June 12 - Thomas Cromwell’s quaking hand and most sorrowful heart

On this day in Tudor history, 12th June 1540, a clearly frightened Thomas Cromwell, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his arrest on 10th June for treason, wrote to King Henry VIII regarding his “most miserable state”, asking for mercy, and pleading his innocence.

 

Claire Ridgway, founder of the Tudor Society, shares Cromwell's letter in today's talk. It is an eloquent letter but also a very moving one. His fear is palpable.

 

You can see this podcast as a video at the following link:

https://youtu.be/rDslohumcwI

 

Find out how he fell from power and more about his arrest in this video - https://youtu.be/5SJb-gDqa5E 

Also on this day in Tudor history, 12th June 1530, Catherine of Aragon got rather cross with Henry VIII. Find out why in last year’s video - https://youtu.be/bDAdVfUJ1RM