Thomas Cromwell, one of the most powerful figures in Tudor England, was on the brink of collapse by early 1540. Once a blacksmith’s son from Putney who rose to become King Henry VIII’s chief minister, Cromwell had wielded immense influence, especially through his role in the English Reformation. Yet, by April 1540, his enemies were closing in, and the political landscape was shifting dramatically. This article delves into the final stages of Cromwell’s career, analyzing the political intrigue, religious reforms, and court rivalries that precipitated his downfall and reshaped English governance.

The Context: Tudor England and Religious Upheaval

To understand Cromwell’s precarious position, it is essential to grasp the broader historical context of Tudor England in the 1530s and 1540s. Henry VIII’s reign was marked by profound religious transformation, primarily the break from the Roman Catholic Church. This rupture was driven by Henry’s desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, which the Pope refused to sanction. Cromwell emerged as a key architect of the English Reformation, orchestrating the dissolution of the monasteries and the establishment of royal supremacy over the Church of England.

Cromwell’s reforms were revolutionary but deeply controversial. The dissolution of monasteries not only redistributed wealth and land to the crown and nobility but also dismantled centuries-old religious institutions. Many traditionalists, including powerful bishops and noble factions, viewed these changes with suspicion and hostility. Cromwell’s rise from humble origins and his often brusque style of governance further alienated the established aristocracy.

The Signs of Imminent Collapse

By April 1540, the signs of Cromwell’s impending fall were unmistakable. The French ambassador, Charles de Marillac, noted with keen observation that Cromwell was “shaking” and that his enemies, many of whom he had previously sidelined or disgraced, were returning to power. Among those recalled to the Privy Council were learned and experienced bishops such as the Bishops of Winchester, Durham, and Bath, all of whom harbored ill will toward Cromwell.

Marillac recorded that the Bishop of Durham, Cuthbert Tunstall, a man of considerable prestige and learning, was expected to become the new Lord Keeper of the Great Seal—one of Cromwell’s key offices. Similarly, the Bishop of Bath was poised to assume another significant position. These appointments signaled a clear intent by the king and his council to remove Cromwell from his dual roles as Lord Privy Seal and Vicegerent in Spirituals, titles that had made him second only to the king in religious and political authority.

Despite Cromwell’s official standing, his position was untenable. Even his closest supporters recognized that he could no longer maintain his grip on power. Marillac poignantly summarized Cromwell’s predicament: his authority was sustained only by his diligence and his deference to the king, especially in the presence of foreign dignitaries. His rough methods, effective for over a decade, had begun to erode his standing among the nobility and the king’s inner circle.

Political Intrigue and Court Rivalries

The political environment at Henry VIII’s court was a volatile web of alliances and enmities. Cromwell’s ascent had disrupted the traditional power balance, elevating a commoner to unprecedented heights. This inevitably provoked resentment among the aristocracy, who sought to reclaim influence.

One key episode illustrating this tension was Cromwell’s attempted reconciliation with Sir Thomas Gardiner, a rival courtier who enjoyed the king’s favor. Reports indicated that Gardiner and the Bishop of Winchester dined together for hours, reaching an agreement to put aside their differences and unite against Cromwell. This détente was likely the result of Cromwell’s submissive gestures, suggesting he recognized the precariousness of his position.

Yet, even this humiliating truce failed to quell the animosity of his opponents. Cromwell was forced into further drastic measures, including resigning his position as Secretary of State, passing the role to his protégés Ralph Sadler and Thomas Wriothesley. Wriothesley’s induction into the Privy Council hinted at a strategic repositioning by Cromwell, possibly aimed at consolidating his influence within the council despite relinquishing certain official titles.

The Role of King Henry VIII

Central to Cromwell’s fate was King Henry VIII himself. The king’s favor was the ultimate source of power and could be withdrawn at any moment. Reports suggest that Cromwell’s resignation as Secretary was not forced by his colleagues but was sanctioned by the king. This raises questions about Henry’s intentions—whether he was orchestrating a graceful transition to new ministers or preparing for a more radical reorganization.

Henry’s shifting attitudes toward religious reform also played a role. While he maintained a conservative stance on many theological issues, he was keen to enforce religious uniformity and suppress heresy. Cromwell’s reforms aligned with this agenda but also introduced innovations that unsettled the king and his traditionalist advisors.

The April 1540 Parliament: A Stage for Reform and Conflict

The new Parliament convened on April 12, 1540, providing a critical platform for Cromwell to assert his policies. Known for his confidence in parliamentary proceedings, Cromwell delivered a speech in the House of Lords emphasizing the king’s desire for religious unity. He initiated measures to correct abuses and enforce respect for scripture, aiming to eradicate heresy and dissent.

To institutionalize these efforts, Cromwell established two new commissions tasked with defining a “middle way” in religious matters—a compromise reflecting the king’s wish to balance reform with tradition. This approach sought to placate both reformers and conservatives, though it risked pleasing neither fully.

The Attack on the Knights of St. John

One of the most dramatic moves of Cromwell’s tenure was his campaign against the Knights of St. John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. This ancient military religious order represented one of the last bastions of unbroken medieval monastic tradition in England. Unlike other monasteries that had been dissolved, the Knights had largely escaped reformist attacks.

Cromwell drafted a bill to suppress the order and transfer its considerable wealth to the crown. This initiative sparked prolonged debate, reflecting the contentious nature of Cromwell’s reforms and the growing resistance among the nobility and clergy. The fate of the Knights became emblematic of the broader struggle over religious authority and royal power.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Thomas Cromwell’s fall from power later in 1540 marked a turning point in Tudor England’s political and religious history. His demise was swift and brutal—he was arrested, tried for treason, and executed in July 1540. Yet his influence endured in the Reformation policies he championed and the administrative reforms he implemented.

Cromwell’s career illustrates the complex interplay of personal ambition, religious ideology, and royal authority in Tudor governance. His ability to navigate court politics, implement sweeping reforms, and maintain Henry’s favor for over a decade underscores his political acumen. However, his background and style made him vulnerable to aristocratic backlash once the king’s support wavered.

The transition of power away from Cromwell allowed entrenched nobles and church leaders to regain influence, momentarily slowing the pace of reform. Nevertheless, the structural changes Cromwell set in motion—centralized administration, parliamentary supremacy, and royal control over the church—laid the foundation for modern English governance.

Conclusion

The story of Thomas Cromwell’s decline is a vivid example of the volatile nature of power during one of England’s most transformative eras. As the king’s chief minister and a leading architect of the English Reformation, Cromwell’s rise was meteoric, his fall precipitous. His tenure encapsulates the tensions between innovation and tradition, commoner and noble, reform and conservatism that defined Tudor politics.

While his enemies celebrated his downfall, historians recognize Cromwell as a pivotal figure whose reforms reshaped England’s religious and political landscape. The events of 1540, including his loss of key offices, political isolation, and eventual execution, remind us of the precariousness of power and the enduring impact of visionary, if controversial, leadership.