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Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant
Thomas Cromwell has long been reviled as a Machiavellian schemer who stopped at nothing in his quest for power. As Henry VIII's right-hand man, Cromwell was the architect of the English Reformation, secured Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and plotted the downfall of Anne Boleyn, and upon his arrest, was accused of trying to usurp the King himself. But here Tracy Borman reveals a different side of one of the most notorious figures in history: that of a caring husband and father, a fiercely loyal servant and friend, and a revolutionary who helped make medieval England into a modern state.
Born in the mid-1480s to a lowly blacksmith, Cromwell left home at eighteen to make his fortune abroad. After serving as a mercenary in the French army, working for a powerful merchant banker in Florence at the height of the Renaissance, and spending time as a cloth merchant in the commercial capital of the world, the Netherlands, Cromwell returned to England and built a flourishing legal practice. He soon became the protege of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and then worked his way into the King's inner circle. As Henry's top aide, Cromwell was at the heart of the most momentous events of his time and wielded immense power over both church and state. His seismic political, religious, and social reforms had an impact that can still be felt today. Grounded in excellent primary source research, "Thomas Cromwell" gives an inside look at a monarchy that has captured the Western imagination for centuries, and tells the story of a controversial and enigmatic man who forever changed the shape of his country.
Born in the mid-1480s to a lowly blacksmith, Cromwell left home at eighteen to make his fortune abroad. After serving as a mercenary in the French army, working for a powerful merchant banker in Florence at the height of the Renaissance, and spending time as a cloth merchant in the commercial capital of the world, the Netherlands, Cromwell returned to England and built a flourishing legal practice. He soon became the protege of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and then worked his way into the King's inner circle. As Henry's top aide, Cromwell was at the heart of the most momentous events of his time and wielded immense power over both church and state. His seismic political, religious, and social reforms had an impact that can still be felt today. Grounded in excellent primary source research, "Thomas Cromwell" gives an inside look at a monarchy that has captured the Western imagination for centuries, and tells the story of a controversial and enigmatic man who forever changed the shape of his country.
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First published September 11, 2014
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About the author
Tracy Borman
25 books869 followersTracy Borman, PhD, FRHistS, FSA is a historian and author from Scothern, United Kingdom. She is most widely known as the author of Elizabeth's Women.
Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009
Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
January 24, 2026
It was enormously interesting to read Tracy Borman’s very detailed history of Thomas Cromwell’s life. Ms Borman has the ability to provide us in an often surprisingly entertaining way with a historical account in clear accuracy and important interesting facts. She obviously has a deep and human focused approach to telling history.
January 6, 2024
Tracy Borman's biography of Thomas Cromwell is a useful addition to Tudor history. The book is accessible whilst detailed and provides a good use of sources to explore the rise, deeds, fall and legacy of this influential yet eventually unknowable man.
Given Cromwell's rise from the blacksmith's forge in the [then] small village Putney to become Henry VIII's most powerful statesman and advisor is, for those times when birth was a key aspect of life and prospects, is nothing short of astonishing.
Equally, it also shows why Cromwell was despised and hated by many at court and wider who held titles from birth-right and strict medieval hierarchy. Being able to create his personality and his own office at the heart of the Henrician court to skilfully dispense with Catherine of Aragon and solve the "King's Great Matter" by lifting Anne Boleyn to queen in her place; then help to remove Anne and have Jane Seymour replace her, all the while changing palace/court administration and conducting the dissolution of the monasteries, whilst protecting his life and [growing financial and property estate] shows he was a operator of the highest skill and intelligence.
Some reviewers seem unconvinced by Ms Borman's reading of the sources, her presentation of Cromwell and the conclusions she makes. For me though, as it is such a rich period for courtly intrigue, political and religious change, replete with numerous contemporary sources that tell events from many points of view/influence, coupled with a cast of formidable characters, this is a worthy book to help understand, as best we can from half a millennia's distance, how and why Cromwell acted as he did. He remains a villain but also a man who changed the political, social and built environment of England coming from such "low" beginnings. A consummate political and courtly operator who lasted - for Henrician times - a long time at the top.
Set alongside Diarmuid Maccullough's
Thomas Cromwell: A Life, which I have yet to read, Tracy Borman's book is a good read. It brings many of the Tudor period's best known names to her pages, along with others less well-known but of importance, and as such it's a book that offers a useful and considered picture of Cromwell and worthy of your time.
Given Cromwell's rise from the blacksmith's forge in the [then] small village Putney to become Henry VIII's most powerful statesman and advisor is, for those times when birth was a key aspect of life and prospects, is nothing short of astonishing.
Equally, it also shows why Cromwell was despised and hated by many at court and wider who held titles from birth-right and strict medieval hierarchy. Being able to create his personality and his own office at the heart of the Henrician court to skilfully dispense with Catherine of Aragon and solve the "King's Great Matter" by lifting Anne Boleyn to queen in her place; then help to remove Anne and have Jane Seymour replace her, all the while changing palace/court administration and conducting the dissolution of the monasteries, whilst protecting his life and [growing financial and property estate] shows he was a operator of the highest skill and intelligence.
Some reviewers seem unconvinced by Ms Borman's reading of the sources, her presentation of Cromwell and the conclusions she makes. For me though, as it is such a rich period for courtly intrigue, political and religious change, replete with numerous contemporary sources that tell events from many points of view/influence, coupled with a cast of formidable characters, this is a worthy book to help understand, as best we can from half a millennia's distance, how and why Cromwell acted as he did. He remains a villain but also a man who changed the political, social and built environment of England coming from such "low" beginnings. A consummate political and courtly operator who lasted - for Henrician times - a long time at the top.
Set alongside Diarmuid Maccullough's
Thomas Cromwell: A Life, which I have yet to read, Tracy Borman's book is a good read. It brings many of the Tudor period's best known names to her pages, along with others less well-known but of importance, and as such it's a book that offers a useful and considered picture of Cromwell and worthy of your time.
January 20, 2015
The travel writer Colin Thubron once told me that to understand a country and its people he first asks, ‘what do they believe?’ This is also a good place to begin when writing about the past, not least when your subject is Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the English Reformation. But Tracey Borman’s Cromwell doesn’t have beliefs so much as qualities: ones that will appeal to fans of the fictional Cromwell of Hilary Mantel’s Tudor novels.
Borman’s Cromwell likes women, and is nice to the poor. True he fits up Anne Boleyn on treason charges, and has the illiterate nun Elizabeth Barton executed without a trial. But then he is a ‘pragmatist’, and much of his killing, torturing and bullying is ‘self-defence’. He is a loving husband, or at least there is no evidence he wasn’t. He is also a ‘witty and generous host’, unless your name is Mark Smeaton. In which case, your arrival at Cromwell’s lovely home will be followed by your confessing to having had sex with Henry’s VIII’s wife. Your next meal will be in the Tower.
Borman’s Cromwell dislikes many bad things. Neighbours, for example: at least those who own things he covets. When he builds a new house he pinches the gardens of those around him (another lapse in kindness to ordinary folk). But in particular he hates the ‘corrupt’ Roman Catholic Church, its ‘medieval seven sacraments’, (don’t they still have seven?), and ‘idolatry’. Although (naturally) a great lover of art, this obliges him to order that ‘statues, rood screens and images be destroyed in churches and religious houses across the land’. And in the case of monastic land, it soon belongs to the king.
