Thomas Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell (c. 1485–1540), a tradesman's son from Putney, rose through Cardinal Wolsey's service to become Henry VIII's chief minister from 1534. He helped annul Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon after the pope refused, and Parliament endorsed the king's claim to be Supreme Head of the Church of England.

As royal vicar general he directed the dissolution of the monasteries and reformed administration. He helped bring down Anne Boleyn in 1536 and was made Earl of Essex in 1540, but the failed match with Anne of Cleves destroyed him. He was beheaded on Tower Hill on 28 July 1540.