The monastic life and monasteries.

From the fall of the Roman Empire and the exit from England, monasteries have played an important role in both the spiritual and secular life of the country. Between 1536 -1541 they met their comeuppance in the disillusionment of the monasteries under the guidance and instruction of Thomas Cromwell Henry VIII chief minister. These bastions of privilege made vast sums of money from charging pilgrims to see their ancient relics. However over time they became synonymous with corruption, sexual pleasure and avarice. Due to changes in religious observance and the Protestant movement coming principally from Germany and Martin Luther, England was changing its religious allegiances. Out was this way of obtaining salvation from works, to those of faith in Christ crucified. All this was spelt out in a fascinating programme on BBC4 Saints and Sinners: Britain's Millennium of Monasteries.