'Thomas Cromwell' by Diarmaid MacCulloch

Thomas Cromwell was one of the most famous figures in English history.   Born in obscurity in Putney, he worked for Cardinal Wolsey in the 1520’s and was later promoted by Henry VIII, by the end of the 1530’s he was effectively running the country for the King.   This biography is the most complete ever written of this elusive figure, a masterclass in historical detective work, making connections not previously seen.   Cromwell was a cynical politician without deep-felt religious commitment, he and Anne Boleyn were allies because of their common religious sympathies - in fact he destroyed her.