Execution of Thomas Abel
Thomas Abel is hanged, drawn and quartered for treason after opposing Henry VIII's marriage policy and royal supremacy.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1540 in England — Page 2
Explore 69 historical events and records for England in 1540.
Historical records for England in 1540
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 29 of 69 unique records.
69Unique records
2 of 2Page
26Named events on this page
18Named people on this page
9Places on this page
July
Execution of Thomas Garret
Thomas Garret is burned for heresy alongside other evangelical reformers during Henry VIII's religious reaction.
Execution of William Jerome
William Jerome is burned for heresy after condemnation for Protestant preaching and doctrine.
Reform of Inheritance Law
The Statute of Wills is passed
August
Birth of Catherine Grey
Catherine Grey is born to Frances Brandon and Henry Grey and later becomes an important potential Protestant successor to Elizabeth I.
Other events (month unknown)
Arrest of Thomas Cromwell
Arrests Thomas Cromwell
Birth of Christopher Hatton
Birth of Christopher Hatton
Chancellor
After the execution of Thomas Cromwell elected Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
Chester Diocese Established
John Bird becomes the first bishop of the newly created Chester diocese, one of several sees established from former monastic foundations.
Court of First Fruits and Tenths
A royal court is established to collect clerical revenues formerly associated with papal finance.
Court of Wards and Liveries Established
Parliament creates a specialised court to manage royal rights over wardships, marriages and liveries arising from feudal tenure.
Death of Henry Bourchier
Death of Henry Bourchier, executed
Dynastic Marriage Negotiations at London
Henrys marriage to Anne of Cleves is used to protect England from France & Spain
Election
Arranges for the selection of Anne of Cleves as Henrys new wife
Execution
Death of Henry Bourchier, executed
Great Bible
The second edition of 1540, included a preface by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, recommending the reading of the scriptures
Marriage
Passes the dissolution of Henrys marriage to Anne of Cleves through Parliament. Manages the attainder of Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, and the dissolution of Henrys marriage with Anne of Cleves
Marriage
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
Marriage
Henrys court painter paints the image which Henry first sees of Anne of Cleves
New Cathedral Dioceses Planned
The Crown reorganises part of the former monastic estate into new bishoprics and cathedral foundations within the royal church.
Parliament
Instigated by Thomas Cromwell
Peerage
Created Earl of Essex, 2nd
Peerage
Created Earl Oxford, 16th
Pension of Anne of Cleves
After the annulment, pensioned off to Lewes & given the title of King's "sister"
Political Eclipse
Lives under suspicion after resigning from Worcester.
Royal Chaplain
Serves as chaplain in the royal religious establishment.
Statute of Wills Expands Testamentary Land Transfer
Parliament permits wider disposal of land by will, altering inheritance practice and reducing restrictions associated with feudal tenure.
Trial
Manages the attainder of Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, and the dissolution of Henrys marriage with Anne of Cleves
University of Cambridge
After the execution of Thomas Cromwell elected Chancellor of the University of Cambridge
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.