Lucy Wooding: Cardinal Pole and the Catholic Reformation

Reginald Pole was many things: royal cousin, humanist scholar, Cardinal, reformer, and the last Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury. His place in the story of England’s Reformation has always been contested, in particular with regard to the vilified reign of Mary I.

As historical thinking on the Marian Restoration has altered, so too Pole’s reputation has been re-evaluated. Where once he was associated with reaction and persecution, more recently the emphasis has shifted to his role as committed reformer and Counter-Reformation visionary.

This lecture will explore where we might place Pole within the competing narratives of the European Reformation, and assess the case for a Catholic Reformation in England.

Tickets are available to book via Eventbrite.

All are welcome, but those wishing to attend should book a free ticket or email archives@churchofengland.org no later than Monday 20 November.