1. Henry VIII Was Far More Clued Up To Cromwell's Scheming Than He Is Given Credit For
Cromwell's influence over Henry VIII is without doubt. He was arguably Henry's closest confidante, particularly later in his reign, and the King's chief minister did give birth to many policy initiatives undertaken during the 1530s - including religious reform and the introduction of new treason laws. But the portrayal of Cromwell as somehow holding sway over King Henry VIII is just simply inaccurate. Henry listened to Cromwell and followed much of his advice, but Cromwell was not the puppet master who controlled the nation through the King. Yes, Henry did eventually agree to Cromwell's suggestion to wed Anne of Cleves, but he was initially hesitant and he did not consummate the marriage - annulling it six months later. Cromwell almost certainly was a Machiavellian, opportunistic type - but he did not dictate policy. King Henry VIII was very much in charge, proven by Cromwell's arrest and subsequent execution in 1540.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
