Up until now, the Pope has been the supreme head of the Church of England. But now Henry's saying he is.

He gets all those honors and dignities and privileges, etc.

All because the Pope has refused to do what Henry wants, which is to unknow his marriage.

Henry and his wife, Catherine of Erichon, have not been able to have a son.

Henry blames the Queen, and he wants a new wife. And Bowlin.

The Pope won't allow it. And so, Henry issues his decree.

It's copied out and taken through the kingdom, hosted on walls, even read aloud in some town squares.

And now, the way is clear for Ann Bolin to become the Queen.

...