Between 1533 and 1540 Cromwell carried out Henry VIII’s will as his secretary, enforcer and vicar-general. In this, according to Borman, he was always ‘a pragmatist rather than an idealist’ and ‘Henry VIII’s most faithful servant’. Like the king, Cromwell remained a Catholic, just not a ‘Roman’ Catholic, we are told. Unfortunately, Borman is very confusing on the religious issues. One minute Cromwell is ‘ambivalent’ about the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith alone. Next he is a ‘radical’, pleased to see the 1536 Ten Articles on religion have the words ‘justification’ and ‘faith’ used in close proximity. He is ‘frustrated’ that they continue ‘to assert that the body and blood of Christ were really present at the Eucharist’. Yet, we are re-assured later, Cromwell believed firmly in the real presence.
‘Perhaps the word that best describes Cromwell’s personal faith was neither reformist nor conservative but rationalist’ Borman suggests. Cromwell liked arguments based on ‘evidence and reasoning’ (which makes him sound like Richard Dawkins) and his ‘preference for moderation laid the foundations of the middle way so favoured by Henry’s daughter, Elizabeth’. I would think that Cromwell had more in common with her Secretary of State, William Cecil, who was ever disappointed in the queen’s religious conservatism. Certainly Henry came to believe Cromwell was more radical than he.
Cromwell’s nemesis came in the form of Anne of Cleves, whose marriage to Henry VIII he had keenly encouraged. Cromwell hoped it would lead to closer religious as well as political ties with the reformist German states, but, according to Borman, the bride was ugly, with a face pitted by small pox. The bad skin is, in fact, an invention of the Victorian writer Agnes Strickland. Contemporaries observed a pleasant looking woman in hideous German dress. Henry, who had so admired the French chic of Anne Boleyn, was aghast.
Cromwell’s enemies, led by the Duke of Norfolk, seized the initiative and accused Cromwell of heresy and treason. Borman describes his downfall as the result of a class war, the key moment of his arrest being when Norfolk rips the ‘George’ from his neck ( the Order of the Garter, not of ‘St George’ as she claims). The wicked toffs thus did for the Putney boy of humble birth. Yet Cromwell surely also died for being the energetic reformer he was. Henry, fearful of a growing religious radicalism in England, killed Cromwell, not merely because he was annoyed about the Cleves marriage, but to send a message: he was the sole arbiter on religious matters.
Borman is an engaging writer, but there is a failure to fully embrace the kind of character she tries to conjure, one that is both appalling and appealing, (think of the great modern anti heroes of American TV, the mobster Tony Soprano, or Vic Mackey of The Shield). There is no clear vision to answer the question on the cover ‘Who was the real Thomas Cromwell?’ Perhaps it’s the biographer, rather than her subject, that lacks conviction.
An edited version of this review was published by The Spectator magazine
Borman’s Cromwell likes women, and is nice to the poor. True he fits up Anne Boleyn on treason charges, and has the illiterate nun Elizabeth Barton executed without a trial. But then he is a ‘pragmatist’, and much of his killing, torturing and bullying is ‘self-defence’. He is a loving husband, or at least there is no evidence he wasn’t. He is also a ‘witty and generous host’, unless your name is Mark Smeaton. In which case, your arrival at Cromwell’s lovely home will be followed by your confessing to having had sex with Henry’s VIII’s wife. Your next meal will be in the Tower.
Borman’s Cromwell dislikes many bad things. Neighbours, for example: at least those who own things he covets. When he builds a new house he pinches the gardens of those around him (another lapse in kindness to ordinary folk). But in particular he hates the ‘corrupt’ Roman Catholic Church, its ‘medieval seven sacraments’, (don’t they still have seven?), and ‘idolatry’. Although (naturally) a great lover of art, this obliges him to order that ‘statues, rood screens and images be destroyed in churches and religious houses across the land’. And in the case of monastic land, it soon belongs to the king.
Between 1533 and 1540 Cromwell carried out Henry VIII’s will as his secretary, enforcer and vicar-general. In this, according to Borman, he was always ‘a pragmatist rather than an idealist’ and ‘Henry VIII’s most faithful servant’. Like the king, Cromwell remained a Catholic, just not a ‘Roman’ Catholic, we are told. Unfortunately, Borman is very confusing on the religious issues. One minute Cromwell is ‘ambivalent’ about the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith alone. Next he is a ‘radical’, pleased to see the 1536 Ten Articles on religion have the words ‘justification’ and ‘faith’ used in close proximity. He is ‘frustrated’ that they continue ‘to assert that the body and blood of Christ were really present at the Eucharist’. Yet, we are re-assured later, Cromwell believed firmly in the real presence.
‘Perhaps the word that best describes Cromwell’s personal faith was neither reformist nor conservative but rationalist’ Borman suggests. Cromwell liked arguments based on ‘evidence and reasoning’ (which makes him sound like Richard Dawkins) and his ‘preference for moderation laid the foundations of the middle way so favoured by Henry’s daughter, Elizabeth’. I would think that Cromwell had more in common with her Secretary of State, William Cecil, who was ever disappointed in the queen’s religious conservatism. Certainly Henry came to believe Cromwell was more radical than he.
Cromwell’s nemesis came in the form of Anne of Cleves, whose marriage to Henry VIII he had keenly encouraged. Cromwell hoped it would lead to closer religious as well as political ties with the reformist German states, but, according to Borman, the bride was ugly, with a face pitted by small pox. The bad skin is, in fact, an invention of the Victorian writer Agnes Strickland. Contemporaries observed a pleasant looking woman in hideous German dress. Henry, who had so admired the French chic of Anne Boleyn, was aghast.
Cromwell’s enemies, led by the Duke of Norfolk, seized the initiative and accused Cromwell of heresy and treason. Borman describes his downfall as the result of a class war, the key moment of his arrest being when Norfolk rips the ‘George’ from his neck ( the Order of the Garter, not of ‘St George’ as she claims). The wicked toffs thus did for the Putney boy of humble birth. Yet Cromwell surely also died for being the energetic reformer he was. Henry, fearful of a growing religious radicalism in England, killed Cromwell, not merely because he was annoyed about the Cleves marriage, but to send a message: he was the sole arbiter on religious matters.
Borman is an engaging writer, but there is a failure to fully embrace the kind of character she tries to conjure, one that is both appalling and appealing, (think of the great modern anti heroes of American TV, the mobster Tony Soprano, or Vic Mackey of The Shield). There is no clear vision to answer the question on the cover ‘Who was the real Thomas Cromwell?’ Perhaps it’s the biographer, rather than her subject, that lacks conviction.
An edited version of this review was published by The Spectator magazine
July 19, 2025
Thomas Cromwell was of low birth. The nobility surrounding Henry VIII as his powerful chums loathed Cromwell.
Thomas started his rise in the ranks of the Tudor court working for Cardinal Wolsey. The cardinal was Henry's guide in all the political decisions since Henry was a young man.
Wolsey lost favor when he could not get a papal annulment for Henry to divorce Catherine of Aragon.
Henry had been married to her 25 years, and she could not produce a living son. She was too old for any more children.
This was a critical issue to Henry. He was wild in love for Ann Boleyn. She was attractive, intelligent, and most importantly, young enough to have a child. Henry believed She could give him an heir to his throne.
Cardinal Wolsey fell from favor and died shortly before he was to be executed.
Henry recognized that Thomas Cromwell was a brilliant tactician. He took Wolseys place and introduced Henry to Thomas Cranmer.
Cranmer was a theologian and a strong believer in the reformation of the English church. He followed the writing of Martin Luther.
He became Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of Henry VIII,
Cranmer found the loopholes in theology to give Henry the courage to divorce His wife Catherine through his own sovereign power of the crown.
Here was the beginning of the split between Rome and the Martin Luther Protestants.
Henry married Ann Boleyn , crowned her, and finally, after 9 years, she
produced a living daughter. Henry was devastated.
Elizabeth was destined to be Elizabeth 1st of England. King Henry was not pleased with Ann.
As happens in all things, his love for Ann had grown old.
