Thomas Cromwell Biography

Birth of Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex

A mercenary who marches with the French army to Italy, where he fights in the Battle of Garigliano

Thomas Cromwell marries Elizabeth Wyckes

From 1516 to 1530, Cromwell is a member of the household of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

Cromwell leads an embassy to Rome to obtain from Pope Leo X a Papal Bull of Indulgence for the town of Boston in Lincolnshire

Cromwell leads an embassy to Rome to obtain from Pope Leo X a Papal Bull of Indulgence for the town of Boston in Lincolnshire

Member of Council of the household of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

Obtains a seat in the House of Commons

Elected Member of Parliament for Grays Inn

Elected Member of Parliament for Taunton

Appointed Secretary for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

Appointed Member of Privy Council by Henry VIII

By the autumn of 1531, Cromwell had taken control of the supervision of the King's legal and Parliamentary affairs, working closely with Thomas Audley and had joined the inner circle of the Council. Appointed Member of King's Council

Revives the Commons anticlerical grievance procedures of 1529

By the autumn of 1531, Cromwell had taken control of the supervision of the King's legal and Parliamentary affairs, working closely with Thomas Audley and had joined the inner circle of the Council

Cromwell becomes Henry VIIIs Chief Minister in 1532, not via any formal appointment to office but by gaining the King's confidence

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King is to exercise authority through Parliament

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King must exercise authority through Parliament

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King must exercise authority through Parliament. The Act of Appeals is passed, the King is to exercise authority through Parliament. Passes legislation which enables the break with papal authority

Passes legislation which enables the break with papal authority. Enables the dissolution of the monasteries & Henrys divorce from Catherine of Aragon. Enables Henry VII to proclaim himself head of the Church of England

The Act of Appeals is passed, the King must exercise authority through Parliament

Cromwell brings before Parliament the Supplication Against the Ordinaries, which listed nine grievances against the Church, including abuses of power and Convocations independent legislative power

Cromwell brings before Parliament the Supplication Against the Ordinaries, which listed nine grievances against the Church, including abuses of power and Convocations independent legislative power

Cromwell favours the assertion of royal supremacy and manipulates the Commons by resurrecting anti-clerical grievances

The Reformation Parliament opens

Cromwell favours the assertion of royal supremacy and manipulates the Commons by resurrecting anti-clerical grievances

The Reformation Parliament opens

The Commons delivers a supplication to the King denouncing clerical abuses and the power of the ecclesiastical courts and describing Henry as "the only head, sovereign lord, protector and defender" of the Church

The Commons delivers a supplication to the King denouncing clerical abuses and the power of the ecclesiastical courts and describing Henry as "the only head, sovereign lord, protector and defender" of the Church

Prevents the Convocation of the Clergy without the permission of the King

Sir Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor, realizing that the battle to save the King's marriage to Katherine of Aragon is lost, Mores resignation from the Council represents a triumph for Cromwell and the pro-Reformation faction at court

Sir Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor, realizing that the battle to save the King's marriage to Katherine of Aragon is lost, Mores resignation from the Council represents a triumph for Cromwell and the pro-Reformation faction at court

The Act in Restraint of Appeals reaches the statute books, it ends appeals to Rome

The Act in Restraint of Appeals, ends appeals to Rome

The Act in Restraint of Appeals reaches the statute books, it ends appeals to Rome

Appointed Steward of Westminster Abbey

The Parliamentary session begins & Cromwell introduces a new bill restricting the right to make appeals to Rome

The Parliamentary session begins & Cromwell introduces a new bill restricting the right to make appeals to Rome

Cranmer is consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury and Convocation immediately declares the King's marriage to Katherine unlawful

Cranmer is consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury and Convocation immediately declares the King's marriage to Katherine unlawful

Cranmer is consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury and Convocation immediately declares the King's marriage to Katherine unlawful

Parliament passes the Act in Restraint of Appeals, ensuring that any verdict concerning the King's marriage could not be challenged in Rome

Parliament passes the Act in Restraint of Appeals, ensuring that any verdict concerning the King's marriage could not be challenged in Rome

Parliament passes the Act in Restraint of Appeals, ensuring that any verdict concerning the King's marriage could not be challenged in Rome

Parliament passes the Act in Restraint of Appeals, ensuring that any verdict concerning the King's marriage could not be challenged in Rome

Appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer

The King authorizes Cromwell to discredit the papacy and the Pope is attacked throughout the nation in sermons and pamphlets

The King authorizes Cromwell to discredit the papacy and the Pope is attacked throughout the nation in sermons and pamphlets

