Interlude

Abstract

The evidence surveyed would suggest that in 1530 the traditional religion was still accepted by the great majority of English people. Levels of enthusiasm, however, showed considerable variation, and overt hostility was by no means unknown. The evidence suggests also that although the subsequent official assaults on traditional institutions and practices were sometimes evaded or delayed, in most cases their local implementation was effective and relatively swift. Resistance occurred, but was usually less common than acquiescence and cooperation.