Ann felt Henrys love gone cold. The many enemies she made along the way in her rise to favor and power now gathered like vultures around a dying animal.
Ann had grown older, thin, and shrewish. Her looks had faded from the stress of many miscarriages.
Her last miscarriage could be recognized as a male child. Her own father is believed to have said, " she has miscarried her own savior."
Henry was in a rage and looked for a way out. He demanded Cromwell get it for him.
Cromwell found evidence-based and trumped up at Henry's orders. Ann was arrested and executed. Henry granted her the mercy of an expert swordsman from France. It was quick and clean in one accurate stroke.
Henry then married Jane Seymour, who finally gave him a son.
She died a week later of sepsis.
Cromwell pushed Henry for a marriage to Anne of Cleves to secure a Protestant alliance in Europe and strengthen England's position against Catholic powers like France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Henry signed the contracts based only on her portrait. When they met, he found her repulsive. She was a calm, pleasant woman, but Henry, by this time, was old and sick with a festering leg. She found him appalling.
Henry was enraged with Cromwell and had him thrown in prison.
He ordered him to write up legal papers to get him out of the marriage agreement.
He did, but Henry showed no mercy and ordered his head cut off. As a joke, the nobles who detested Cromwell arranged for a young man who was the executioners apprentice to wield the axe.
It actually took quite a bit of skill and strength to take a human head off in one stroke.
The kid had none of these.
Thomas took multiple strokes from the shaky apprentice. Cromwell was in agony until a guard took the axe from the kid and finished him.
As months went on, Henry realized what a loyal man Thomas Cromwell had been.
The book is well written with extensive detail to give better insight into the personality of this underrated servant. There is an old saying I think of when reading about Thomas Cromwell.
"If you wish to eat Cherry's with a King, expect to get a stone spit into your eye."
Thomas started his rise in the ranks of the Tudor court working for Cardinal Wolsey. The cardinal was Henry's guide in all the political decisions since Henry was a young man.
Wolsey lost favor when he could not get a papal annulment for Henry to divorce Catherine of Aragon.
Henry had been married to her 25 years, and she could not produce a living son. She was too old for any more children.
This was a critical issue to Henry. He was wild in love for Ann Boleyn. She was attractive, intelligent, and most importantly, young enough to have a child. Henry believed She could give him an heir to his throne.
Cardinal Wolsey fell from favor and died shortly before he was to be executed.
Henry recognized that Thomas Cromwell was a brilliant tactician. He took Wolseys place and introduced Henry to Thomas Cranmer.
Cranmer was a theologian and a strong believer in the reformation of the English church. He followed the writing of Martin Luther.
He became Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of Henry VIII,
Cranmer found the loopholes in theology to give Henry the courage to divorce His wife Catherine through his own sovereign power of the crown.
Here was the beginning of the split between Rome and the Martin Luther Protestants.
Henry married Ann Boleyn , crowned her, and finally, after 9 years, she
produced a living daughter. Henry was devastated.
Elizabeth was destined to be Elizabeth 1st of England. King Henry was not pleased with Ann.
As happens in all things, his love for Ann had grown old.
Ann felt Henrys love gone cold. The many enemies she made along the way in her rise to favor and power now gathered like vultures around a dying animal.
Ann had grown older, thin, and shrewish. Her looks had faded from the stress of many miscarriages.
Her last miscarriage could be recognized as a male child. Her own father is believed to have said, " she has miscarried her own savior."
Henry was in a rage and looked for a way out. He demanded Cromwell get it for him.
Cromwell found evidence-based and trumped up at Henry's orders. Ann was arrested and executed. Henry granted her the mercy of an expert swordsman from France. It was quick and clean in one accurate stroke.
Henry then married Jane Seymour, who finally gave him a son.
She died a week later of sepsis.
Cromwell pushed Henry for a marriage to Anne of Cleves to secure a Protestant alliance in Europe and strengthen England's position against Catholic powers like France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Henry signed the contracts based only on her portrait. When they met, he found her repulsive. She was a calm, pleasant woman, but Henry, by this time, was old and sick with a festering leg. She found him appalling.
Henry was enraged with Cromwell and had him thrown in prison.
He ordered him to write up legal papers to get him out of the marriage agreement.
He did, but Henry showed no mercy and ordered his head cut off. As a joke, the nobles who detested Cromwell arranged for a young man who was the executioners apprentice to wield the axe.
It actually took quite a bit of skill and strength to take a human head off in one stroke.
The kid had none of these.
Thomas took multiple strokes from the shaky apprentice. Cromwell was in agony until a guard took the axe from the kid and finished him.
As months went on, Henry realized what a loyal man Thomas Cromwell had been.
The book is well written with extensive detail to give better insight into the personality of this underrated servant. There is an old saying I think of when reading about Thomas Cromwell.
"If you wish to eat Cherry's with a King, expect to get a stone spit into your eye."
March 29, 2024
After reading the fictional series on Cromwell by Hilary Mantel, I was interested in reading a nonfiction account of Thomas Cromwell. This book by Professor Tracy Borman was an enjoyable read which I thought was well researched and brought out more insights behind Cromwell, while Mantel made him a little likeable, Borman takes a more nuanced characterization. There is less about Cromwell's family, but that is compensated with a fine description of the court of Henry VIII.
One negative for me where the number of direct quotations in the English of the time, I personally had a hard time following all the language. This is recommended for those interested in learning more after reading Wolf Hall and the others about this fascinating personality.
One negative for me where the number of direct quotations in the English of the time, I personally had a hard time following all the language. This is recommended for those interested in learning more after reading Wolf Hall and the others about this fascinating personality.
February 4, 2017
This is actually quite a nice and balanced biography of Cromwell. He isn't white washed, he isn't made a saint. It is pretty darn good. And you don't need a background in the Tudors to read it.
May 14, 2015
Anyone who enjoyed “Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel would profit by reading ‘Thomas Cromwell” which provides a fuller portrait of Henry VIII’s right-hand man. A noticeably absent element omitted in the Masterpiece Theater production and not emphasized in Wolf Hall, is the extravagantly luxurious lifestyle attained by Cromwell as he became one of England’s richest men. A lover of art, music, the theater, hunting, falconry and sumptuous foods, he was known for his posh hospitality and witty conversation as well as his ruthless endeavors on behalf of both Henry and himself. His experience as a youth in the Italian household of a wealthy benefactor during the height of the Renaissance gave him an international frame of reference that most of his compatriots lacked. He embodied the Machivellian principles of “The Prince” and was an astute observer of court intrigue. For twenty years he managed to foil his rivals and remain in Henry’s favor while taking risks that ultimately would lead to his downfall. This history stunningly portrays the Tudor era replete with treachery and deceit. At the conclusion, we find Henry regretting the loss of “his” Cromwell and blaming the court for forcing him to put to death“the best servant he had ever had.
February 24, 2015
Oh what a disappointing book, full of bad suppositions, contradictory statements and weak assumptions. The one that made me lose faith in the whole edifice was "at 50 Cromwell was older than most other people at court because Tudor life expectancy was 35" - doh if a historical biographer doesn't understand the impact of high child mortality on life expectancy (its a mean average), the Tudor court had many people in late middle age, e.g. Fisher, Wolsey, More etc. The use of quotations is inconsistent some modernised some in the original English. It gives no real feel for Cromwell as person or the complexities of him or life at the Tudor court. Its all a bit third person; "this indicates", "we can infer", "this suggests" whilst I appreciate that biographers have a difficult line to tread between fact and supposition and the dearth of personal material from Cromwell it leaves the reader unengaged.
I suspect it was rushed out to capitalise on the success of Mantel's Wolf Hall, I wish I'd held out for Diarmid MacCulloch's biography, now my enthusiasm has waned.
