# Henry VIII receives the title Defender of the Faith (1521)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1521-henry-viii-receives-the-title-defender-of-the-faith

Pope Leo X rewarded Henry for a theological attack on Martin Luther. Within the broader Tudor Britain period, dynastic consolidation, Reformation, closer incorporation of Wales and Ireland, and rivalry with Catholic Europe transformed the state. This event is placed at 1521 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. The irony of the title later surviving England's break with Rome became emblematic of Tudor religious change.

## Why it matters
The irony of the title later surviving England's break with Rome became emblematic of Tudor religious change.

Ruler at the time: [Henry VIII](https://english-history.com/rulers/henry-viii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Henry VIII receives the title Defender of the Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Henry+VIII+receives+the+title+Defender+of+the+Faith&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Henry VIII receives the title Defender of the Faith](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Henry+VIII+receives+the+title+Defender+of+the+Faith)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281500%E2%80%931599%29)
- [The National Archives — early modern education resources](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/)