The English Reformation was a religious movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of the Church of England, separate from the authority of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. It began under the reign of King Henry VIII, who sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon but was denied by the Pope. This prompted Henry to break away and declare himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. The Reformation brought significant changes to English society, including the translation of the Bible into English, which made religious texts more accessible to the public. It also led to the dissolution of monasteries and the redistribution of their wealth and land. The movement set the stage for further religious conflicts and the eventual rise of various Protestant denominations in England.