Margaret Vernon, Thomas Cromwell's Abbess

Henry VIII’s masterful administrator and reformer forged an unlikely friendship with a prioress, as Mary C. Erler explains.

Carthusian monks are hung, drawn and quartered on the orders of Henry VIII. An illustration of c.1535. Bridgeman/Private Collection

To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.

Start my trial subscription now

If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.

Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.