The Man Who Died With Cromwell

Thomas Cromwell, condemned for treason and “abominable heresies,” was beheaded on Tower Hill on July 28, 1540. Those with even a passing knowledge of Henry VIII’s chief minister know that his meteoric career ended in disgrace and execution.

But most don’t know that Cromwell did not die alone.

The fall of Thomas Cromwell was swift, deeply cynical and brutal to the point of savagery. And yet the worst part of it may have been that Cromwell saw it coming — and could not save himself.