The architect of England's break with the Roman Catholic Church and the dissolut
ion of the monasteries, he oversaw seismic changes in England's history. Influen
tial in securing Henry's controversial divorce from Catherine of Aragon, many be
lieve he was also the ruthless force behind Anne Boleyn's downfall and subsequen
t execution. Although for years he has been reviled as a Machiavellian schemer w
ho stopped at nothing in his quest for power, Thomas Cromwell was also a loving
husband, father and guardian, a witty and generous host, and a loyal and devoted
servant.
