# Thomas Cromwell is executed (1540)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1540-thomas-cromwell-is-executed

Henry VIII ordered the execution of the minister who had driven many Reformation measures. Within the broader Tudor Britain period, dynastic consolidation, Reformation, closer incorporation of Wales and Ireland, and rivalry with Catholic Europe transformed the state. This event is placed at 1540 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. His fall showed the volatility of Tudor court politics even at the height of royal power.

## Why it matters
His fall showed the volatility of Tudor court politics even at the height of royal power.

Ruler at the time: [Henry VIII](https://english-history.com/rulers/henry-viii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Thomas Cromwell is executed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Thomas+Cromwell+is+executed&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Thomas Cromwell is executed](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Thomas+Cromwell+is+executed)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281500%E2%80%931599%29)
- [The National Archives — early modern education resources](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/)