Henry VIII's Enforcer: The Rise and Fall of Thomas Cromwell

Season 1

Thomas Cromwell rose from poor beginnings to become chief minister and power behind the throne to King Henry VIII. However, at the moment of his greatest triumph Cromwell was usurped and destroyed. Falling victim to the King's anger, he was beheaded in 1540. He has gone down in history as an ambitious and corrupt politician. But, this historical documentary asks, is this really fair?

20141 episode

TV-G

Special Interest

Free trial of BBC Select

Episode number
Newest episodes
Available to watch

S1 E1 - Henry VIII's Enforcer: The Rise and Fall of Thomas Cromwell
May 22, 2014
59min
TV-G
Thomas Cromwell rose from poor beginnings to become chief minister and power behind the throne to King Henry VIII. However, at the moment of his greatest triumph Cromwell was usurped and destroyed. Falling victim to the King's anger, he was beheaded in 1540. He has gone down in history as an ambitious and corrupt politician. But, this historical documentary asks, is this really fair?
Free trial of BBC Select