Hi there, Most of the time becoming a nun anywhere in Europe required a substantial dowry. I'm currently taking a women in early modern Europe class at my University and this was a large topic. Usually women went into a convent because they were unable to find a husband and it was a suitable replacement for marriage. Galileo's daughters ended up in a convent because he could not afford to keep them around or to marry them off. It was quite painful for him and his daughter Marie Celeste (she has some fascinating letters to him if you're interested). Some middle class women would have the opportunity to join a convent, but generally you needed to have some sort of money to join. I know this isn't directly related to England but I believe it was the same in England as it was throughout Europe. Also, after the 15th century the Protestant Reformation happened, which abolished convents and cloistered religious groups.

Hope this helps!

Hi, there was a related question the other day which you may be interested in:

• Why were noblewomen inclined to become nuns?. Consider joining the thread to ask /u/Lilac1399 any follow-up questions