I suspect it was rushed out to capitalise on the success of Mantel's Wolf Hall, I wish I'd held out for Diarmid MacCulloch's biography, now my enthusiasm has waned.
March 2, 2016
Having read much of Tudor history (both fiction and non-fiction) and being a huge fan of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, I felt this book would be an extremely interesting addition. It is very well researched and reads fairly easily, but doesn't necessarily add anything new to Cromwell's story. Whereas Mantel's writing cast Cromwell as a sympathetic character, Borman has Cromwell as a complete pragmatist and the mastermind and champion of the church reformation and Anne Boleyn's execution.
Unfortunately, not much is known of Cromwell's childhood or his personal life as an adult. While many of his work writings and correspondence survive, there is nothing in the way of a diary and few if any personal letters to family. Any motivations for why he did the things he did are pure conjecture. This makes him a fascinating study, especially since he brought about numerous reform and rose to some of the highest titles in England, save for the King and Pope and did all of this with little formal schooling and without royal blood.
No big new revelations here, but an interesting read nonetheless.
Unfortunately, not much is known of Cromwell's childhood or his personal life as an adult. While many of his work writings and correspondence survive, there is nothing in the way of a diary and few if any personal letters to family. Any motivations for why he did the things he did are pure conjecture. This makes him a fascinating study, especially since he brought about numerous reform and rose to some of the highest titles in England, save for the King and Pope and did all of this with little formal schooling and without royal blood.
No big new revelations here, but an interesting read nonetheless.
March 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this biography which was a good companion to Wolf Hall after reading it. (Thanks to Susan O for reading along with me!!). It gave me some hints as to future events of Books 2 and 3 of the Thomas Cromwell trilogy. (Not that I don't know the ending.)
What was great was having his life fleshed out. And Tracy Borman herself has said that Hilary Mantel gets little wrong in her historical fiction masterpiece. Tracy Borman obviously loves her subject and hates that he has such a bad reputation. He was Machiavellian, but then again, for the son of a butcher to rise as far as he did he had to some intrigue in him. But he was also incredibly charitable to people. Widows went to him for help. They seemed to know he would help. Also, he was in favor of education for all, women included. He was instrumental in ensuring there was an English bible in every parish of England, even going so far as paying himself.
A great man, who should not be confused with his descendant Oliver.
What was great was having his life fleshed out. And Tracy Borman herself has said that Hilary Mantel gets little wrong in her historical fiction masterpiece. Tracy Borman obviously loves her subject and hates that he has such a bad reputation. He was Machiavellian, but then again, for the son of a butcher to rise as far as he did he had to some intrigue in him. But he was also incredibly charitable to people. Widows went to him for help. They seemed to know he would help. Also, he was in favor of education for all, women included. He was instrumental in ensuring there was an English bible in every parish of England, even going so far as paying himself.
A great man, who should not be confused with his descendant Oliver.
August 19, 2018
Thomas Cromwell will always be a fascinating historical figure for me. Tudor England is one of my favourite periods of English history to learn about. Especially Henry VIII’s reign.
Not only did Cromwell achieve some incredible feats in terms of religious, political and legal changes. But he become the faithful servant of one of the most ruthless Kings of England, all whilst being low born.
Not only did Cromwell achieve some incredible feats in terms of religious, political and legal changes. But he become the faithful servant of one of the most ruthless Kings of England, all whilst being low born.
November 22, 2014
I have long been interested in the life and character of Thomas Cromwell and thanks to the success of Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall' he has got a new lease on life. In this biography by Tracy Borman we see laid out Cromwell's rise from very humble origins to the peak of power in Henry VIII's England and, more importantly, what it took for him to reach those heights. Essentially he was smarter, more ambitious and had a stronger work ethic than anyone else, especially his rivals in the aristocracy, who hated him more and more with each passing year. Tracy Borman I think does not share this sentiment - I got the impression she both likes and admires her subject but even so she does not flinch from chronicling his ruthlessness and the high level of cynicism he possessed, a quality that was essential in the life he led. Though clearly a flawed man, he also comes across as quite likeable in some contexts: he was intensely loyal in his friendships, very good to his family and almost fanatically devoted to the king, a devotion that proved to be his ultimate downfall. As with any biography of Cromwell, the early years are sparsely dealt with but that is simply due to the fact that, as a commoner, hardly anything was recorded of them that has survived. We don't even know when his birthday was. Well written and hard to put down, this book will be enjoyed by all those who liked 'Wolf Hall' or are just interested in the Tudor period generally.
April 2, 2015
Thomas Cromwell is one of the most controversial figures of the Tudor court. He is cast either as a villain or a saint. In a man for all seasons he is the main villain who does everything in his power to convict the saintly Thomas More of treason. Thomas More in contrast, represents all the goodness in the world. But in real life, he wasn’t devoid of demons as Boarman shows us in this book. And neither was Thomas Cromwell whose reputation has been very blackened since the nineteenth century. In actuality Thomas Cromwell was a man of many faces. The face he projected in the work place -in the Tudor court- was the face he likely wished to be remembered as. And then there was the face he kept at home, the one that people rarely saw or knew about, except for those he helped or were closest to him. As a man of his own times, subject to the era's prejudices; Thomas was not devoid of cruelty. It was a dog-eat-dog world and coming from a lowly background, Thomas Cromwell had to be more ruthless than his enemies -the nobles- to advance in the world. But the Tudor statesman could also be loyal to a fault. He tried to help his master Wolsey as best as he could until he realized that he was finished and he had to move on.
As a father, Thomas Cromwell was diligent and attentive. In an age where parents were strict with their children and they were not far from hitting them to get results; Thomas Cromwell showed himself very different from most of his lower and upper class peers. While not much is known of his life with his wife and daughters, Boarman shows us his accounts to demonstrate that he did take an interest in his daughters' education and wanted to give them significant dowries for when the time arrived for them to marry. As well all know, that time never came because they were taken shortly after his wife by the sweating sickness.
As a politician, Cromwell was highly pragmatic and this helped him in the difficult years following the demise of his master, Cardinal Wolsey. Yet he wasn’t without his faults. While he helped Henry get his annulment and his much wanted union with Anne Boleyn (recently elevated to Marques of Pembroke) and then her demise after she failed where her predecessor had failed, and made him rich with the money begotten from the dissolution of the monasteries; he was also arrogant and over-confident. As he grew more powerful and more sure of himself, he believed that nothing would bring him down. After all, his network of spies was immense, for every move one noble made, he was two steps ahead of him. And what was more, the king trusted him. The money made Henry one of the richest Kings in Europe after all, the treasury was overflowing with money, in addition to making him Head of the Church and helping him submit the opposition with an iron fist. But as the old saying goes “too much pride can kill a man” and that is exactly what happened in Thomas Cromwell’s case.
After the King lost Jane Seymour, Thomas Cromwell wasted no opportunity to push forward for a new alliance. While he favored an Imperial alliance since Anne’s downfall was on its way; he was more interested in promoting religious reform. When all of the King’s outrageous proposals to France and the Empire failed, Cromwell convinced him to turn to Cleves. Cromwell was very astute to know how dangerous Henry was at this stage, yet so powerful he had become, that he believed he could keep on his hold on the King. This proved to be a grave mistake. By the late 1530s the King’s behavior was becoming more unpredictable, and he started to distrust Cromwell, possibly (as Boarman explains) suspecting of his Protestant sympathies. Cromwell realized this and believed his best bet lay with the King’s wife to be. If he brought the King into the Schmalkadic League, it would drive England further away from the Roman Catholic powers, and if Anna of Cleves gave him a Duke of York, it would make Cromwell strong again. None of these things proved true. Cromwell over-exalted Anne of Cleves’ appearance. Besides telling Holbein to draw a favorable portrait of Anna; he also gave extreme compliments about this unknown bride, telling the King that there was no bride more beautiful than and that the sun shone upon her, etc.
