On 28 July 1540, Thomas Cromwell was beheaded on Tower Hill. Later that day, Henry VIII married Catherine Howard at Oatlands Palace in Surrey.

Cromwell had been one of the most powerful men in England. As Henry’s chief minister, he had helped establish the king’s authority over the English Church, increased Parliament’s role in carrying out royal policy and directed the dissolution of the monasteries. Henry made him Earl of Essex in April 1540.

His authority depended on the king’s support. The marriage between Henry and Anne of Cleves helped destroy it.

Cromwell had promoted the marriage as part of an alliance with Protestant rulers in northern Europe. Henry disliked Anne when they met shortly before their wedding in January 1540. The marriage went ahead but was not consummated, according to the evidence later used to annul it.

The failure strengthened Cromwell’s opponents. Conservative councillors opposed his support for religious reform; however, members of the Howard family promoted the king’s interest in the young Catherine Howard.

Cromwell was arrested during a council meeting on 10 June. He was accused of treason and heresy but did not receive an ordinary trial. Parliament passed an Act of Attainder declaring him guilty and allowing the king to order his execution.

The process denied Cromwell the opportunity to challenge the allegations in court. It also used a method of condemnation that he had previously employed against others.

From the Tower, Cromwell wrote to Henry and repeatedly asked for mercy. He provided information that assisted the annulment of the Cleves marriage, completed on 9 July. Henry did not release him.

On the morning of 28 July, Cromwell was taken to Tower Hill and executed. Henry married Catherine Howard later that day. She was formally presented as queen at Hampton Court Palace in August.

Cromwell’s death removed the minister but did not undo his work. Royal supremacy remained in place, the monasteries were not restored, and the Crown retained the property taken from them.