My warmest thanks are due to Mr. F. York Powell, Regius Professor of Modern History in the University of Oxford, who has guided me throughout in matter, form, and style; and to my friend and master Mr. A. L. Smith, Fellow of Balliol College, whose advice and encouragement have been an inspiration from first to last. It is not easy for me to express how much I have depended on their suggestions and criticism. I am indebted to Mr. Owen Edwards, Fellow of Lincoln College, for indispensable help in the early stages of my work. The main plan of this book is in many respects similar to that of his Lothian Essay for the year 1887, which I regret that he has never published. My grateful acknowledgements are also due to Mr. James Gairdner of the Public Record Office for information about Cromwell’s early life; to Professor Dr. Max Lenz, of the University of Berlin, for helpful suggestions in connexion with the Anglo-German negotiations in the years 1537-1540; and to Mr. G. T. Lapsley, of the University of California, for similar services in regard to the Pilgrimage of Grace, and the reorganization of the North after the suppression of the rebellion. I beg to express my appreciation of the kindness of the Duke of Rutland, the Marquess of Salisbury, Earl Spencer, Lord Calthorpe, William Berington, Esq., and Alfred Henry Huth, Esq., in giving me access to the manuscripts in their private collections. In conclusion, I wish to thank the officials of the Public Record Office, British Museum, Heralds’ College of Arms, and Bodleian Library, for facilitating my work in every way; more especially Messrs. Hubert Hall, R. H. Brodie, E. Salisbury, and F. B. Bickley, who have repeatedly aided me in my search for uncalendared letters and continental documents, and in deciphering the most difficult manuscripts I have had to consult. R. B. M. BALLIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD. _February, 1902._ CONTENTS VOLUME I CHAPTER PAGE I. THE ANCESTRY AND EARLY LIFE OF THOMAS CROMWELL 1 APPENDIX. PASSAGES FROM CHAPUYS, POLE, BANDELLO, AND FOXE 17 II. THE PARLIAMENT OF 1523 27 III. WOLSEY’S SERVANT 47 APPENDIX. THE WILL OF THOMAS CROMWELL 56 IV. THE FALL OF THE CARDINAL 64 V. THE CHARACTER AND OPPORTUNITY OF THOMAS CROMWELL 77 VI. IN THE KING’S SERVICE 89 APPENDIX. THE SUPPLICATION OF THE COMMONS AGAINST THE ORDINARIES 104