Age was catching up with Henry at this time. He was no longer the young man he had been when he married his first Consort or when he’d begotten his illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy. He was now morbidly obese, suffering from an ulcer on his leg, and tyrannical. It was a far cry from the athletic, noble, handsome, scholar he had been in his younger years. If Anna was to his liking, she could make him feel young as he once was. She was after all a year older than his eldest daughter, the Lady Mary (whom Cromwell negotiated [in theory] a marriage between her and the future queen’s brother, the now Duke of Cleves. Yet Cromwell saw Mary as a threat. Even if the girl were to turn, she would still be a threat, so while he told the ambassadors to praise her, he also said not to overdo it so they wouldn’t convince the Duke to take her as a possible wife. Ironically, that is exactly what Cromwell did with Anna). When the day finally came to meet her, it proved a disaster and Henry was reputed to have said “I like her not” and urged Cromwell to break his engagement. Cromwell the faithful servant that he was, but also interested in this alliance, told Henry he could not since they were already promised and so the King was forced to marry his unwanted bride. But Henry was not one to be patient. Once an idea got in his head, nothing was going to take it away. He got rid of Anna, and once again Cromwell helped him for his own sake; and after he did, he paid the price for his initial mistake by being arrested at a dinner in 10 June 1540 on charges of treason. He was executed a month afterwards, and on the day he was executed, Henry married the cousin of his direst enemy (the Duke of Norfolk). The bride was Katherine Howard and in another ironic stroke of fate; Henry would also annul his marriage to this woman and like her cousin Anne Boleyn, cut her head.
In the epilogue, Boarman states that while Henry didn’t feel any remorse for Cromwell initially, he did at the end and according to some sources said that he needed a Cromwell. We will never truly know if this is how Henry felt, or he was just saying this so he could press his councilors to work harder to get what he wanted. In the end though, one thing was clear: His master secretary was loyal. He did everything and anything to get what the King desired, regardless of how he might have felt. And like so many of his contemporaries he was ruthless in getting his own way. His mistake? Was becoming too overconfident. You didn’t bet lightly when it came to Henry VIII, by 1539 Cromwell should have known that –especially since he had been witnessed to his master Wolsey’s downfall.
Cromwell is for posterity a mysterious figure and perhaps that is how he wanted to be. To be two steps ahead of his enemies, he wanted to keep the image of the ruthless and conniving man; he succeeded. For many years people have seen him in such a way, and fiction has not been too kindly to him until recently. While Boarman credits Hilary Mantel’s novels for revitalizing interest in Cromwell, I think the interest for him has always been there and hopefully it will continue to be, and he will be seen for the complex individual that he was –neither villain nor heroic, but a consummate politician, a good father, and a survivor first and foremost.
Boarman weaves a good factual tale of betrayal, intrigue, and paternal love. And while she gets right all the things regarding Cromwell, including his charity to his friends and the poor widows whom he gave homes and money; her portrayal of the second, fourth and fifth wives are questionable. Recent biographers and historians have dispelled myths regarding Katherine Howard as the harlot and giddy young girl who was cheating on her husband, and was sexually active since she was twelve or fifteen (depending on which date you believe she was born). Boarman sadly buys into these myths and her words exactly are that she was a girl who was giddy and willingly had sex with Dereham and Manox, and was cheating on the King with Culpeper. She states that while Anne was innocent, without a doubt Katherine wasn’t. The opposite of the latter is true. The evidence which was used against Katherine Howard, was no truer than that against Anne. Her sexual “affairs” with Dereham and Manox and her “stupid” decision hiring one of them as her secretaries; were nothing more than a reflection of the honor code that existed back then. While children grew up far quicker than they do today, that doesn’t change the fact that some took advantage of their charges, especially their younger ones. Katherine would have been very young at the time and confused, what she believed was love, was something else and when she wanted out, she tried to give the latter as many presents as she did with the first one, to get him away but failed. Finally her step-grandmother Agnes Tilney, the Duchess Dowager of Norfolk sent him away. Katherine was no simple minded and foolish girl. Although the epilogue makes it sound like Ralph Sadler and Cranmer took their “revenge” on Katherine Howard and her uncle for causing Cromwell’s death; it ignores what she did as Queen. Her motto was similar to Jane Seymour’s Bound to Obey and Serve. Katherine’s No Will But His reflected her complete submission, or more adequately her understanding of her position. As Queen, she kept her position very traditional, appealing for prisoners’ lives, giving charity to others, and making amends with her stepdaughter Mary whom she first quarreled. Her letter to Culpeper was done in the style of courtly love, something most ladies of the court engaged in, and the language was similar to theirs. The fact that Katherine didn’t conceive could be owed to a possible violent rape as it was suspected back then from Manox or Dereham, or the King’s impotence. In the end though, it didn’t matter that Katherine was innocent or not; with a court so treacherous, everyone was against everyone and it was easy to get dirt on anyone, especially a Queen whose family was hated.
As for her predecessor Anna of Cleves; I agree that Holbein’s portrait was painted over a larger nose, but this by no means, means that Anna was ugly. The author lends credence to the rumors that there were “evil smells” about her. Again, something we cannot be sure of. It is more likely that the meeting was ruined by Anna’s ignorance of English politics and the king’s antics which his first and second consort were so used to.
As a father, Thomas Cromwell was diligent and attentive. In an age where parents were strict with their children and they were not far from hitting them to get results; Thomas Cromwell showed himself very different from most of his lower and upper class peers. While not much is known of his life with his wife and daughters, Boarman shows us his accounts to demonstrate that he did take an interest in his daughters' education and wanted to give them significant dowries for when the time arrived for them to marry. As well all know, that time never came because they were taken shortly after his wife by the sweating sickness.
As a politician, Cromwell was highly pragmatic and this helped him in the difficult years following the demise of his master, Cardinal Wolsey. Yet he wasn’t without his faults. While he helped Henry get his annulment and his much wanted union with Anne Boleyn (recently elevated to Marques of Pembroke) and then her demise after she failed where her predecessor had failed, and made him rich with the money begotten from the dissolution of the monasteries; he was also arrogant and over-confident. As he grew more powerful and more sure of himself, he believed that nothing would bring him down. After all, his network of spies was immense, for every move one noble made, he was two steps ahead of him. And what was more, the king trusted him. The money made Henry one of the richest Kings in Europe after all, the treasury was overflowing with money, in addition to making him Head of the Church and helping him submit the opposition with an iron fist. But as the old saying goes “too much pride can kill a man” and that is exactly what happened in Thomas Cromwell’s case.
After the King lost Jane Seymour, Thomas Cromwell wasted no opportunity to push forward for a new alliance. While he favored an Imperial alliance since Anne’s downfall was on its way; he was more interested in promoting religious reform. When all of the King’s outrageous proposals to France and the Empire failed, Cromwell convinced him to turn to Cleves. Cromwell was very astute to know how dangerous Henry was at this stage, yet so powerful he had become, that he believed he could keep on his hold on the King. This proved to be a grave mistake. By the late 1530s the King’s behavior was becoming more unpredictable, and he started to distrust Cromwell, possibly (as Boarman explains) suspecting of his Protestant sympathies. Cromwell realized this and believed his best bet lay with the King’s wife to be. If he brought the King into the Schmalkadic League, it would drive England further away from the Roman Catholic powers, and if Anna of Cleves gave him a Duke of York, it would make Cromwell strong again. None of these things proved true. Cromwell over-exalted Anne of Cleves’ appearance. Besides telling Holbein to draw a favorable portrait of Anna; he also gave extreme compliments about this unknown bride, telling the King that there was no bride more beautiful than and that the sun shone upon her, etc.
