Chapter The Jacobean Church, 1603-25 of Donne to Dryden: The Historical Background by History

[2. Royal Supremacy: from Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy English monarch's were head and supreme power of the Church of England. Under Elizabeth the title was changed to 'supreme governor', though the parameters of the office remained. The dangers of the Crown being head of he Church were revealed under Charles I, who embarked on an Arminian policy against the will of the majority of the largely Calvinist population.]