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Henry VIII and His Ministers, 1509–40

The fall of Cromwell

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2 booklet B

Overview

Cromwell's arrest and execution in 1540, Norfolk's hatred, the Anne of Cleves marriage, Catherine Howard, the change in foreign affairs, the heresy charge, attainder, his last honours and Henry's regret.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Numbers

When and how did Thomas Cromwell fall from power, and what part did Norfolk and events abroad play?

Numbers

In which year did Cromwell fall, and how quickly did it happen?

Key term

Which nobleman led the attack on Cromwell?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    In which year did Cromwell fall, and how quickly did it happen?

    Model answer

    In 1540: he was arrested at the council table in June and executed at the end of July.

  2. 2

    Which nobleman led the attack on Cromwell?

    Model answer

    Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, the head of the conservative party at court.

  3. 3

    Why did Norfolk hate Cromwell so much?

    Model answer

    A blacksmith’s son had risen above the ancient nobility, and Norfolk opposed his religious reforms and wanted power for his own family.

  4. 4

    How did the marriage to Anne of Cleves ruin Cromwell?

    Model answer

    He had arranged it, so Henry blamed him for a wife he could not bear and a humiliating annulment.

  5. 5

    Which of Norfolk’s relatives was used to draw the king away from Cromwell?

    Model answer

    His niece Catherine Howard, whom Henry married on the very day of Cromwell's execution.

  6. 6

    Why did events abroad weaken Cromwell’s position?

    Model answer

    The friendship between France and the emperor broke down, so the German alliance he had built was no longer needed.

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