Age was catching up with Henry at this time. He was no longer the young man he had been when he married his first Consort or when he’d begotten his illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy. He was now morbidly obese, suffering from an ulcer on his leg, and tyrannical. It was a far cry from the athletic, noble, handsome, scholar he had been in his younger years. If Anna was to his liking, she could make him feel young as he once was. She was after all a year older than his eldest daughter, the Lady Mary (whom Cromwell negotiated [in theory] a marriage between her and the future queen’s brother, the now Duke of Cleves. Yet Cromwell saw Mary as a threat. Even if the girl were to turn, she would still be a threat, so while he told the ambassadors to praise her, he also said not to overdo it so they wouldn’t convince the Duke to take her as a possible wife. Ironically, that is exactly what Cromwell did with Anna). When the day finally came to meet her, it proved a disaster and Henry was reputed to have said “I like her not” and urged Cromwell to break his engagement. Cromwell the faithful servant that he was, but also interested in this alliance, told Henry he could not since they were already promised and so the King was forced to marry his unwanted bride. But Henry was not one to be patient. Once an idea got in his head, nothing was going to take it away. He got rid of Anna, and once again Cromwell helped him for his own sake; and after he did, he paid the price for his initial mistake by being arrested at a dinner in 10 June 1540 on charges of treason. He was executed a month afterwards, and on the day he was executed, Henry married the cousin of his direst enemy (the Duke of Norfolk). The bride was Katherine Howard and in another ironic stroke of fate; Henry would also annul his marriage to this woman and like her cousin Anne Boleyn, cut her head.
In the epilogue, Boarman states that while Henry didn’t feel any remorse for Cromwell initially, he did at the end and according to some sources said that he needed a Cromwell. We will never truly know if this is how Henry felt, or he was just saying this so he could press his councilors to work harder to get what he wanted. In the end though, one thing was clear: His master secretary was loyal. He did everything and anything to get what the King desired, regardless of how he might have felt. And like so many of his contemporaries he was ruthless in getting his own way. His mistake? Was becoming too overconfident. You didn’t bet lightly when it came to Henry VIII, by 1539 Cromwell should have known that –especially since he had been witnessed to his master Wolsey’s downfall.
Cromwell is for posterity a mysterious figure and perhaps that is how he wanted to be. To be two steps ahead of his enemies, he wanted to keep the image of the ruthless and conniving man; he succeeded. For many years people have seen him in such a way, and fiction has not been too kindly to him until recently. While Boarman credits Hilary Mantel’s novels for revitalizing interest in Cromwell, I think the interest for him has always been there and hopefully it will continue to be, and he will be seen for the complex individual that he was –neither villain nor heroic, but a consummate politician, a good father, and a survivor first and foremost.
Boarman weaves a good factual tale of betrayal, intrigue, and paternal love. And while she gets right all the things regarding Cromwell, including his charity to his friends and the poor widows whom he gave homes and money; her portrayal of the second, fourth and fifth wives are questionable. Recent biographers and historians have dispelled myths regarding Katherine Howard as the harlot and giddy young girl who was cheating on her husband, and was sexually active since she was twelve or fifteen (depending on which date you believe she was born). Boarman sadly buys into these myths and her words exactly are that she was a girl who was giddy and willingly had sex with Dereham and Manox, and was cheating on the King with Culpeper. She states that while Anne was innocent, without a doubt Katherine wasn’t. The opposite of the latter is true. The evidence which was used against Katherine Howard, was no truer than that against Anne. Her sexual “affairs” with Dereham and Manox and her “stupid” decision hiring one of them as her secretaries; were nothing more than a reflection of the honor code that existed back then. While children grew up far quicker than they do today, that doesn’t change the fact that some took advantage of their charges, especially their younger ones. Katherine would have been very young at the time and confused, what she believed was love, was something else and when she wanted out, she tried to give the latter as many presents as she did with the first one, to get him away but failed. Finally her step-grandmother Agnes Tilney, the Duchess Dowager of Norfolk sent him away. Katherine was no simple minded and foolish girl. Although the epilogue makes it sound like Ralph Sadler and Cranmer took their “revenge” on Katherine Howard and her uncle for causing Cromwell’s death; it ignores what she did as Queen. Her motto was similar to Jane Seymour’s Bound to Obey and Serve. Katherine’s No Will But His reflected her complete submission, or more adequately her understanding of her position. As Queen, she kept her position very traditional, appealing for prisoners’ lives, giving charity to others, and making amends with her stepdaughter Mary whom she first quarreled. Her letter to Culpeper was done in the style of courtly love, something most ladies of the court engaged in, and the language was similar to theirs. The fact that Katherine didn’t conceive could be owed to a possible violent rape as it was suspected back then from Manox or Dereham, or the King’s impotence. In the end though, it didn’t matter that Katherine was innocent or not; with a court so treacherous, everyone was against everyone and it was easy to get dirt on anyone, especially a Queen whose family was hated.
As for her predecessor Anna of Cleves; I agree that Holbein’s portrait was painted over a larger nose, but this by no means, means that Anna was ugly. The author lends credence to the rumors that there were “evil smells” about her. Again, something we cannot be sure of. It is more likely that the meeting was ruined by Anna’s ignorance of English politics and the king’s antics which his first and second consort were so used to.
March 15, 2015
A thoroughly enjoyable biography of one of the most powerful and influential men in English history.
The book goes into as much depth as can be expected considering the mystery that shrouds most of Thomas Cromwell's life. Although it is true that not much is known of Cromwell's early life there is a good deal of documentation from the people at Henry VIII's court about his rise to power (and subsequent fall) much was written about his personality, but not always from a neutral point of view.
Thomas Cromwell was undoubtedly an ambitious and ruthless man who certainly carried out the will of Henry VIII to the letter and, as Henry was a notrious tyrant, that meant that Cromwell was complicit in numerous executions which were basically political assassinations. Cromwell was a powerful religious reformer which brought him into conflict with English conservative Catholics and Catholics across the whole of Europe which earnt him many enemies some of which he had to get 'rid' of. If he had not done so he would never have risen to the political heights that he did especially as he was the humble self-taught son of a blacksmith.
When you consider the fact that a man who, during his youth, was forced to beg for food on the streets rose to become the most powerful and influential man in England, second only to the king himself through nothing but hard work and determination is nothing short of astonishing. An excellent and inspirational story.
The book goes into as much depth as can be expected considering the mystery that shrouds most of Thomas Cromwell's life. Although it is true that not much is known of Cromwell's early life there is a good deal of documentation from the people at Henry VIII's court about his rise to power (and subsequent fall) much was written about his personality, but not always from a neutral point of view.
Thomas Cromwell was undoubtedly an ambitious and ruthless man who certainly carried out the will of Henry VIII to the letter and, as Henry was a notrious tyrant, that meant that Cromwell was complicit in numerous executions which were basically political assassinations. Cromwell was a powerful religious reformer which brought him into conflict with English conservative Catholics and Catholics across the whole of Europe which earnt him many enemies some of which he had to get 'rid' of. If he had not done so he would never have risen to the political heights that he did especially as he was the humble self-taught son of a blacksmith.
When you consider the fact that a man who, during his youth, was forced to beg for food on the streets rose to become the most powerful and influential man in England, second only to the king himself through nothing but hard work and determination is nothing short of astonishing. An excellent and inspirational story.
