Thomas Cromwell Flashcards
How did Cromwell gain power?
He was a secretary for Wolsey and became his most trusted servant but when Wolsey fell he distanced himself from Wolsey.
How did Cromwell get Wales under control? (3)
Union with Wales, 1536:
English law in Wales.
31 Welsh Mps in Westminster.
Council of Wales ran by members of the Royal Council with authority from the king.
What did Cromwell do in response to the Pilgrimage of Grace?
Reorganised the Council of the North, this meant regional areas were under more control.
How did Cromwell establish Royal Supremacy? (3)
Wanted servants be trained and experts in their fields.
He built a bureaucracy of professionals outside the Royal Household.
He began the first era of parliamentary control in England.
How did Cromwell improve royal finances?
Reformation and dissolution of the monasteries increased crown income. He also brought in a new tax for the king’s maintenance of peace.
What did Augmentations do?
A new department in government introduce in 1536 and it handled financial and property problems brought on the dissolution of the monasteries.
What was First fruits and tenths?
Established in 1540 to collect payments that previously went to Rome. The clergy had to pay a portion of their first years income and a tenth of their annual revenue.
What was the Court of Wards?
Started in 1540 and was responsible legal matters relating to the crown’s right of wardship and livery.
How did Cromwell reform the Privy Council?
He reduced the size of it, this made decision making quicker.
What did Cromwell use his position as secretary for?
He used it to intervene in all aspects of government.
What was the destruction of local liberties?
Areas with independent law in criminal matters lost these powers after 1536 and the right of “sanctuary” was abolished in 1540. These both increased the kings control.
How did Cromwell lose power?
He arranged the Anne of Cleeves marriage but she was vile so this lead to his downfall. On the 10th June 1540 Cromwell was arrested and charged with selling export licensees illegally, granting passports without royal knowledge and misusing royal power.
