Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gregory Cromwell
|
|
|---|---|
Unknown youth, perhaps Gregory Cromwell, circa 1535–1540,
Hans Holbein the Younger |
|
| Born | c. 1520 London |
| Died | 4 July 1551 (aged 30–31) Launde Abbey, Leicestershire, England |
| Cause of death | Sweating sickness |
| Resting place | Launde Abbey Chapel 52°37′52″N 0°49′23″W / 52.631111°N 0.823056°W |
| Title | Baron Cromwell |
| Tenure | 1540–1551 |
| Known for | Son of Henry VIII's chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex |
| Residence | Launde Abbey |
| Locality | Leicestershire |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Seymour |
| Issue |
|
| Parents | |
|
|
|
Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell (born around 1520 – died 4 July 1551) was an English nobleman. He was the only son of Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex, a powerful statesman during the Tudor period. Gregory's mother was Elizabeth Wyckes, who passed away in 1529.
Gregory's father, Thomas Cromwell, started from humble beginnings. He became the chief minister to Henry VIII, the King of England. Thomas Cromwell worked to change the government and supported religious reforms in England.
In 1537, Gregory married Elizabeth Seymour. She was the sister of Jane Seymour, who was one of Henry VIII's queens. This marriage made Gregory the king's brother-in-law and uncle to Edward VI, who would later become king. Gregory managed to stay safe even after his father lost the king's favor and died in 1540. He also survived the downfall of his brother-in-law, Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, in 1549.
Gregory became a very rich landowner, owning property in several parts of England. He was smart and well-educated, thanks to his father. This helped him manage his wealth and leave his family well-off when he died. His oldest son, Henry, took over his titles and lands. Gregory Cromwell died in July 1551, possibly from a serious illness called sweating sickness. He might be shown in two small portraits by the famous artist Hans Holbein the Younger.
Early Life and Family
Gregory Cromwell was born in London around 1520. Letters from that time suggest he had a happy childhood with his father, mother, and grandmother. People who visited their home often said it was a friendly and welcoming place.
Gregory's father, Thomas Cromwell, was a successful merchant and lawyer. He was a "self-made man," meaning he became powerful and wealthy through his own hard work. His own father had been a blacksmith and brewer. Thomas Cromwell made sure Gregory received an excellent education.
Gregory had two sisters, Anne and Grace, but they died young, not long after their mother passed away in 1529. Thomas Cromwell also had another daughter named Jane, but not much is known about her early life. Gregory remained very close to his father and his older cousin, Richard Williams. Richard was known for his military skills and bravery.
Gregory shared his father's interests and religious views. He followed the religious changes happening in England very closely. His friends, William Cecil and Ralph Sadler, also supported the new religious ideas.
Education and Learning
Thomas Cromwell wanted his son to have the best education. Gregory went to Cambridge University from 1528 to 1533. He lived at Pembroke Hall and Christ's College. He also stayed with his father's friends and teachers.
Some early historians thought Gregory was older when he was at Cambridge. However, letters from his tutors show he was a small boy, only about eight years old in 1528. His tutors said he was learning to read and write and was making good progress.
After his mother died, Gregory was cared for by Margaret Vernon, who was a nun. It was common for gentlemen to place their young children with nuns. Boys usually stayed until they were about nine or ten years old. Gregory had a male tutor with him, as nuns were only allowed to teach girls.
Gregory's tutors included John Chekyng, Henry Lockwood, and John Hunt. He was also supervised by his father's friends, Rowland Lee and Sir Richard Southwell. Another mentor, Henry Dowes, taught Gregory Latin, French, and other subjects. Dowes also kept Gregory updated on important events.
Gregory received special dedications in three important books. One was a translation of Vives' Introduction to Wisdom, a popular textbook in Tudor schools. Vives was a Spanish thinker who believed in humanistic learning.
Thomas Cromwell wanted Gregory to have an education that prepared him for an active life. Gregory studied Latin, French, English, and accounting. He also learned music, playing the lute and virginals. For exercise, he practiced with a longbow and enjoyed hunting, hawking, and riding, just like his father.
His tutors were generally happy with his progress. One wrote that "Little Gregory is becoming great in letters." Another noted that he could translate prayers from Latin. Sometimes, the fun of the countryside distracted him, but he always got back to his studies.
Gregory was also very good at sports. He loved hawking, hunting, and shooting with his longbow. These activities seemed natural to him. Later, he helped Rowland Lee, the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, with his work.
