Cromwell’s early career

• 1.Thomas Cromwell was born in 1485, the son of blacksmith and ale-house keeper.
• 2. In 1503, Cromwell left England to join the French army.
• 3. He then deserted the French army and moved to Florence, where he used rose up in the household of Francesco Frescobaldi, a leading banker.
• 4. Cromwell then became a cloth merchant in Antwerp, where he developed trading knowledge and business contacts.
• 5. In around 1514, Cromwell returned to England, married Elizabeth Wyckes (who came from a very wealthy family) and became a successful London merchant. Although he lacked any legal training, he also developed a thriving legal practice.
• 6. He also started working for Thomas Wolsey on his return to England, and eventually became his most senior advisor.