Thomas Cromwell

NAME Thomas Cromwell

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Thomas Cromwell was a powerful English statesman during the reign of King Henry VIII. He served as the King's chief minister and played a pivotal role in the English Reformation.

BIRTH Born around 1485 in Putney, London, Cromwell's exact birthdate remains uncertain.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was the son of Walter Cromwell, a blacksmith, fuller, cloth merchant, and the owner of a hostelry and brewery. His mother, Katherine Meverell, was related to Nicholas Glossop, a figure from Wirksworth, Derbyshire. He had two older sisters: Katherine and Elizabeth, 

While often portrayed as coming from humble beginnings, Cromwell's background was more complex. His mother, Katherine Meverell, came from a gentry family in Staffordshire, which gave Thomas a slightly higher social standing than previously assumed.

CHILDHOOD Cromwell's childhood was likely challenging, as his father was known to be a hard drinker and frequently in trouble with the law Walter Cromwell appeared before the court 47 times in fifteen years for breaking the assize of ale. Despite this, recent research suggests that Cromwell's parents were not as cruel as sometimes portrayed.

Cromwell’s early years were humble and likely spent learning the trades associated with his father’s enterprises. His resourceful upbringing later informed his pragmatic approach to politics and governance.

EDUCATION Thomas Cromwell did not attend a university but acquired practical knowledge and skills through his travels in Europe.

At around the age of 18, in 1503, Cromwell left England for an extended period abroad. This time was crucial for his personal development. He briefly served as a mercenary in the French army before entering the household of Francesco Frescobaldi, a wealthy Florentine merchant. Living in Florence, one of the most culturally vibrant cities of the time, had a profound impact on Cromwell's character, beliefs, and interests.

By the time Cromwell returned to England around 1512, he had transformed from a poorly educated "ruffian" (his own description) into a cultured, well-connected, and successful man of business. His years on the continent provided him with valuable experience and contacts that would prove instrumental in his future career.

CAREER RECORD Early Career: Cromwell worked as a lawyer and merchant before entering royal service.

Rise to Power: He gained the favor of Cardinal Wolsey, the King's chief minister.

Chief Minister: After Wolsey's downfall, Cromwell became Henry VIII's principal advisor.

Reformation: He played a key role in the English Reformation, breaking ties with the Catholic Church and establishing the Church of England.

Downfall: Cromwell's influence waned, and he was eventually executed on charges of treason in 1540.

APPEARANCE Thomas Cromwell's appearance is primarily known through Hans Holbein's portrait, commissioned around 1532-1533. The portrait depicts Cromwell as a portly, middle-aged man with a puffy, bureaucratic appearance.

Physically, Cromwell was described as six feet tall and powerfully built. His portrait reveals a brutally honest appraisal of his appearance, showing him hard at work in his study rather than presenting a flattering image. The painting conveys a sense of Cromwell's personality, suggesting a closed-off demeanor, as if he were mentally elsewhere while being physically present.

Portrait of Thomas Cromwell, Hans Holbein the Younger (1532–1533)

FASHION Cromwell’s attire reflected his status: understated yet refined, favoring dark, practical clothing typical of a Tudor statesman.

Holbein's portrait of Cromwell shows him wearing dark wool and furs, with a massive, hulking presence that seems to repel light. The portrait presents Cromwell as a man "easy in his skin," comfortable with who he was.

CHARACTER He was pragmatic, intelligent, and ruthless, qualities that helped him navigate the treacherous Tudor court.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Cromwell's quick-wittedness and irreverence appealed to King Henry VIII, setting him apart from the more formal courtiers. His direct and sometimes "rough" style of management, while upsetting to some nobles, seemed to amuse the king who was accustomed to sycophants and flatterers.

In a more subtle display of humor, when Cromwell's son was set to participate in a joust, Cromwell admitted to the king that he didn't really care how well his son performed, only that "he is not flattened." This dry comment even elicited a smile from Henry VIII.

RELATIONSHIPS Thomas Cromwell married Elizabeth Wyckes (née Wykys) around 1515, shortly after his return to England. Elizabeth was a wealthy widow, previously married to Thomas Williams, a Yeoman of the Guard. Their marriage took place in London, where they initially lived in Fenchurch, a popular area for merchants, before moving to Austin Friars.

By all accounts, it appears to have been a successful and harmonious marriage8. The couple had at least three children:

Gregory Cromwell (c. 1520-1551), who later became the 1st Baron Cromwell

Anne Cromwell (c. 1522 - October 1529)

Grace Cromwell (c. 1527 - October 1529)78

Tragically, Cromwell lost both his wife and daughters to the sweating sickness within the space of a year (1528/9). He never remarried after Elizabeth's death, instead focusing his affection on his surviving child, Gregory

MONEY AND FAME Thomas Cromwell, a self-made man of humble origins, ascended to extraordinary heights of wealth and influence during the reign of Henry VIII. By 1537, his annual income was estimated at a staggering £12,000, equivalent to approximately £3.5 million in today's currency.

