Cromwell, Thomas (1485?-1540), was a trusted adviser to King Henry VIII of England. A talented and ruthless administrator, Cromwell directed England’s civil and religious affairs in the 1530’s.
Cromwell is often called the architect of the English Reformation for his part in establishing Protestantism in England. Pope Clement VII had resisted granting Henry’s request to annul (cancel) his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Cromwell showed Henry he could get the marriage annulled by breaking with the Roman Catholic Church and leading an independent Church of England. Cromwell seized property of monasteries and demanded total obedience to the new religious leadership. But later he fell from favor and was beheaded on July 28, 1540.
Historians believe Cromwell was born in Putney, England, now a section of London. He became an assistant to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1524. Wolsey fell from power in 1529. Within a few years, Cromwell became principal secretary, vicar general, and lord privy seal. He was made Earl of Essex in 1540.