April 29, 2024
In her book, Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII’s Most Faithful Servant, Tracy Borman gives an extensive and detailed look at one of the most influential figures in English history. Beginning with his humble upbringing as the son of a blacksmith and tracing his rise to the King’s loyal advisor, Borman explains the determined, hardworking, and brilliant climb to power by Cromwell. Predictably, this led to the resentment of those in the upper classes already established at court. Cromwell’s ability to manipulate and maneuver people and circumstances for the Henry’s benefit are particularly evident with the King’s divorce to Catherine of Aragon, his marriage to Ann Boleyn, and her subsequent beheading. He further demonstrates his clout by taking power away from the Catholic Church and giving it to the crown. But in the ultimate betrayal, the very machinations he employed against others, would lead to his own demise. And the King who depended on Cromwell to carry out his desires, proved to be fatally fickle.
Thomas Cromwell is a well-written and well-researched biography. It is a balanced narrative which neither vilifies nor deifies its multifaceted subject. It uses letters and other official documents to piece together the time and place of a fascinating figure who endeavored to wield power on behalf of his king and his kingdom. The political intrigue throughout the account makes the book both interesting and informative. There are portions of the tome where Old English is used liberally, but the reader will be challenged and rewarded if patient. Fans of Tudor History and “Wolf Hall” would greatly benefit from this volume. I highly recommend Thomas Cromwell as it is a riveting portrait of a powerful man.
I was given a free copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Thomas Cromwell is a well-written and well-researched biography. It is a balanced narrative which neither vilifies nor deifies its multifaceted subject. It uses letters and other official documents to piece together the time and place of a fascinating figure who endeavored to wield power on behalf of his king and his kingdom. The political intrigue throughout the account makes the book both interesting and informative. There are portions of the tome where Old English is used liberally, but the reader will be challenged and rewarded if patient. Fans of Tudor History and “Wolf Hall” would greatly benefit from this volume. I highly recommend Thomas Cromwell as it is a riveting portrait of a powerful man.
I was given a free copy by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2019
Biography of Thomas Cromwell, adviser to Henry VIII, who was one of the most able politicians and administrators of the Tudor age. Cromwell has been viewed as both hero and villain through the ages, mainly depending on how the regime of the time viewed his religious reforms. In more recent times, Hilary Mantel's fiction has provided a more nuanced and interesting portrait of Cromwell.
This biography provides a balanced view of Cromwell's achievements and is very readable. There is a lack of written evidence about his early life, and unfortunately Borman chooses to fill in the gaps with a significant amount of speculation. This means that the early chapters are peppered with 'probably', 'possibly', 'could have' and 'might have', and this was very frustrating.
The later chapters, which deal with Cromwell's achievements in power, are much more engaging. Cromwell's skill as a lawyer and politician, his loyalty to friends and above all to the King, and his pragmatism are well illustrated. I would have liked more exploration of the events that led to his downfall, particularly where they did not align with his previous strategy, and I was not wholly convinced by the assessment of his changing religious beliefs at this time.
Overall, though, worth reading especially to supplement the many fictional works that deal with this period.
This biography provides a balanced view of Cromwell's achievements and is very readable. There is a lack of written evidence about his early life, and unfortunately Borman chooses to fill in the gaps with a significant amount of speculation. This means that the early chapters are peppered with 'probably', 'possibly', 'could have' and 'might have', and this was very frustrating.
The later chapters, which deal with Cromwell's achievements in power, are much more engaging. Cromwell's skill as a lawyer and politician, his loyalty to friends and above all to the King, and his pragmatism are well illustrated. I would have liked more exploration of the events that led to his downfall, particularly where they did not align with his previous strategy, and I was not wholly convinced by the assessment of his changing religious beliefs at this time.
Overall, though, worth reading especially to supplement the many fictional works that deal with this period.
November 27, 2015
Slightly biased and relying on rumor for some of the more controversial issues but I still found it a very readable and enjoyable account of Cromwell's life.It includes many lesser known side facts about his career and personal dealings and I couldn't help but to be totally immersed in the brutal but fascinating world of Henry VIII's court and that of one his most trusted aids.
March 16, 2015
After reading Mantel's fantastic Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, I was looking for a historical biography that would tell me what was actually known about Thomas Cromwell. Borman's very readable new biography was a perfect answer.
April 23, 2017
3.5 If you have been following the life of Thomas Cromwell by reading Hilary Mantel's books then you will
probably enjoy this solid biography of Cromwell by Tracy Borman. Much food for thought about an extremely perplexing man who lived in extremely perplexing times.
probably enjoy this solid biography of Cromwell by Tracy Borman. Much food for thought about an extremely perplexing man who lived in extremely perplexing times.
September 28, 2019
Perfect accompaniment to Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies.
Even if you haven't read them I would still reccomend and is a well balanced biography in keeping with current historiography.
Even if you haven't read them I would still reccomend and is a well balanced biography in keeping with current historiography.
April 21, 2024
4.5*
Hilary Mantel brought me here, of course, but this is a far more balanced portrait of Cromwell than Wolf Hall. Borman is blunt about how Cromwell brought about the judicial murder of Anne Boleyn, and places blame straight on his shoulders (he was unhappy with her influence on Henry's policies which conflicted with his own advice, despite her Protestantism which aligned with his sensibilities). She also notes how his dissolution of the monasteries enriched himself as well as Henry VIII.
On the other hand, as well as ruthless in his opposition to his adversaries, Cromwell was also incredibly kind to his friends and loyal, not only when it advanced his self-interest, particularly his nephew Richard and his lasting respect for Cardinal Wolsey. He was absolutely instrumental in and passionate about making the Bible in translation accessible to all, and was a cultured and well-traveled man. For all his moral flaws, he was intellectually brilliant and balanced pragmatism with idealism. He also died because of trumped up charges of treason, just as he orchestrated against Anne Boleyn and even shared her room in the Tower before his death. So there was some fitting justice in that.
A very readable, engaging biography. My main criticism is how the original texts are transcribed in the original spelling, which makes easy readability difficult in these areas. Overall, though, a good and easy read.
Hilary Mantel brought me here, of course, but this is a far more balanced portrait of Cromwell than Wolf Hall. Borman is blunt about how Cromwell brought about the judicial murder of Anne Boleyn, and places blame straight on his shoulders (he was unhappy with her influence on Henry's policies which conflicted with his own advice, despite her Protestantism which aligned with his sensibilities). She also notes how his dissolution of the monasteries enriched himself as well as Henry VIII.
On the other hand, as well as ruthless in his opposition to his adversaries, Cromwell was also incredibly kind to his friends and loyal, not only when it advanced his self-interest, particularly his nephew Richard and his lasting respect for Cardinal Wolsey. He was absolutely instrumental in and passionate about making the Bible in translation accessible to all, and was a cultured and well-traveled man. For all his moral flaws, he was intellectually brilliant and balanced pragmatism with idealism. He also died because of trumped up charges of treason, just as he orchestrated against Anne Boleyn and even shared her room in the Tower before his death. So there was some fitting justice in that.
A very readable, engaging biography. My main criticism is how the original texts are transcribed in the original spelling, which makes easy readability difficult in these areas. Overall, though, a good and easy read.
July 24, 2021
Sometimes I think I could read nothing but historical fiction and nonfiction about the Tudors and never get bored. This extraordinary biography of Thomas Cromwell written by premier British historian Tracy Borman is one of those books.
As King Henry VIII's most trusted advisor—until he suddenly wasn't and lost his head for it—Cromwell figures heavily in any book or story about the Tudors. But in this one, he is the primary focus and everyone else, including the king and his many wives, are secondary.
Beginning with his low-born childhood, of which very little is actually known, and continuing to his gruesome death, this well-researched biography is a fascinating scholarly study of man who was loving and caring to his extended family, as well as exceedingly kind and generous to those in need, especially widows and orphans, but who is best known as a master political manipulator who could be ruthless, heartless, cruel, and even murderous if it served his ends.
