But at the moment of the change Cromwell's measure reduced the English bishops to absolute dependence on the Crown.

Their dependence would have been complete had his policy been thoroughly carried out and the royal power of deposition put in force as well as that of appointment.

As it was Henry could warn the Archbishop of Dublin that if he persevered in his "proud folly, we be able to remove you again and to put another man of more virtue and honesty in your place." By the more ardent partizans of the Reformation this dependence of the bishops on the Crown was fully recognized.

On the death of Henry the Eighth Cranmer took out a new commission from Edward for the exercise of his office.

Latimer, when the royal policy clashed with his belief, felt bound to resign the See of Worcester.