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Thomas Cromwell: A Ruthless ‘Agent of Satan’ or Faithful Servant?

Saturday 21 June 2025, 10.00AM to 4.00pm

Speaker(s): Gillian Waters BA MA PGDip PGCE

Engraving of Thomas Cromwell, published1620, by Willem de Passe and Magdelena van de Passe. Image credit: Rosenwald Collection, National Gallery of Art Washington, Creative Commons

Known as the chief architect of the Church of England's break with Rome, Thomas Cromwell engineered the annulment of Henry VIII’s first marriage to Catherine of Aragon, the trial and execution of Anne Boleyn, and the King’s fourth marriage to Anne of Cleves, which ultimately led to his downfall and execution. However, he also modernised Tudor government, extended royal authority, and introduced social and economic reforms. This day school assesses the career and legacy of Thomas Cromwell: was he a ruthless ‘agent of Satan’, Henry VIII’s ‘most faithful servant’ or ‘the most remarkable English statesman of the sixteenth century’?

Tutor: Gillian Waters BA MA PGDip PGCE

Term: Summer

Day: Saturday

Start Date: 21 June 2025

Time: 10am-4pm

No. of weeks: 1

Full fee: £57

 

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Location: The King's Manor, Classroom-based