Fan Casting Thomas Cromwell in A Tudor Tale: Henry VIII

Thomas Cromwell was an English statesman and lawyer who served as chief minister to King Henry VIII from 1534 to 1540, when he was beheaded on orders of the king. Cromwell was one of the most powerful proponents of the English Reformation, and the creator of true English governance. Cromwell made many enemies, including Anne Boleyn. He played a prominent role in her downfall. He later fell from power, after arranging the king's marriage to Anne of Cleves. The marriage ended in an annulment six months later. Cromwell was executed for treason and heresy on 28 July 1540. The king later expressed regret at the loss of his chief minister, and his reign never recovered from the incident.