This substantial fortune was derived from a combination of royal appointments, personal ventures, and the spoils of the monastic dissolutions. Henry VIII generously rewarded Cromwell with lucrative positions such as Master of the Jewels, Clerk of the Hanaper, and Chancellor of the Exchequer. Simultaneously, Cromwell continued to profit from his private business dealings. As the King's Vicar General, he played a pivotal role in the dissolution of monasteries, acquiring valuable grants and rewards in the process.

Cromwell's rise to power was meteoric. By 1534, he had secured the position of Henry VIII's principal secretary and chief minister, the pinnacle of his career. The Venetian ambassador marveled at Cromwell's ascent, noting that despite his humble beginnings, he had become the king's most trusted advisor and wielded supreme authority. 

To solidify his status, Henry bestowed upon Cromwell the prestigious title of Earl of Essex, one of the most ancient and honored in England. Furthermore, Cromwell received extensive monastic lands and was appointed to the esteemed position of Lord Great Chamberlain.

Despite his immense wealth, Cromwell was known for his charitable nature. He reportedly fed 200 people daily from his own kitchens and enacted laws to ensure that churches provided aid to the homeless and unemployed. 

FOOD AND DRINK Cromwell would have eaten a diet typical of the Tudor period, which included meat, fish, bread, and vegetables. Beer and wine were the common drinks.

MUSIC AND ARTS  Cromwell enthusiastically patronized Hans Holbein after the artist's first English patron, Thomas More, was executed. He commissioned a portrait of himself from Holbein, showcasing his interest in visual arts.

Cromwell possessed an extensive collection of secular and religious artworks, which was highly unusual for the time, even among noble-born courtiers. His collection included paintings of Lucretia Romana, the Battle of Pavia, the Nativity, and the Passion of Christ

LITERATURE He was well-read and a supporter of Protestant reformist texts.

As a shrewd politician aware of propaganda's effect, Cromwell commissioned various works, including anti-clerical woodcuts and the title page for Myles Coverdale's English translation of the Bible.

Cromwell gained significant attention in recent years through Hilary Mantel's critically acclaimed trilogy: Wolf Hall (2009), Bring Up the Bodies (2012), The Mirror and the Light (2020). These novels present Cromwell as a sympathetic and astute political operator, offering a nuanced portrayal of his life and motivations. Mantel's Cromwell is a sharp contrast to the villainous depictions often seen in earlier portrayals.

Both Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies won the Booker Prize, cementing Cromwell's cultural significance.

NATURE While Cromwell’s role in land redistribution reshaped England's countryside, there’s little evidence of personal interest in nature.

PETS Cromwell imported four beavers from the continent, possibly with the intention of breeding them. While there's no concrete evidence that he planned to release them into the wild, Hilary Mantel's fictional portrayal in The Mirror and the Light imagines Cromwell considering their potential for flood management and environmental benefits.

He kept a diverse collection of unusual animals, including: A cage of canaries, an elk and a strange beast that might have been a leopard.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Cromwell's busy career likely left little time for hobbies. However, he may have enjoyed hunting or other outdoor pursuits.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Cromwell’s reforms were grounded in practical financial and administrative acumen, showing a keen grasp of economic principles.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Cromwell's religious journey was marked by a gradual shift from traditional Catholicism to a more Protestant perspective. In his youth, Cromwell adhered to the Catholic faith, as evidenced by his 1529 will, which invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary and saints. However, by 1530, he had embraced Protestant ideas, smuggling and organizing the translation of Lutheran works, including Philipp Melanchthon's The Apology of the Augsburg Confession.

Cromwell worked closely with Thomas Cranmer to spearhead the Protestant Reformation in England. A key achievement was the introduction of the first English translation of the Bible, which he ordered to be placed in every parish church.

Cromwell's theological stance was primarily Protestant, emphasizing justification by faith alone. However, he also believed in a middle way between extremes, a concept that would later define the Church of England.

While some historians argue that Cromwell's religious beliefs were merely a facade for political expediency, others contend that he was genuinely committed to his Protestant convictions. His support for Protestant causes, such as promoting the Anne of Cleves marriage to maintain Protestant alliances, even during politically perilous times, suggests a sincere belief system.

POLITICS Cromwell was a master of statecraft, consolidating royal authority and executing the King’s controversial policies with precision.

Cromwell's political philosophy centered on the concept of a strong, sovereign national state. He advocated for the supremacy of Parliament and the establishment of a secular administration independent of the royal household. 

SCANDAL Cromwell was involved in several controversial actions, including the execution of Thomas More and the dissolution of the monasteries.

Thomas Cromwell's role in arranging the ill-fated marriage between Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves proved to be his undoing. Cromwell negotiated the marriage treaty with the German Protestant princess,, which was signed on October 4, 1539, hoping to strengthen England's alliance with Protestant states and secure a male heir for the king.

