John Morton vs Thomas Cromwell

John Morton was appointed Lord Chancellor by King Henry VII. As the highest judicial officer, he oversaw the legal system and helped strengthen the Tudor monarchy after the Wars of the Roses.

Morton devised a tax collection scheme known as 'Morton's Fork': if a noble lived frugally, he had savings to tax; if he lived lavishly, he had wealth to tax. This policy efficiently extracted revenue for the crown.

Morton was a key negotiator in the Treaty of Etaples between England and France. The treaty ended the French support for Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne, and secured a pension for Henry VII.

Morton was created a cardinal by Pope Alexander VI. This elevated his status in the Church and strengthened his influence in both English and European affairs.

Cromwell became Henry VIII's chief minister, succeeding Cardinal Wolsey. He oversaw the king's policies, including the break with Rome and the dissolution of the monasteries, centralizing royal power.

Cromwell drafted and secured parliamentary passage of the Act of Supremacy, declaring Henry VIII the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This formalized the English Reformation and severed ties with the Papacy.

Cromwell directed the systematic closure of monasteries in England and Wales, confiscating their wealth for the Crown. This redistributed land to the gentry and permanently altered English religious and economic life.

Cromwell negotiated the marriage alliance with the Protestant Duke of Cleves. Henry found Anne unattractive and the marriage was annulled within months, severely damaging Cromwell's standing with the king.

Cromwell was arrested on charges of treason and heresy, largely due to the failed Cleves marriage and conservative opposition. He was executed by beheading on Tower Hill, despite his earlier service to Henry VIII.