Page "Thomas Cromwell" Paragraph 19

The final session of the Reformation Parliament began on 4 February 1536.

By 18 March, an Act for the Suppression of the Lesser Monasteries, those with a gross income of less than £ 200 per annum, had passed both houses.

This caused a clash with Anne Boleyn, who wanted the proceeds of the dissolution to be employed for charitable purposes, not paid into the King's coffers.

Anne instructed her chaplains to preach against the vicegerent, and on 2 April 1536 her almoner, John Skip, denounced Cromwell before the entire court as an enemy of the Queen.

Anne had so far failed to produce a male heir, and Cromwell, aware that the King was growing impatient and had become enamoured of the young Jane Seymour, acted with ruthless determination, accusing Anne of adultery with several courtiers, including her own brother, Viscount Rochford.

The Queen and her brother stood trial on Monday 15 May, while the four others accused with them were condemned on the Friday beforehand.

The men were executed on 17 May, and on the same day Cranmer declared Henry's marriage to Anne invalid, a ruling which bastardized their daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

Two days later, Anne herself was executed.

On 30 May, the King married Jane Seymour.

On 8 June, a new Parliament passed the second Act of Succession, securing the rights of Queen Jane's heirs to the throne.