Cromwell

• Cromwell's background

  • Chief Minister for Henry VIII from 1533 to 1540, reputation for being ruthless and stopping at nothing to succeed.
  • Father was a blacksmith, born into poverty.
  • Well travelled, and a qualified solicitor.
  • Wolsey's solicitor and confidential advisor.
• Government under Cromwell

  • After Pilgrimage of Grace, authority of the Council of the North increased, also increasing the King's authority.
  • Court of Augmentations, dealt with income from the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
  • Doubles crown's income from £150,000 to £300,000
  • Cut Privy Council from 36 to 20.
  • Court of Fruits and Tenths 1540, collected money from the clergy sent to Rome previously.
  • Elton Thesis claim, independent councils away from the King's household.
  • Use of Privy Chamber still, but much less
• The Reformation under Cromwell

  • Under Wolsey, Cromwell had dissolved 29 monasteries on grounds of greed and uncaring. 1528
  • Revival of Praemunire law, 15 clergy charged 1530, including Wolsey for abuse of power against the king.
  • Act of Supremacy, Henry made the head of the English Church. 1534
  • Treasons Act, offence to deny Henry's new title 1534.
  • The Act of Succession 1534, Anne Boleyn accepted as legitimate marriage.
  • Oversaw the Church on the King's behalf 1535.
• Wolsey Vs Cromwell

  • Both influential roles
  • Cromwell not as much scope in decisions as Wolsey, but more ruthless and achieved more. Less religious.
  • Wolsey's religious position, prevented him from securing the annulment.
  • Foreign success under Wolsey, Cromwell not so much.
  • Both were hated by nobles jealous of their success.
  • Both from modest roots, ambitious characters.
• Fall of Cromwell

  • Failure to manage marital affairs was the catalyst.
  • He arranged Henry's marriage to Anne of Cleves, unsuitable match, angered Henry. Annulled, destroying Cromwell's credibility.
  • Factions at court spread rumours about Cromwell, e.g Duke of Norfolk, Gardiner etc.
  • Failure to please Henry and his enemies led to his downfall
• Cromwell's Career, Name 3.

  • Master of the Jewels 1532
  • Principle Secretary
  • Master of the Rolls
  • Lord Privy Seal
  • Chancellor of Exchequer
  • Chief Minister for Henry VIII