The Private Life of Thomas Cromwell

Caroline Angus

• Publisher: Pen and Sword History
• Year: 2022
• Topic: History
• eBook ISBN:
  9781399095846
• Subtopic: Historical Biographies
• Index: History

A new biography revealing the personal story of the powerful, doomed minister to Henry VIII.
Thomas Cromwell was King Henry VIII's most faithful servant, the only man the king ever openly regretted executing. But Cromwell came to royal prominence late in life, and had forty-five years of family, friends, and experiences behind him before catching Henry's eye.
Born a commoner at a time of significant change in England, Cromwell grew up in a happy, close-knit family before heading to Europe for dramatic adventures. Returning a decade later, he emerged with the skills of a lawyer and merchant, with the European language skills and connections to match. Marriage, children, friends, family, and manor homes all furnished Cromwell's life, a man happy and settled in London. But more beckoned for the Italian-Englishman when a special friendship with Cardinal Thomas Wolsey grew, along with the attention of the king.
This book delves into the life beyond the historic role in Reformation England—a life marked by tragic personal loss; by friendships that endured through changes in allegiance and even religion; and of aspirations for his son Gregory. Far from the seemingly dour, black-clad, serious man, Cromwell lavished those around him with gifts, parties, extravagant games, entertainments, animals, and outfits. But the glamour and beauty of Cromwell's life would come to a sudden end, leaving a trail of devastated men and women, and an extraordinary manor home, Austin Friars, scattered to the wind. Using a wide variety of primary material, this exciting biography weaves a new narrative on the indefatigable Thomas Cromwell, illustrating him more vividly than we've known him before.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Book Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 1485–1504: Adventure
• Chapter 2 1505–1512: Duplicity
• Chapter 3 1513–1520: Eminence
• Chapter 4 1521–1523: Advancement
• Chapter 5 1524–1527: Enlightenment
• Chapter 6 1528–1529: Lamentation
• Chapter 7 1529–1530: Defiance
• Chapter 8 1531: Anonymity
• Chapter 9 1532: Subjugation
• Plate section
• Chapter 10 1533: Triumph
• Chapter 11 1534: Precipice
• Chapter 12 1535: Affliction
• Chapter 13 1536: Vengeance
• Chapter 14 1537: Prestige
• Chapter 15 1538: Atrocity
• Chapter 16 1539: Malady
• Chapter 17 1540: Immortality
• Chapter 18 Perpetuity
• Epilogue
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index
• Back cover