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Thomas Cromwell

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Politician

The Resume

    (circa 1485-July 28, 1540)
    Born in Putney, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
    Advisor/chief minister to King King Henry VIII
    Held the offices Chancellor of the Exchequer (1533-40), Lord Privy Seal (1536-40), and Lord Great Chamberlain (April 17-June 10, 1540)
    Named Earl of Essex (April 18, 1540)
    Played a significant role in ending Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon and having Henry declared Supreme Head of the Church of England
    Engineered Anne Boleyn's conviction and execution
    Arrested on charges including corruption, heresy, and plotting to marry the King's daughter, Mary (June 10, 1540)
    Stripped of his titles
    Executed by beheading

Why he might be annoying:

    He admitted to Archbishop Thomas Cranmer that he had been a 'ruffian' in his youth.
    He father a daughter, Jane, out of wedlock.
    He ordered the destruction of any books deemed 'popish' or 'superstitious' (1535), which has been called 'the greatest single disaster in English literary history.'
    He attempted to impose church reforms that went well beyond what more conservative Anglicans -- including the King -- wanted.
    He arranged Henry's unsuccessful marriage to Anne of Cleves.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He successfully extended the King's authority and managed the royal finances.
    His edict that all parishes in England and Wales were to maintain secure records of all christenings, weddings, and burials in their jurisdiction (1537) would prove a boon for future historians.
    He was condemned to death without a trial.
    Henry later regretted his execution, calling him 'the most faithful servant' he ever had, and accusing his other ministers of arranging Cromwell's downfall through 'pretexts and false accusations.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 14 Votes: 50.0% Annoying