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Henry VIII and His Ministers, 1509–40

Cromwell’s rise to power, 1529–34

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2 booklet B

Overview

Cromwell's origins and early career, his work for Wolsey, his survival in 1529, entry to the council in 1531, his qualities, his solution to the annulment, Cranmer's court at Dunstable and his offices.

What you need to know

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Key term

What was Thomas Cromwell’s background?

Numbers

When did Cromwell reach the king’s inner circle?

Numbers

Which court finally declared Henry’s first marriage void, and when?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    What was Thomas Cromwell’s background?

    Model answer

    He was the son of a Putney blacksmith and brewer, with no land, title or connections at court.

  2. 2

    What had Cromwell done before he entered royal service?

    Model answer

    He had been a soldier in Italy, worked in trade and banking in the Netherlands, and then trained himself as a lawyer in London.

  3. 3

    What work did Cromwell do for Wolsey?

    Model answer

    He was the cardinal’s lawyer and man of business, and closed nearly thirty small monasteries to pay for his new colleges.

  4. 4

    How did Cromwell survive his master’s downfall?

    Model answer

    He won a seat in the Commons in 1529 and defended Wolsey there, which earned him a name for loyalty and skill rather than ruin.

  5. 5

    When did Cromwell reach the king’s inner circle?

    Model answer

    He was brought onto the royal council in 1531 and was Henry’s leading minister within about two years.

  6. 6

    Which qualities made Cromwell so useful to the king?

    Model answer

    He was tireless, ruthless and a brilliant organiser who found practical ways to deliver whatever Henry wanted.

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