Thomas Cromwell

Question 1

Cromwell’s Rise

Answer 1

Chief Minister to King Henry VIII,

Cromwell came from a humble background and owed his rise to being the architect of the break from Rome. He also gave Henry huge wealth through the dissolution of the monasteries in the late 1530s and gave Henry supreme power by removing the influence of the Pope.

Question 2

Cromwell’s Fall form Power

3

Answer 2

Anne of Cleves - Cromwell persuaded Henry that the best way to deter a Catholic invasion was to form an alliance with the German princes. He organised the marriage with Anne of Cleves, but this was a disaster as Henry didn’t find her attractive. Probably not the reason for his fall as he was awarded Earl of Essex soon after

Factional Politics - The Catholic faction convinced Henry to marry Catherine Howard. This appealed to Henry and it is likely he believed the stories about Cromwell more as a result. It was claimed that Cromwell wanted to introduce a fully Protestant church, which was not in the wishes of Henry. However Cromwell knew this and its likely that religion was an excuse. Ultimately, the marriage to Anne of Cleves angered Henry, and he was known as an impulsive ruler. His execution was officially for Heresy

Cromwell was executed the same day Henry married Howard in 1540