The fall of Thomas Cromwell Flashcards
Why did Cromwell remove Anne Boleyn?
1/ Miscarried on same day Catherine died
2/ Henry saw the marriage as too cursed
3/ Cromwell was sworn enemies with Anne
How did Cromwell remove Anne Boleyn?
1/ Constructed case of adultery - involved five men including her own brother.
2/ Arrested on 2nd May, found guilty two weeks later.
3/ Beheaded on 19th May.
What did Cromwell do after Anne Boleyn’s death that earned him favour?
Engineered marriage with Jane Seymour’s sister and his son Gregory - made Cromwell’s almost part of royal family.
What did Jane provide Henry?
An heir, Edward the following year - made Cromwell invincible.
What was the initial crack in the relationship between Henry and Cromwell?
The Pilgrimage of Grace - their demands were directed at ‘that heretic Cromwell’ - he orchestrated all religious reform.
What did Henry often do to Cromwell?
Beat him up - eyewitness said Cromwell was ‘well pommelled about the head’.
How did the marriage to Anne of Cleves impact Cromwell?
1/ Jane Seymour died after childbirth
2/ Cromwell suggested Anne of Cleves - bring German alliance
3/ Painter - Hans Holbein painter illustrated her glamorously
4/ When Henry met Anne he said - ‘I like her not! I like her not!’
5/ Annulled a few months later - Holbein escaped reprisals but Cromwell took blame.
When did Henry forgive Cromwell for Anne of Cleves?
April 1540 - Made him Earl of Essex
Who did the appointment to Earl of Essex anger?
Duke of Norfolk, Stephen Gardiner and Bishop of Winchester.
Determined to remove low-born upstart.
How did they try to remove him?
1/ Put in the King’s ear that Cromwell was plotting treason - he had many men in service who could arm against the King.
2/ Said he was plotting to marry Mary
(Was all groundless)
How was Cromwell arrested?
10th June 1540 - Cromwell arrested at PC meeting. Cry of ‘traitor’, seized by guards and Norfolk ripped seal of office from around his neck.
Why was Cromwell not given a trial?
Was a lawyer and too risky - Persuaded King to pass bill of attainder.
When was Cromwell executed?
28th July (Same day Henry married Catherine Howard) - Cromwell begged for pardon saying ‘I cry for mercy, mercy, mercy’.
What did Henry do after Cromwell’s execution?
Further blacken his name - whenever he was dealt a knave he would say ‘I have got Cromwell’.
Did Henry realise the grave mistake he made?
Yes - Realised they were fake accusations months after.