If you enjoy novels about the Tudors, do treat yourself to this fact-filled biography of one of history's most misunderstood men.
As King Henry VIII's most trusted advisor—until he suddenly wasn't and lost his head for it—Cromwell figures heavily in any book or story about the Tudors. But in this one, he is the primary focus and everyone else, including the king and his many wives, are secondary.
Beginning with his low-born childhood, of which very little is actually known, and continuing to his gruesome death, this well-researched biography is a fascinating scholarly study of man who was loving and caring to his extended family, as well as exceedingly kind and generous to those in need, especially widows and orphans, but who is best known as a master political manipulator who could be ruthless, heartless, cruel, and even murderous if it served his ends.
If you enjoy novels about the Tudors, do treat yourself to this fact-filled biography of one of history's most misunderstood men.
December 11, 2019
After reading another book on Thomas Cromwell earlier this year, I became intrigued by a figure who seemed to represent the rise of meritocracy in the court of English kings, and who was able to effect radical social and religious reforms before being brought down by the old, aristocratic elite.
Borman's account of events provided a different perspective to that which I had encountered previously and was thus an extremely enjoyable read.
Borman's account of events provided a different perspective to that which I had encountered previously and was thus an extremely enjoyable read.
March 17, 2024
Lots of Tudor quotes to try to pronounce. Interesting!
March 4, 2022
It’s a very engaging biography that often uses direct quotes to convey the feelings of an individual. These quotes can be difficult to understand but I suppose it adds to the authenticity of the books premise.
June 24, 2025
a very interesting read. This book clearly demonstrates what a pragmatist Cromwell was
January 18, 2021
A good read though a little dry at times. I was raised on the idea that Thomas Cromwell was an amoral, Machiavellian type minister, toadying to Henry VIII in order to win power & riches. Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy turned this idea on its head and I was interested in finding out whether historians agreed with her assessment of Cromwell. This book comes close to doing so, focusing on Cromwell’s towering achievements while acknowledging his ruthlessness. I recommend it.
September 13, 2021
Tudor England is one of the most fascinating periods in history. Hero's and villain's aplenty with so much intrigue, you cannot resist.
I've always been fascinated with Thomas Cromwell and the role he played in the reformation in England as well as for he's meteoric rise in politics, of humble birth in a period where your lineage and pedigree meant more than your abilities.
This is a good and fair insight into he's career, early life and roll's in Henry VIII's reign with many reference's to he's personal correspondence. I did feel that the author slanted her view a bit to much to show Cromwell as a pragmatist and acting in self defense, there were certainly some actions that spoke of pure evil. Still "managing" a very volatile Henry over such a long period must require someone with hair on he's teeth!
Well written and extremely interesting with many fascinating little insights in daily Tudor live.
I've always been fascinated with Thomas Cromwell and the role he played in the reformation in England as well as for he's meteoric rise in politics, of humble birth in a period where your lineage and pedigree meant more than your abilities.
This is a good and fair insight into he's career, early life and roll's in Henry VIII's reign with many reference's to he's personal correspondence. I did feel that the author slanted her view a bit to much to show Cromwell as a pragmatist and acting in self defense, there were certainly some actions that spoke of pure evil. Still "managing" a very volatile Henry over such a long period must require someone with hair on he's teeth!
Well written and extremely interesting with many fascinating little insights in daily Tudor live.
November 11, 2018
A good biography of Cromwell himself; fair and balanced. If you are looking for a readable, well-written biography of Cromwell, this is the one.
I was rather put off by the two dimensional evaluation of Anne Boleyn. Portrayed here as nothing but a vindictive shrew, I felt Borman let herself down somewhat. Even the fact that Anne wanted money taken from the dissolution of the monasteries to go to charity rather than to line the King, and Cromwell's pockets was glossed over. She is also mentioned as grooming reformists at court merely for political reasons, rather than that she might have actually had a passion for reform... I don't doubt Anne Boleyn was a shrewd, and occasionally ruthless character, but Borman seems to show her here as a panto villain, only offering a word of sympathy upon her death, whilst admitting that she believes Anne was set up by Cromwell. My request is, for the author's consideration, that if she was able to portray Cromwell in such a balanced (and it is balanced, he is not a hero, nor a villain) then why not attempt the same with other people of the era? This is not a work of fiction, like Hilary Mantel's works, so surely there is no need to demonize Cromwell's opponent in order to make him the hero?
This made me put my rating down a star. I would recommend that people reading this who are not aware of the life of Anne Boleyn do take a look at other works on her, especially the fair, balanced and excellent book by Eric Ives. Just to get a fair perspective.
Aside from this complaint, Borman is very readable, includes a great deal of everyday detail, which I enjoy, and has a good feel for her subject. Included a great deal I didn't know, and aside from tutting about Anne Boleyn, I enjoyed the book.
I was rather put off by the two dimensional evaluation of Anne Boleyn. Portrayed here as nothing but a vindictive shrew, I felt Borman let herself down somewhat. Even the fact that Anne wanted money taken from the dissolution of the monasteries to go to charity rather than to line the King, and Cromwell's pockets was glossed over. She is also mentioned as grooming reformists at court merely for political reasons, rather than that she might have actually had a passion for reform... I don't doubt Anne Boleyn was a shrewd, and occasionally ruthless character, but Borman seems to show her here as a panto villain, only offering a word of sympathy upon her death, whilst admitting that she believes Anne was set up by Cromwell. My request is, for the author's consideration, that if she was able to portray Cromwell in such a balanced (and it is balanced, he is not a hero, nor a villain) then why not attempt the same with other people of the era? This is not a work of fiction, like Hilary Mantel's works, so surely there is no need to demonize Cromwell's opponent in order to make him the hero?
This made me put my rating down a star. I would recommend that people reading this who are not aware of the life of Anne Boleyn do take a look at other works on her, especially the fair, balanced and excellent book by Eric Ives. Just to get a fair perspective.
Aside from this complaint, Borman is very readable, includes a great deal of everyday detail, which I enjoy, and has a good feel for her subject. Included a great deal I didn't know, and aside from tutting about Anne Boleyn, I enjoyed the book.
March 1, 2015
Fans of Tudor history will find themselves easily drawn into this book, which focuses on one of the villains of the age. As Henry VIII's top aide, Cromwell played a major role in shifting England toward protestantism as well as arranging for the divorce from Anne Boleyn and the marriage to Anne of Cleeves. He also was at the core of the projected to close the nation's monasteries, turning their wealth over to the crown.
Borman very much presents Cromwell in a bit of a different light. While she does not question that he did all of these things, she posits that he did it out of reverence for the king. In fact, she highlights all he did for those who were needy and those he cared deeply for. He was kind to his servants and had no trouble doing favors for people who asked for help.
Borman uses a great deal of quotes and strong research of resources from both the period and the following decades to pull together the book. The result is both an interesting and entertaining narrative that also is quite informative. Having read a lot on this period of English history, I still felt that I learned a lot largely because the different perspective allowed for different takes on the events. New details became evident as a result.
This is definitely a must read for fans of Tudor England.
Borman very much presents Cromwell in a bit of a different light. While she does not question that he did all of these things, she posits that he did it out of reverence for the king. In fact, she highlights all he did for those who were needy and those he cared deeply for. He was kind to his servants and had no trouble doing favors for people who asked for help.
Borman uses a great deal of quotes and strong research of resources from both the period and the following decades to pull together the book. The result is both an interesting and entertaining narrative that also is quite informative. Having read a lot on this period of English history, I still felt that I learned a lot largely because the different perspective allowed for different takes on the events. New details became evident as a result.
This is definitely a must read for fans of Tudor England.
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