The year 1537 was a pivotal and turbulent year for England under the reign of King Henry VIII. It marked a time of profound personal loss, political friction, and diplomatic challenges that would shape the future of the Tudor dynasty and the English Reformation. Central to this drama was Thomas Cromwell, Henry’s chief minister and architect of many of the king’s religious and political policies. This article explores the significant events of 1537, focusing on the death of Queen Jane Seymour, court conflicts, and the intricate dance of European diplomacy that Cromwell navigated on behalf of his sovereign.

The Death of Queen Jane Seymour and Her Funeral

On November 12, 1537, the funeral of the late Queen Jane Seymour was held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor. Jane Seymour had been Henry VIII’s third wife and the mother of his long-awaited male heir, Edward VI. Her death shortly after childbirth was a devastating loss for the king, who had shown more genuine affection for Jane than for his previous wives.

Thomas Cromwell, ever the loyal servant of the crown, ensured that his family members were prominently represented at the funeral procession. Among them was Elizabeth Seymour, Jane’s sister, who naturally held a place of honor in the procession. Elizabeth’s new husband Gregory and their cousin Richard were also in attendance, both bearing flags as a mark of status. Cromwell himself attended the ceremony, accompanied by the French ambassador, leading a delegation comprising ministers and foreign diplomats.

Following the solemn rites, the mourners proceeded to Windsor Castle, where they were treated to a lavish reception. By noon, the funeral ceremonies concluded, and Cromwell, evidently eager to return to his duties, immediately went back to London. There, he plunged into a flurry of correspondence related to matters of state and his personal legal affairs.

The Personal and Political Woes of 1537

Despite the joy brought by the birth of the Tudor prince, 1537 proved an unhappy year for both Cromwell and Henry VIII. The king had lost the only wife he genuinely loved, and his religious reforms, launched in his own name, faced significant popular opposition. The English Reformation was contentious, and many viewed it with hostility or skepticism. This resistance coalesced into a conservative faction within the court, which formed an alliance against Cromwell, weakening his position.

Tensions escalated between Cromwell and key figures such as Bishop Stephen Gardiner, a staunch conservative. Cromwell’s disdain for Gardiner turned into open conflict, as reflected in a letter written shortly after Jane Seymour’s death. Cromwell rebuked the bishop for failing to uphold promises and criticized him for underestimating the king’s authority: “No matter what you think of me, I am surprised that you believe anyone can act with impunity under his Majesty.”

Cromwell’s rivalry extended to the Duke of Norfolk, a powerful nobleman whose antipathy towards the secretary was well-known. Contemporary observers remarked that “the Duke of Norfolk and this secretary are always at odds,” highlighting the factionalism within the Tudor court.

Amid these court intrigues, Cromwell faced the daunting reality of being one of the most despised figures in England. Though he often conducted himself with apparent confidence and authority, he must have been troubled by the hostility directed at him, especially from those opposed to the evangelical reforms he championed.

The Challenge of European Diplomacy

The broader European political landscape in 1537 was equally fraught. The relationship between Francis I of France and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, was growing closer, presenting a formidable diplomatic challenge for England. Henry VIII found himself increasingly isolated, his previous alliances and strategies losing effectiveness.

In this context, Henry charged Cromwell with the delicate task of securing advantageous marriage alliances for himself and his daughters. Given Henry’s notorious matrimonial history—marked by multiple wives, executed queens, and scandal—this was no easy endeavor. The king’s reputation had become a subject of ridicule across Europe. An Italian gentleman’s remark in 1546 encapsulated this disdain: “Not only his first wife, but his other three or four wives were all beheaded or replaced to satisfy his insatiable lust, like a horse craving fresh pasture.”

Faced with this diplomatic stigma, Cromwell worked assiduously to fulfill the king’s wishes. He composed numerous letters to Philip Hoby, a zealous supporter of the Protestant Reformation serving as a royal diplomat. Cromwell instructed Hoby to negotiate marriage prospects with notable European noblewomen, including the sister of Mary of Guise—the Queen of Scotland—and the Duchess of Milan, who was also the daughter of the Duke of Lorraine.

Hoby arranged for the painter Hans Holbein to create portraits of these prospective brides. Henry was particularly pleased upon receiving the portrait of the Duchess of Milan. However, the duchess herself was less enthusiastic about marrying the English king, reportedly quipping that if she had two heads, one could be sacrificed to Henry without much consequence.

Marriage Negotiations for the Tudor Princesses

After his personal attempts to wed failed, Henry redirected Cromwell’s efforts toward securing marriages for his daughters. The king was eager to restore a delicate balance in relations with France and the Holy Roman Empire, and marriage was a key diplomatic tool in this pursuit.

Henry proposed the Duke of Orléans and the son of the King of Portugal as potential suitors for his eldest daughter, Mary Tudor. Cromwell began negotiations with both courts, using these talks not only to advance the king’s interests but also to undermine his rival, Bishop Gardiner, who was serving as ambassador to France.

Cromwell gleefully reported to Richard Sharp that Henry was displeased with the Bishop of Winchester, who had written to the king suggesting a French match for Mary despite ongoing negotiations with Portugal’s prince. However, Cromwell himself soon became the target of royal ire. The French ambassador Castillon accused him of favoring Spain and Portugal in marriage alliances, a charge that led Henry to sharply reprimand Cromwell for meddling in matters beyond his authority. The king summoned the Duke of Norfolk to take over the negotiations.

Ultimately, all marriage efforts in 1537 and 1538 failed. By July 1538, disheartening news arrived: Charles V and Francis I had signed a truce, consolidating their alliance and leaving England diplomatically isolated.

Conclusion: Cromwell’s Struggles and the Tudor Court in Flux

The events of 1537 illustrate the volatile nature of the Tudor court and the precarious position of Thomas Cromwell. While Cromwell was instrumental in advancing the English Reformation and executing Henry VIII’s policies, he faced relentless opposition from conservative factions within the court, diplomatic isolation abroad, and the personal tragedies of his monarch.

The death of Jane Seymour not only deprived Henry of a beloved wife but also symbolized the fragile intersection of personal grief and political maneuvering. Cromwell’s attendance at her funeral alongside family and foreign dignitaries underscored his central role in court life but did little to stem the rising tide of hostility he faced.

Moreover, the failure to secure advantageous marriages for Henry and his children reflected England’s diminished standing in European politics. The close alliance between Francis I and Charles V marginalized England, and Henry’s marital history compounded the difficulty of forging new alliances.

Despite these setbacks, Cromwell remained a key figure, tirelessly working to navigate the treacherous waters of Tudor politics. His story in 1537 is a testament to the complexities of serving a mercurial king during one of England’s most transformative periods. It also foreshadows the challenges that would eventually lead to Cromwell’s downfall, as the forces arrayed against him grew stronger in the years to come.