Cromwell initiated a Visitation of the Monasteries ostensibly to examine their character, but in fact, to value their assets with a view to expropriation. The Crown was undergoing financial difficulties, and the wealth of the church, in contrast to its political weakness, made appropriation of church property both tempting and feasible

Cromwell initiated a Visitation of the Monasteries ostensibly to examine their character, but in fact, to value their assets with a view to expropriation. The Crown was undergoing financial difficulties, and the wealth of the church, in contrast to its political weakness, made appropriation of church property both tempting and feasible

Members of both Houses are required to swear an oath accepting the Act of Succession. All the King's subjects are required to swear to the legitimacy of his marriage and to accept the King's new powers and the break from Rome

All the King's subjects are required to swear to the legitimacy of his marriage and to accept the King's new powers and the break from Rome

Members of both Houses are required to swear an oath accepting the Act of Succession

All the King's subjects are required to swear to the legitimacy of his marriage and to accept the King's new powers and the break from Rome

Members of both Houses are required to swear an oath accepting the Act of Succession

All the King's subjects are required to swear to the legitimacy of his marriage and to accept the King's new powers and the break from Rome

Members of both Houses are required to swear an oath accepting the Act of Succession

All the King's subjects are required to swear to the legitimacy of his marriage and to accept the King's new powers and the break from Rome

Members of both Houses are required to swear an oath accepting the Act of Succession

Henry had Parliament authorise Thomas Cromwell to "visit" all the monasteries, including those like the Cistercians previously exempted by Papal dispensation, to purify them in their religious life, and to instruct them in their duty to obey the King

Appointed Master of the Jewels to Henry VIII

Appointed Principle Secretary to Henry VIII

Henry confirms Cromwell as his Principal Secretary and Chief Minister, a position he had held in all but name for some time

Henry confirms Cromwell as his Principal Secretary and Chief Minister, a position he had held in all but name for some time

The London clergy accept the oath. The commissioners offer the Oath to Sir Thomas More and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, both of whom refuse it

An order is issued that all citizens of London are to swear the Oath

Appointed Master of the Rolls

The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church and the Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes

When Parliament reconvenes Cromwell introduces the most significant revision of the treason laws since 1352, making it treasonous to speak rebellious words against the Royal Family, to deny their titles or to call the King a heretic, tyrant, infidel or usurper

The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church and the Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes

The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church and the Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes

A new Parliament is summoned, again under Cromwell's supervision, to enact the legislation necessary to make a formal break of Englands remaining ties with Rome

Henry confirms Cromwell as his Principal Secretary and Chief Minister, a position he had held in all but name for some time.

The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church and the Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes

The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church and the Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes.

When Parliament reconvenes Cromwell introduces the most significant revision of the treason laws since 1352, making it treasonous to speak rebellious words against the Royal Family, to deny their titles or to call the King a heretic, tyrant, infidel or usurper

When Parliament reconvenes Cromwell introduces the most significant revision of the treason laws since 1352, making it treasonous to speak rebellious words against the Royal Family, to deny their titles or to call the King a heretic, tyrant, infidel or usurper.

Henry confirms Cromwell as his Principal Secretary and Chief Minister, a position he had held in all but name for some time. A new Parliament is summoned, again under Cromwell's supervision, to enact the legislation necessary to make a formal break of Englands remaining ties with Rome

The Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes

The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church

When Parliament reconvenes Cromwell introduces the most significant revision of the treason laws since 1352, making it treasonous to speak rebellious words against the Royal Family, to deny their titles or to call the King a heretic, tyrant, infidel or usurper

When Parliament reconvenes Cromwell introduces the most significant revision of the treason laws since 1352, making it treasonous to speak rebellious words against the Royal Family, to deny their titles or to call the King a heretic, tyrant, infidel or usurper. The Act of Supremacy clarifies the King's position as head of the Church and the Act for Payment of First Fruits and Tenths substantially increases clerical taxes

Organizes a census to assess the wealth of the Church for dissolution & taxation

Organizes a census to assess the wealth of the Church for dissolution & taxation

The valor ecclesiasticus book is drawn up by Cromwell containing wealth of the Church

Writes to JPs, bishops & nobility to imprison clergy who preach papal authority

Cranmer had difficult encounters with several bishops including John Stokesley, John Longland, and Stephen Gardiner who object to Cranmers power and title and argue that the Act of Supremacy did not define his role thus prompting Thomas Cromwell,

Cromwell creates another set of institutions that gives a clear structure to the royal supremacy, the Archbishop of Canterbury is eclipsed by Vice Regent Cromwell in regards to the King's spiritual jurisdiction.

the King's Chief Minister, to activate and to take the office of the Vice Regent, the deputy supreme head of ecclesiastical affair

