1540 Overthrow of Thomas Cromwell

• Cromwell had been the King’s chief adviser and was in favour of reform.
• Cromwell's attempt to link England to Schmalkaldic League of Protestant princes in Germany went badly wrong. Marriage annulled.
• Instead Henry married Catherine Howard niece of leading conservative, the Duke of Norfolk.
• Cromwell's dominant position had led to the undermining of conciliar government; Norfolk and Suffolk were not unhappy to find an opportunity to get rid if him.
• Cromwell was dismissed and executed for treason in 1540.
• Cromwell was accused of heresy but his real failure was linked to the disastrous failure of the king's marriage with Anne of Cleves.
• Without Cromwell, the reforming party was seriously weakened and the conservative faction around Norfolk and Gardiner moved into the ascendancy.