Execution of Sir Thomas Percy
Thomas Percy is executed for renewed rebellion after taking a leading role in northern resistance to Henry VIII.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1537 in England — Page 2
Explore 94 historical events and records for England in 1537.
Historical records for England in 1537
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 94 unique records.
94Unique records
2 of 3Page
28Named events on this page
12Named people on this page
11Places on this page
June
Death of Henry VIII
Death of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, who leaves all lands to the crown
July
Dean of Wells
Appointed Dean of Wells
Execution
Robert Aske is executed after Henry VIII punishes the leaders of the Pilgrimage of Grace.
Bishops Book
Prepares a draft document, The Institution of a Christian Man, more commonly known as the Bishops Book
Bishops' Book Published
The Institution of a Christian Man is published to explain doctrine, sacraments and Christian duties for the reformed English Church.
Death of Henry VIII
Robert Aske, The leader of the Pilgrimage of Grace is executed
Execution
Robert Aske, The leader of the Pilgrimage of Grace is executed
Institution of a Christian Man
Prepares a draft document, The Institution of a Christian Man, more commonly known as the Bishops Book
Synod
Prepares a draft document, The Institution of a Christian Man, more commonly known as the Bishops Book
August
Order of the Garter
The King confirms his support of Cromwell by appointing him to the Order of the Garter but Cromwell was forced to accept the existence of an executive body, the Privy Council, dominated by his conservative opponents
Privy Council
The King confirms his support of Cromwell by appointing him to the Order of the Garter but Cromwell was forced to accept the existence of an executive body, the Privy Council, dominated by his conservative opponents
Matthew Bible Licensed
Royal approval permits circulation of the Matthew Bible, expanding authorised access to English scripture within the national church.
September
English Bible
Cromwell completes a new set of vicegerential injunctions declaring open war on "pilgrimages, feigned relics or images, or any such superstitions" commanding that "one book of the whole Bible in English" be set up in every church
Idolatry
Cromwell completes a new set of vicegerential injunctions declaring open war on "pilgrimages, feigned relics or images, or any such superstitions" commanding that "one book of the whole Bible in English" be set up in every church.
Idolatry
Cromwell pursues an extensive campaign against "idolatry" by the followers of the new religion, statues, roodscreens and images are attacked, culminating in September with the dismantling of the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury.
Shrine of St Thomas Becket
Cromwell pursues an extensive campaign against "idolatry" by the followers of the new religion, statues, roodscreens and images are attacked, culminating in September with the dismantling of the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury
October
Pregnancy
Jane Seymours labour pains begin & continue for 2 days
Birth of Edward VI
Edward, the son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, is born at Hampton Court Palace as the king's legitimate male heir.
Birth of Edward VI
Birth of Edward VI, gives birth to Henry VIIIs only legitimate son
Birth of Henry VIII's only legitimate
Jane Seymour gives birth to Prince Edward, Henry VIII's only legitimate son to survive infancy.
Birth of Prince Edward
Jane Seymour gives birth to Edward, providing Henry VIII with the surviving legitimate son who immediately becomes heir to the crown.
Baptism of Edward VI
Prince Edward is christened in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court, with his half-sister Mary serving as godmother.
Christening
Carries Princess Elizabeth at the christening of his nephew, Prince Edward
Peerage
Created Earl of Herford, 1st
Death of Henry VIII
Death of Jane Seymour from postnatal complications after the birth of Prince Edward.
Death of Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour dies at Hampton Court twelve days after giving birth to Edward.
Death of Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour dies after Edward's birth, leaving Henry with one legitimate son but no possibility of further children from the queen who bore him.
Death of Jane Seymour
Death of Jane Seymour, from puerperal fever, after a caesarean section 12 days before during the childbirth of Edward VI
Death of Thomas Cromwell
Henry VIII is stricken with grief & Thomas Cromwell takes over the affairs of state
Burial
Lies in State for 3 weeks
Burial
Only wife of Henry VIII to be buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor
November
Burial
Jane Seymour is buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor.
Other events (month unknown)
Ambassador
Appointed Ambassador of Charles V
Archbishop Cranmer
Becomes connected with Thomas Cranmer and reformist church circles.
Bachelor of Arts
Foxe takes his Bachelor of Arts degree at Oxford.
Bishops Book
Publication of "Institution of a Christian Man", known as the "Bishops Book"
Bishops Book
Publication of "Institution of a Christian Man", known as the "Bishops Book"
Bishops' Book
The Institution of a Christian Man sets out doctrine and instruction for the reformed royal church.
Bishops' Book
Supports doctrinal reform during Henry VIII's reign.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.