Even powerful figures like Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, were impressed by Gregory. He said Gregory was "a wise quick piece." It's clear that Gregory Cromwell was an intelligent, well-educated, and talented young man. He made his father very proud. After his education, Gregory was ready to marry and start working for his father.
Marriage and Family
_-_Portrait_of_a_lady,_probably_of_the_Cromwell_Family_formerly_known_as_Catherine_Howard_-_WGA11565.jpg)
In March 1537, Elizabeth Seymour wrote to Thomas Cromwell. She was a young widow and the sister of Queen Jane Seymour. Thomas Cromwell suggested that she marry his son, Gregory. Elizabeth accepted, and they were married on August 3, 1537.
This marriage was very important for Thomas Cromwell. It connected his family to the King's family. A portrait by Hans Holbein, painted around 1535–1540, might show Elizabeth Seymour. It was once thought to be Queen Catherine Howard.
Elizabeth had two children from her first marriage. Gregory and Elizabeth seemed to have a happy marriage. Elizabeth's brother, Edward Seymour, was also on good terms with Thomas Cromwell. He even joked about wanting a nephew from Gregory and Elizabeth soon.
Gregory and Elizabeth had five children together:
- Henry Cromwell, 2nd Baron Cromwell (1538 – 1592)
- Edward Cromwell (1539 – before 1553)
- Thomas Cromwell (around 1540 – 1610/1611)
- Katherine Cromwell (around 1541 – )
- Frances Cromwell (around 1544 – 1562)
Their first child, Henry, was born in March 1538. Shortly after, Gregory and Elizabeth moved to Lewes in Sussex.
Public Life and Responsibilities
After his marriage, Gregory continued to train and work for his father. He held several important positions, including:
- Justice of the Peace in Sussex (1538)
- Ranger of Rutland Forest (1545)
- Commissioner for Musters in Leicestershire (1546)
- Commissioner for Relief (1550)
In 1538, Gregory and Elizabeth moved to the former Priory of St Pancras in Lewes, which his father had recently acquired. Gregory became a justice of the peace there. However, a plague broke out in Lewes, so they moved to another house nearby.
Life at Leeds Castle
In 1539, Gregory and Elizabeth moved into Leeds Castle in Kent. His father, Thomas Cromwell, had become the Constable of the castle. Living there helped Gregory get elected to Parliament for Kent, even though he was under 21. This showed his father's influence.
Welcoming Anne of Cleves
.JPG)
In December 1539, Gregory traveled to Calais to welcome Anne of Cleves, who was set to marry King Henry VIII. He wrote letters to his father and wife, describing the long journey and the exciting celebrations. He saw the castle and fortresses in Calais and enjoyed the feasts and jousting.
Gregory also wrote to his wife, Elizabeth, asking for news of her and their "little boys." He described Anne of Cleves' arrival, with many ships, soldiers, and loud cannons. The Admiral and Gregory helped entertain Anne of Cleves, teaching her card games that the king liked.
The Great London Muster
In 1539, King Henry VIII prepared for a possible invasion. He ordered all men aged 16 to 60 to gather for a military display. In London, thousands of men marched through the city to show their strength to the King. Gregory Cromwell and his cousin, Richard Cromwell, rode with the muster. They were well-dressed and rode fine horses, showing their important positions.
The Downfall of Thomas Cromwell
The year 1540 was full of ups and downs for the Cromwell family. In January, Gregory's wife, Elizabeth, joined the household of the new Queen, Anne of Cleves. In April, Thomas Cromwell was made Earl of Essex, and Gregory became Lord Cromwell.
May Day Jousts
In May 1540, Gregory, now Lord Cromwell, and his cousin Richard Cromwell took part in the May Day jousts at the Palace of Westminster. These jousts were big events, with knights from different countries competing. Gregory and the other challengers were richly dressed, and their horses had fancy decorations. After the jousts, there were grand feasts and entertainment. Richard Cromwell was even knighted by the king for his bravery.
A Difficult Time
However, things soon took a bad turn for Thomas Cromwell. Some powerful people, like Stephen Gardiner and Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, wanted to remove him from power. They accused him of supporting religious ideas that the king did not approve of.
King Henry VIII also wanted to end his marriage to Anne of Cleves. Thomas Cromwell had helped arrange this marriage, so he was in a difficult spot. Taking advantage of this, Gardiner and Norfolk plotted against Cromwell. They used Norfolk's niece, Catherine Howard, to get the king's attention.
