ABSTRACT
King Henry had been canvassing the opinions of Europe’s universities, doctors and theologians on his great matter. Henry’s immediate reaction on hearing the news is not known, but obviously in his ‘great matter’ the Lutherans had neither convinced him nor offered a satisfactory solution to his dilemma. Henry and the Germans were cautiously getting to know each other, like strangers seeking to become friends. However, because Luther and Melanchthon were sympathetic to Henry’s desire for an heir, they recommended that Henry should have two wives Anne as well as Catherine. Henry felt the same, for it certainly appeared less starkly Protestant than the Lutheranism of the 1520s. The gap between Henry and the Lutherans was closing – and just when Henry was looking for new religious friends and allies. A middle way or compromise was not an option. Henry had yet to make that commitment.