However, when Henry VIII met Anne in January 1540, he was deeply disappointed. Cromwell had exaggerated Anne's beauty, describing her as stunning, but the king found her physically unattractive. Despite Henry's misgivings, the marriage proceeded on January 6, 1540, largely due to Cromwell's insistence on maintaining the political alliance.

The marriage was a disaster, and Henry sought to annul it. This provided Cromwell's enemies with the perfect opportunity to strike. On June 10, 1540, Cromwell was arrested on charges of treason and heresy. His enemies, led by the Duke of Norfolk, publicly humiliated him, accusing him of treachery. Cromwell was executed, bringing an abrupt end to his powerful career.

MILITARY RECORD As a young man, Cromwell served as a soldier in Italy, where he fought in battles and gained valuable worldly experience.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS There are no detailed accounts of Cromwell's health, but his demanding career suggests robust physical and mental stamina.

HOMES Thomas Cromwell's residences mirrored his increasing wealth and status. His early life was spent in Putney, a suburb of London. Upon returning to the city, he settled on Fenchurch Street.

In the 1520s and 1530s, Cromwell resided in a 14-room townhouse within the precinct of the Austin Friars monastery. Later, in the mid-1530s, he constructed an opulent 58-room mansion adjacent to his previous home. This grand residence, with its luxurious furnishings and extensive gardens, served as both his primary residence and administrative center.

Cromwell also owned properties outside of London, including "Great Place" in Stepney, which functioned as a country retreat. Additionally, he had estates in Mortlake and Ewhurst.

Cromwell's Austin Friars mansion was particularly impressive, costing a substantial sum of money and featuring a multitude of rooms and lavish furnishings. It stood as a testament to his wealth and power, making it one of the largest private homes in London at the time.

TRAVEL His early travels in Europe—through Italy, France, and the Low Countries—shaped his cosmopolitan worldview.

DEATH Thomas Cromwell met a gruesome end on July 28, 1540, at Tower Hill. His execution was a brutal affair, requiring three blows of the axe to sever his head. The executioner, described as a "ragged and butcherly wretch," reportedly took up to half an hour to complete the grisly task.

Following his execution, Cromwell's head was displayed on London Bridge, a common practice for those convicted of treason. His body, and later his head, was buried in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula within the Tower of London. A plaque inside the chapel commemorates his final resting place, and a memorial stands at the site of his execution on Tower Hill. Ironically, Cromwell shares his final resting place with some of his former rivals, including Anne Boleyn and Thomas More.

The day of Cromwell's execution was also the day Henry VIII married Catherine Howard, a stark contrast to the somber event that had just concluded.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Thomas Cromwell has been a recurring figure in literature, film, and television due to his pivotal role in Tudor history and the English Reformation. His complex character—a mix of pragmatism, ambition, and ruthlessness—has made him a compelling subject for portrayal.

NOVELS

Hilary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell Trilogy

Cromwell gained significant attention in recent years through Hilary Mantel's critically acclaimed trilogy:

Wolf Hall (2009)

Bring Up the Bodies (2012)

The Mirror and the Light (2020)

These novels present Cromwell as a sympathetic and astute political operator, offering a nuanced portrayal of his life and motivations. Mantel's Cromwell is a sharp contrast to the villainous depictions often seen in earlier portrayals.

Both Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies won the Booker Prize, cementing Cromwell's cultural significance.

TELEVISION BBC's Wolf Hall (2015) The BBC and PBS brought Mantel's novels to life in a six-part miniseries starring Mark Rylance as Cromwell. Rylance's portrayal earned critical acclaim, highlighting Cromwell's intelligence, loyalty, and vulnerability. Damian Lewis played King Henry VIII, with Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn. The series won several awards, including a BAFTA.

BBC's Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (2024) served as the second season of the series. Based on Hilary Mantel's final novel in her Thomas Cromwell trilogy, it covers the last four years of Cromwell's life. Mark Rylance returned as Thomas Cromwell, and Damian Lewis reprised his role as King Henry VIII. T

The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970) and The Tudors (2007-2010) In these historical dramas, Cromwell is depicted as a calculating figure instrumental in Henry VIII’s break from Rome. James Frain’s portrayal of Cromwell in The Tudors emphasized his political machinations but leaned towards a more antagonistic representation.

FILM: A Man for All Seasons (1966) Cromwell is portrayed as an antagonist in this Oscar-winning film about Sir Thomas More’s refusal to endorse Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church. Played by Leo McKern, Cromwell is depicted as manipulative and ruthless, embodying the era's moral conflicts.

Anne of the Thousand Days (1969) Cromwell, played by John Colicos, is portrayed as a key architect in Anne Boleyn’s rise and fall.

THEATRE Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies The Royal Shakespeare Company adapted Mantel’s novels for the stage in 2014. Ben Miles starred as Cromwell, delivering a performance praised for its depth and subtlety.

ACHIEVEMENTS Played a key role in the English Reformation.

Strengthened the English monarchy.

Reformed the legal system.

Established a more efficient government.

Source Inkcap Journal