Arrest and Imprisonment
Thomas Cromwell was suddenly arrested on June 10, 1540, during a council meeting. He was accused of serious crimes like treason and heresy, but these charges were likely false. He was taken to the Tower of London, and all his belongings were seized.
The French Ambassador described the arrest, saying Cromwell was angry and asked if he was truly a traitor. His enemies took away his honors. He was then taken by boat to the Tower. Many people rejoiced at his arrest, as he had made many changes that some did not like.
Gregory and Elizabeth were in a very difficult situation. They lost their home and faced financial problems. It is believed that Elizabeth's brother, Edward Seymour, helped them during this time. Gregory's marriage to Elizabeth, who was the late Queen's sister, might have protected him from the king's anger.
Thomas Cromwell was condemned without a trial. He wrote a desperate letter to the king, pleading his innocence and asking for mercy for his son and family. While in the Tower, the king sent him money, which gave him some hope.
Thomas Cromwell's Death
Despite his letter, Thomas Cromwell was beheaded on Tower Hill on July 28, 1540. Because he was condemned, Gregory could not inherit his father's titles. Gregory and his family were not accused of any wrongdoing, but it took many months for their situation to improve.
Among those who truly mourned Thomas Cromwell were his friends and supporters, like Ralph Sadler. Sadler had known Gregory since he was a boy and even kept a portrait of Thomas Cromwell hidden during Henry VIII's reign.
After his father's death, Gregory should have inherited a large fortune. Instead, the king gave away many of his father's lands and properties to others. For a while, anyone close to Thomas Cromwell was watched with suspicion.
However, in March 1541, the French ambassador reported that Henry VIII regretted Cromwell's death. The king said he had been misled by his advisors and had put to death "the most faithful servant he ever had."
New Titles and Lands
On December 18, 1540, less than five months after his father's death, Gregory Cromwell was given a new title: Baron Cromwell. This was a new title created just for him, not his father's old one. He was now known as Lord Cromwell. His family motto became "Faire mon devoir" (do my duty).
In November 1538, the manor of Oakham was given to Gregory and Elizabeth for their lives, and then to their son Henry. This meant it was not taken away when Thomas Cromwell died. In February 1541, Gregory also received land that had belonged to his father, including the site of the former priory of Launde in Leicestershire.
Launde Abbey became the main family home. Gregory finished building the manor house there and lived with his family from 1541 until his death.
Gregory Cromwell was also made a Knight of the Bath when King Edward VI was crowned on February 20, 1547.
Later Life and Legacy
Gregory Cromwell stayed out of court politics. For the last ten years of his life, he focused on managing his estates and attending the House of Lords. He had a very good record of attendance there.
He remained close to his cousin, Sir Richard Cromwell, and his friends Henry Dowes, Sir Ralph Sadler, and William Cecil. Gregory became a very wealthy man, gaining much land through royal grants and from his father's earlier gifts.
Gregory Cromwell lived through a very eventful time in English history. He saw many changes, including different queens and courtiers. He survived his father's execution and witnessed outbreaks of serious illnesses. He also lived through major political and religious changes.
In the House of Lords, he was part of important proceedings, including those against Queen Catherine Howard and other powerful figures. In 1547, he helped carry the canopy over King Henry VIII's coffin at his funeral. He was also present for proceedings against his wife's brother, Thomas Seymour, and his brother-in-law, Edward Seymour.
Death and Family Line
Gregory Cromwell died from sweating sickness on July 4, 1551, at his home, Launde Abbey. He was buried in a grand tomb in the chapel there on July 7, 1551. His wife, Elizabeth, also fell ill but survived.
His eldest son, Henry, became the next Baron Cromwell. Henry's grandson, Thomas, later became the Earl of Ardglass in Ireland. The title of Baron Cromwell continued in the family until 1687, when it ended with the death of Vere Essex Cromwell.
Elizabeth, Gregory's wife, later married Sir John Paulet in 1554. She died in 1568.
In Books and TV
Gregory Cromwell has appeared in several books and TV shows. In the TV show The Tudors, he was played by Jack West. In Wolf Hall, a novel by Hilary Mantel, Gregory is shown as a kind and somewhat innocent young man.
In Bring Up the Bodies, the sequel to Wolf Hall, Gregory is shown as a young man growing up with confidence. He was played by Tom Holland in the BBC television series. In the stage play, Gregory is an intelligent young man who understands his father's actions but is still shocked by some of them.
