Role as the King’s Chief Minister

• 1.Securing Henry’s divorce was Cromwell’s big break. From 1533 until his death in 1540 he acted as Henry’s chief minister.
• 2. He was rewarded with many titles and offices – in 1535 he became Chancellor of the Exchequer; in 1536 he became Lord of the Privy Seal; in 1540 he became Lord Great Chamberlain and Earl of Essex. These made him both rich and powerful. However, he was not given as many promotions as Wolsey had been.
• 3. He was not given as much freedom as Wolsey: Henry was now older and more serious, so took more of a direct role in government.
• 4. Unlike Wolsey, Cromwell was not extravagant and did not develop a vast household. When he was not entertaining important guests, he lived simply.