Thomas Cromwell: The Architect of Power and the Price of Ambition
Thomas Cromwell is one of the most compelling figures in Tudor history, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Henry VIII’s most trusted advisors before meeting a dramatic downfall. His story is one of ambition, reform, and survival in the treacherous world of the Tudor court.
Cromwell was born around 1485 in Putney, the son of a blacksmith and alehouse keeper, a far cry from the nobility who traditionally dominated royal government. His early life remains somewhat obscure, but he likely spent time abroad as a mercenary and merchant, experiences that broadened his horizons and honed his skills in finance, law, and diplomacy.