What was Thomas 'Prince of Darkness' Cromwell REALLY like? As Wolf Hall returns, a grisly look inside Henry the VIII's 'agent of Satan's' life including his dirtiest plots and daily habits
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Thomas' Prince of Darkness' Cromwell had a reputation for being a brutal, unforgiving enforcer to England's most tyrannical royal, King Henry VIII.
Despite his nickname, he was actually never a royal, but in fact, a lawyer and statesman who played a crucial role in the English Reformation and modernization of government while he was in office from April 1533 to June 1540.
As the BBC's historical drama, Wolf Hall, returns to screens after a decade off the air, just how accurately have the beeb and actor Mark Rylance depicted the real Earl of Essex?
The Lord had a conflicting past. Most commoners viewed him as a money-obsessed, corrupt politician with an obsessive lust for power and schemes.
But, throughout history, the Master of Jewels has been documented to have a more fun-loving side, as he enjoyed partying and splashed out on many galas for his closest companions.
Thomas' Prince of Darkness' Cromwell had a scathing reputation for being a brutal, unforgiving enforcer to England's most tyrannical royal, King Henry VIII (Mark Rylance pictured in Wolf Hall)
Despite his all-telling nickname, he was never a royal but was, in fact, a lawyer and statesman who played a crucial role in the English Reformation and modernization of government while he was in office from April 1533 to June 1540
From a commoner's point of view, Thomas was Henry VIII's right-hand man after he quickly worked his way through the ranks of Parliament in a matter of years.
He started out as an overlooked solicitor, born to a Putney cloth worker, and went on to control the entire government, bearing an impressive string of titles, including Earl of Essex, Lord Great Chamberlain, Lord Privy Seal, Master of the Jewels, Baron Cromwell of Wimbledon and Lord Privy Seal.
In less than a decade, he became one of the most powerful men in England, manipulated the Tudor government to his favour, single-handedly devised a plan to remove all monastic institutions by 1540 and secured the submission of the clergy to the King in matters of legislation by 1533.
This meant for the first time in English history, the King established himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England as Thomas secured the passage of the Act in Restraint of Appeals to Rome.
This plot prevented appeals to Rome in matrimonial and testamentary cases and effectively severed ties with the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church.
This type of submission was significant because the Church often held considerable power, sometimes rivaling or even exceeding that of secular rulers.
By agreeing to submit to the King's authority in legislative matters, the clergy recognised the King's supreme authority over legal and governmental issues, including those that might affect the Church itself.
This one piece of legislation changed the religious landscape of England forever and, in turn, made him incredibly unpopular among religious houses.
But as the BBC 's historical drama, Wolf Hall, returns to screens after a decade off the air, just how accurately have the beeb and actor Mark Rylance depicted the real Earl of Essex
The Lord had a conflicting past. Most commoners viewed him as a money-obsessed, corrupt politician with an obsessive lust for power and schemes
In a further break from traditional Church authority, Thomas advocated for greater accessibility to the Bible.
He championed the introduction of an English translation to be placed in every Church, insisting that scripture should be available to all, not just the clergy.
This move democratised religious knowledge, marking a stark shift from Rome's authority and further solidifying England's independent path in religious matters.
Yet Cromwell's sweeping changes did not come without a price.
His bold, often controversial methods and staunchly reformist agenda made him a polarising figure, creating powerful enemies within both the royal court and the public.
As one of the most dacorated and authoritative figures in government, aside from the King himself at the time, he predominantly called the shots, but remained vigilant and careful to pretend to be acting on the King's authority.
And while he had a reputation for being an exemplary statesman and thriving politician, Thomas had an undying love for profits, which was typically prioritised over policies and what was, at the time, deemed best for the public and the country.
This kickstarted the overwhelming unpopularity that brewed across the country and stuck to his reputation.
His downfall came swiftly in 1540, as he was arrested and executed on charges of treason and heresy, bringing a dramatic close to his career.
In a dramatic twist at the royal court, Thomas failed in his attempt to arrange a marriage between King Henry and Anne of Cleves, a German princess.
Initaly he was the King's saviour when he desperately sought to get out of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, so he could marry Anne Boleyn.
But when Anne also failed to produce a male heir, he turned on her.
Anne was once heard to say that she would gladly see Cromwell's 'head off his shoulders'.
Thomas was behind the spurious charges of adultery, which led to Anne's beheading.
He was present when she was executed in the Tower of London in 1536.
But as he intended to secure a strategic Protestant alliance in Europe through the marriage to Anne of Cleves, Thomas and the marriage quickly became an embarrassment.
Reportedly displeased with Anne's appearance, the King found himself locked in a short-lived, unsatisfactory marriage.
Thomas's political opponents seized the opportunity to capitalise on the King's frustration, casting doubts on his judgment and reliability.
With the King's favor waning, Thomas' enemies took aim, accusing him of overreaching his authority, promoting heretical ideas, and conspiring against the King himself.
Although these charges were likely exaggerated, they gained traction in Henry's court, which had seen many a swift rise and fall.
The King's volatile temper did little to help the Lord's case.
Despite years of service and loyalty, Henry turned on his advisor, ordering his arrest in June.
Pleas for mercy were ignored, and he was convicted without a proper trial.
In July 1540, Thomas was led to the scaffold at the Tower of London, where he met his end by beheading.
On the same day that Thomas died, Henry married his fifth wife, Katherine Howard.
Despite his polarising legacy, Thomas' influence endures. From the Act of Supremacy to the dissolution of monasteries and the introduction of the English Bible, Thomas' reforms were transformative.
His impact on the English Reformation is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark on the religious landscape of England.
And while he had a reputation of being a unforgiving, stern and hyper-focused politician, he also has a wild side to him which saw him regularly splashing out on his closest friends and family.
In recent evidence unearthed by British historian Tracy Borman, it was documented that Thomas wasn't always a scorning, serious and callous man, but occasionally showed a funny, humourous and lighthearted side.
Financial evidence showed that he often hosted lavish parties, which boasted a range of exotic animals, endless beverages and performing jesters.
He even coughed up a £1,000 - equivalent to £815,433 in today - just for a costume.
The bureaucrat would limit no expense as he would cough up £400 - equivalent to £326,173 in today - for a banquet among friends and fellow statesmen.
Thomas also had a guilty pleasure for gambling and would regularly try his hand at a game of dice - this is not to say he was any good, as his losses totaled to £50,000 in modern-day money.
But, throughout history, the Master of Jewels has been documented to have a softer side as he enjoyed a party and splashed out on many galas for his closest companions
So, while Thomas was the brains behind one of the biggest plots to split England from the Catholic Church and considered to be a machiavellian statesman, he was also a fun-loving, thriving party animal who treated his closest well and arguably had a lasting positive impact on English politics.
But does the BBC's 2024 series depict the character, played by Mark, in an accurate and detailed performance?
The majority could argue yes, as the BBC sees Thomas portrayed as an authoritative figure who can make any statesman quake in their boots with one look.
But they also hint that there is more to him than meets the eye, as they are portrayed as a complex character who is both a political fixer and a man with some form of moral compass.
Wolf Hall: The Mirror And The Light is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
