Thomas Cromwell
Thomas Cromwell (1485-1540), English statesman, created Earl of Essex in 1540. He rose to prominence following the fall of Cardinal Wolsey and entered the service of Henry VIII in 1530. As principal adviser to the king he played a major role in the Restoration and the dissolution of the monasteries. He persuaded Henry to marry Anne of Cleves to secure a German alliance. The marriage failed, however, and led to Cromwell’s downfall. He was accused of treason and executed.
