Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell (c1485–1540) rose from humble origins to become chief minister to Tudor king Henry VIII, and one of the most powerful men in England. He is also famed for his ruthless treatment of those who stood against him and his royal master, notably his rival Thomas More and Henry’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Find out everything you need to know about Cromwell’s life, rise, and dramatic fall with our expert articles from historians including Tracy Borman and Diarmaid MacCulloch…

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British writer Hilary Mantel photographed at home

Hilary Mantel on the secrets of successful historical fiction . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

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Dr Hugh Willmott responds to listener questions on Henry VIII’s suppression of the monasteries in the 16th century. (Image by Getty Images)

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A portrait of Thomas Cromwell.

The downfall of Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell. (Photo by Gustavo Tomsich/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

The truth about Thomas Cromwell

A portrait of Thomas Cromwell

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(Illustration by Glen McBeth for BBC History Magazine)

Q&A What sort of relationship did Mary Tudor have with Thomas Cromwell?

A portrait of Thomas Cromwell

Your guide to Thomas Cromwell

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Thomas Cromwell (Illustrated by Sarah Young)

Thomas Cromwell reconsidered . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

In c1500, the young Thomas Cromwell travelled from his humble Putney home to the great cities of Italy, as shown in our illustration. The connections he established on the Italian peninsula would prove key to his meteoric rise to power back in England. (Illustration by Sarah Young for BBC History Magazine)

Thomas Cromwell: the best Italian in all England

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Thomas Cromwell’s life before Henry VIII

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Wolf Hall: a look at Thomas Cromwell on screen

Thomas Cromwell, a prominent figure in the upcoming BBC dramatisation of 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring Up The Bodies'. (Photo by Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

The Cromwell enigma: Hilary Mantel and Diarmaid MacCulloch on Wolf Hall’s complex hero

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Wolf Hall: author Hilary Mantel talks Tudors, historical accuracy and winning the Man Booker Prize . This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.