Cromwell creates another set of institutions that gives a clear structure to the royal supremacy, the Archbishop of Canterbury is eclipsed by Vice Regent Cromwell in regards to the King's spiritual jurisdiction

The Treason Act comes into force

The Treason Act comes into force

The Treason Act comes into force

Orders the imprisonment of the Clergy preaching Papal supremacy

Cromwell had undertaken an inventory of the assets and income of the entire ecclesiastical estate of England and Wales through local commissioners who reported in May 1535

Cromwell conducts a census in 1535 to enable the Government to tax church property more effectively

The King appoints Cromwell Royal Vicegerent and Vicar General, and commissions him to organize visitations of all the countrys churches, monasteries and clergy

The King appoints Cromwell Royal Vicegerent and Vicar General, and commissions him to organize visitations of all the countrys churches, monasteries and clergy

The King appoints Cromwell Royal Vicegerent and Vicar General, and commissions him to organize visitations of all the countrys churches, monasteries and clergy

The King appoints Cromwell Royal Vicegerent and Vicar General, and commissions him to organize visitations of all the countrys churches, monasteries and clergy

The King appoints Cromwell Royal Vicegerent and Vicar General, and commissions him to organize visitations of all the countrys churches, monasteries and clergy

The wealth of the Church goes to the crown & Church lands are sold to the new nobility. Cromwell directs the dissolution of the monasteries

Created Lord Cromwell of Wimbledon

Opening of the final session of the Reformation Parliament

Opening of the final session of the Reformation Parliament

The Act for the Suppression of the Lesser Monasteries, those with a gross income of less than 200 pounds per annum, had passed both houses. This caused a clash with Anne Boleyn, formerly one of Cromwell's strongest allies, who wanted the proceeds of the dissolution used for educational and charitable purposes, not paid into the King's coffers

The Act for the Suppression of the Lesser Monasteries, those with a gross income of less than 200 pounds per annum, had passed both houses. This caused a clash with Anne Boleyn, formerly one of Cromwell's strongest allies, who wanted the proceeds of the dissolution used for educational and charitable purposes, not paid into the King's coffers

The Act for the Suppression of the Lesser Monasteries, those with a gross income of less than 200 pounds per annum, had passed both houses. This caused a clash with Anne Boleyn, formerly one of Cromwell's strongest allies, who wanted the proceeds of the dissolution used for educational and charitable purposes, not paid into the King's coffers

The Act for the Suppression of the Lesser Monasteries, those with a gross income of less than 200 pounds per annum, had passed both houses. This caused a clash with Anne Boleyn, formerly one of Cromwell's strongest allies, who wanted the proceeds of the dissolution used for educational and charitable purposes, not paid into the King's coffers

The Act for the Suppression of the Lesser Monasteries, those with a gross income of less than pounds 200 per annum, passes both houses. This caused a clash with Anne Boleyn, formerly one of Cromwell's strongest allies, who wanted the proceeds of the dissolution used for educational and charitable purposes, not paid into the King's coffers

Accused by Cromwell of adultery with 5 lovers including her brother Lord Rochford

Accused by Cromwell of adultery with 5 lovers including her brother Lord Rochford

A new Parliament passed the second Act of Succession, securing the rights of Queen Janes heirs to the throne

A new Parliament passed the second Act of Succession, securing the rights of Queen Janes heirs to the throne

A new Parliament passed the second Act of Succession, securing the rights of Queen Janes heirs to the throne

Appointed Lord Privy Seal

Cromwells position is now stronger than ever, succeeds Anne Boleyns father, Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire, as Lord Privy Seal

Raised to the peerage as Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon

The first attempt is made to clarify religious doctrine after the break with Rome, Bishop Edward Foxe, with strong backing from Cromwell and Cranmer, tables proposals in Convocation, which the King later endorses as the Ten Articles and which are printed in August

The first attempt is made to clarify religious doctrine after the break with Rome, Bishop Edward Foxe, with strong backing from Cromwell and Cranmer, tables proposals in Convocation, which the King later endorses as the Ten Articles and which are printed in August

Cromwell circulates an injunctions for the enforcement of the Ten Articles, provoking opposition in September and October in Lincolnshire and then throughout the six northern counties provoking widespread popular and clerical uprisings, which found support among the gentry and even the nobility, collectively known as the Pilgrimage of Grace

Cromwell circulates an injunctions for the enforcement of the Ten Articles, provoking opposition in September and October in Lincolnshire and then throughout the six northern counties provoking widespread popular and clerical uprisings, which found support among the gentry and even the nobility, collectively known as the Pilgrimage of Grace

Although the grievances of the rebels were wide-ranging, the most significant was the suppression of the monasteries, blamed on the King's "evil counsellors", principally Cromwell and Cranmer, one of the leaders of the rebellion, Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Darcy, before his execution gave

Cromwell the prophetic warning "others that have been in such favour with King's as you now enjoy have come to the same fate you bring me to"

Cromwells success in Church politics was offset by the fact that his political influence had been weakened by the emergence of a privy council, a body of nobles and office-holders that first came together to suppress the Pilgrimage of Grace.

