The Internet is awash with websites dedicated to all things Tudor. From Henry VII, to the six wives of Henry VIII, and life and Tudor times, in general. The quality of these sites vary radically. Some are an essential reference for those just starting out, and others are full of myth palmed off as fact, misinformation, and at best can be highly misleading. For a personality like Thomas Cromwell, the situation can be even more dire. The yawning gaps in their lives are often filled with whatever rumours, hearsay, and unsourced tittle tattle that happens to be floating around.
A general rule of thumb for all such sites, is sources. Where has the information come from? Who originally provided the information? From what time frame (ie, a primary or secondary source)? If there are no sources cited, then it is better to be safe than sorry, and disregard the information altogether. So, in this post, I am providing some links that I have found invaluable when undertaking historical research in general, and also for Thomas Cromwell specifically.
The links here are to free websites, and free downloads; and both primary and secondary sources. Although there only three links here, I hope to be adding more as time goes by:
British History Online is an invaluable treasure trove of both primary and secondary sources from all major eras of British History. The best part is, the Tudor section is completely free to access, and contains a wealth of information about all Tudor personalities, from the horse’s mouth. From the gossipy letters of Eustace Chapuys, to the lists and inventories, and acts of Parliament, it is all found in here!
2.) The Life And Death of Thomas Wolsey By George Cavendish.
George Cavendish was Wolsey’s Gentlemen Usher, and close friend of both the Cardinal, and Thomas Cromwell. This biography, written during Cavendish’s retirement during the early reign of Elizabeth I, is an intimate portrait of Thomas Wolsey, in which Cromwell makes frequent appearances.
3.) The Life and Letters of Thomas Cromwel, Volume One. By Roger Bigelow Merriman.
The Life and Letters of Thomas Cromwell, Volume Two. By Roger Bigelow Merriman.
These two volumes are a nineteenth century compilation of the letters of Thomas Cromwell. Although Merriman’s tone towards Cromwell is rather lecturing and disapproving, and accuses him of “whining for mercy” at the end, it is still invaluable for the compilation of letters, alone.
