Cromwell and the King's Marriages

Question 1

What were the reasons for the fall of Anne Boleyn?

Answer 1

1. In 1536, Henry fell from his horse whilst jousting and was unconscious for two hours and the near death experience awoken his desperation for a son.
2. In late January 1536, Anne miscarried and Anne was given zero sympathy from Henry.

Question 2

Why was Henry so desperate for a male heir?

Answer 2

1. In 1536, he turned 45 he was starting old age by Tudor standards.
2. The fall made him worried that he would die without having a son.
3. After the break with Rome, the pope drew up issued a papal bull stating that England would be given to anyone who wanted to take it.

Question 3

Why was Anne suspected of adultery?

Answer 3

1. A rumour spread in the court that she was unfaithful. On 24 April, he asked Cromwell to investigate. On 30 April, Mark Smeaton, a court musician, was arrested and taken to Cromwell’s house and probably tortured and he confessed to the affair.

Question 4

Who were the people that were accused of having an affair with Anne?

Answer 4

1. Mark Smeaton, 23 , court musician.
2. Sir Francis Weston, 25, a friend of Henry and a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber.
3. Sir William Brereton, a gentleman of the privy chamber.
4. Sir Henry Norris
5. George Boleyn.

Question 5

What was the role of Cromwell in her downfall?

Answer 5

1. He looked at whether Anne’s former relationship with Henry Percy could be used as evidence to annul the marriage. Found no evidence.
2. He built the case and personally interrogated Smeaton.
3. Collected evidence yet most of this was court gossip.
4. He made Anne’s ladies in waiting were spies.

Question 6

What was the Cromwell Conspiracy?

Answer 6

1. Anne wanted the money being made from the monasteries to be used to fund charities and schools.
2. She preferred a French alliance when he wanted an alliance with Charles V.
3. She had brought down Wolsey, knew she was a dangerous enemy.

Question 7

Why is the Cromwell Conspiracy unconvincing?

Answer 7

1. He was unlikely to be able to manipulate Henry at this point, he was an experienced ruler.
2. He could’ve persuaded Henry to ignore Anne Boleyn’s advice on policy.
3. Both agreed on Protestantism and wanted those reforms.
4. Would be extremely dangerous for Cromwell to suggest that Anne was unfaithful with little evidence.

Question 8

What happened when Anne was executed?

Answer 8

1. 2 May she was arrested.
2. 15 May she was tried.
3. 17 May Archbishop of Canterbury annulled his marriage to Anne.
4. 19 May Anne was led to the tower and killed in front of 1,000 people.