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Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

See also: The Tudors Cast | The Tudors Episode Guide

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex as played by James Frain

Born c. 1485 - executed July 28, 1540
Character's backstory: son of a blacksmith was born in Putney, London in 1485. Served in the French Army in Italy. On his return to England he worked as a lawyer before joining the service of Thomas Wolsey . In 1523 was elected to the House of Commons and two years later helped Wolsey to dissolve small monasteries. After the death of Jane Seymour, Cromwell arranged for Henry's marriage to Anne of Cleves, a move that joined England with the German Protestants. The marriage was a failure, and Cromwell's enemies used Henry's displeasure with Cromwell to their advantage. Thomas Cromwell was eventually beheaded for Treason on the day that Henry married Katherine Howard. One of her wedding gifts.

Gentility: Not of noble descent. A lawyer.

Position: Member of English Parliament, Henry VIII's chief minister, Master of the Jewell House, Earl of Essex.
His career progressed as follows:
1531 - member of the privy council
1532 - Master of Court of Wards and Master of Jewel House
1533 - Chancellor of the Exchequer
1534 - King's Secretary and Master of the Rolls
1535 - Vicar-General
1536 - Lord Privy Seal and Baron Cromwell of Oakham
1537 - Knight of the Garter and Dean of Wells
1539 - Lord Great Chamberlain
1540 - created Earl of Essex


Personality type: Ruthless and ambitious. Methodical, detached & calculating. Henry VIII called him a "good household manager" and his "most faithful servant"

Signature look: dour & clerical

Endearing trait(s): Very few. Effective and efficient in government. Highly intelligent and well versed in international affairs.

Annoying trait(s): Motivated by financial gain. Does whatever will get him ahead, no matter who he has to pull down or kill to get there.
Thomas Cromwell as played by James Frain
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Accomplishments:


1 - the dissolution of the monasteries and establishment of the royal supremacy


2 - founded the ministries of Augmentations and First Fruits to handle income from the dissolution


3 - founded the two courts of Wards and Surveyors which allowed more efficient taxation and leasing


4 - politically integrated the kingdom by extending sovereign authority into northern England, Wales & Ireland (actions which angered the great feudal lords)


5 - used the power of that relatively new invention, the printing-press and thus spearheaded the first propaganda campaign in English history

CHARACTER CONNECTIONS


Family members:

Father: Walter Cromwell

Marriage(s):
Elizabeth Wyckes (1489–1527)

Children:
Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell who was married to Elizabeth Seymour (Jane Seymour's sister) who served as a maid of honour to Anne Boleyn., then became Chief lady-in-waiting to her sister Jane & later served as lady-in-waiting to Katherine Parr who married her brother Thomas Seymour after Henry VIII's death.


Friends:
Thomas Wolsey, who in a way helped him gain the position as chief adviser to Henry VIII.
Thomas Cranmer

Enemies:
Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester
William Brereton
Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk
Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk.


UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTER QUOTES



  • "...Wolsey is still keen enough to prosecute heretics, as we are called, who embrace the true religion." episode VIII








DEFINING EPISODES | MEMORABLE SCENES










PHOTOS

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki


Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
Portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Holbein drawing
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki


Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex - The Tudors Wiki
Thomas Cromwell
Thomas Boleyn & Thomas Cromwell
Cromwell

See also: The Tudors Cast | The Tudors Episode Guide





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