Cromwells success in Church politics was offset by the fact that his political influence had been weakened by the emergence of a privy council, a body of nobles and office-holders that first came together to suppress the Pilgrimage of Grace

Establishes firm rule over 5 Northern Counties where there had been rebellion

Given the task of finding a new wife for Henry VIII after the death of Jane Seymour

Cromwell convenes a vicegerential synod of bishops and doctors

Prepares a draft document, The Institution of a Christian Man, more commonly known as the Bishops Book

Prepares a draft document, The Institution of a Christian Man, more commonly known as the Bishops Book

Prepares a draft document, The Institution of a Christian Man, more commonly known as the Bishops Book

Appointed Dean of Wells

The King confirms his support of Cromwell by appointing him to the Order of the Garter but Cromwell was forced to accept the existence of an executive body, the Privy Council, dominated by his conservative opponents

The King confirms his support of Cromwell by appointing him to the Order of the Garter but Cromwell was forced to accept the existence of an executive body, the Privy Council, dominated by his conservative opponents

Cromwell completes a new set of vicegerential injunctions declaring open war on "pilgrimages, feigned relics or images, or any such superstitions" commanding that "one book of the whole Bible in English" be set up in every church

Cromwell completes a new set of vicegerential injunctions declaring open war on "pilgrimages, feigned relics or images, or any such superstitions" commanding that "one book of the whole Bible in English" be set up in every church.

Cromwell pursues an extensive campaign against "idolatry" by the followers of the new religion, statues, roodscreens and images are attacked, culminating in September with the dismantling of the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury.

Cromwell pursues an extensive campaign against "idolatry" by the followers of the new religion, statues, roodscreens and images are attacked, culminating in September with the dismantling of the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury

Henry VIII is stricken with grief & Thomas Cromwell takes over the affairs of state

Cromwell directs the clergy to provide "one book of the bible of the largest volume in English, and the same set up in some convenient place within the said church that ye have care of, whereas your parishioners may most commodiously resort to the same and read it

Cromwell directs the clergy to provide "one book of the bible of the largest volume in English, and the same set up in some convenient place within the said church that ye have care of, whereas your parishioners may most commodiously resort to the same and read it

Cromwell takes the initiative against his enemies, using evidence acquired from Sir Geoffrey Pole under interrogation in the Tower, he imprisons the Marquess of Exeter, Sir Edward Neville, and Sir Nicholas Carew on charges of treason; all are executed in the following months

The Lutherans send a joint delegation from various German cities, including a colleague of Martin Luther, Friedrich Myconius, the delegates arrive in England on 27 May 1538, after initial meetings with the King, Cromwell, and Cranmer, discussions on theological differences are transferred to Lambeth Palace under Cranmers chairmanship

An act transfers the remaining greater religious Houses to the Crown

The first edition of The Great Bible is a run of 2,500 copies begun in Paris where the printed sheets are seized by the French authorities on grounds of heresy (since relations between England and France were somewhat troubled at this time), publication is completed in London in April 1539

The first edition of The Great Bible is a run of 2,500 copies begun in Paris where the printed sheets are seized by the French authorities on grounds of heresy (since relations between England and France were somewhat troubled at this time), publication is completed in London in April 1539

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

Henry becomes displeased with the results of the Six Articlles Act and its promulgators; the ever-loyal Cranmer and Cromwell are back in favour

Henry becomes displeased with the results of the Six Articlles Act and its promulgators; the ever-loyal Cranmer and Cromwell are back in favour

Instructs the clergy detail weddings, baptisms & burials in Parish Registars

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

A Parliamentary committee is established to examine doctrine and the Duke of Norfolk presents six questions for the House to consider, which pass as the Act of Six Articles reaffirming a traditional view of the Mass, the Sacraments and the priesthood

Henrys marriage to Anne of Cleves is used to protect England from France & Spain

Arranges for the selection of Anne of Cleves as Henrys new wife

Henrys marriage to Anne of Cleves is used to protect England from France & Spain. Arranges for the selection of Anne of Cleves as Henrys new wife

Appointed Lord Great Chamberlain

Created Earl of Essex

Appointed Great Chamberlain

Henry VIII has Cromwell arrested for his part played in the marriage to Anne of Cleves

Accused of treason in the House of Lords

Accused of treason in the House of Lords