Cromwell Removed Anne to Save Himself
Henry VIII ended his first marriage of his own accord. However, others largely orchestrated the downfall of Anne Boleyn. Henry may have tired of Anne personally but he still upheld her position as Queen. Meanwhile, behind the scenes the Seymour faction was coaching their own would-be Queen, Jane Seymour. However, they could never have achieved their aims without Thomas Cromwell.
Anne had made Cromwell and he knew very well she could break him. By April 1536, the former allies were at odds over the proceeds from the dissolution of the monasteries which Anne felt should be used for education and charity. She began to undermine Cromwell with Henry- and so Cromwell realized that to survive, he had to act first. To do so, he needed to take out Anne and all her supporters. So, he cut a deal with the Seymour faction and began to forge a case against Anne.
By April 30, Mark Smeaton was in custody and tortured into admitting his adultery with Anne. Once Smeaton’s confession was obtained, Henry was informed. Henry was already suspicious of Henry Norris, his groom of the stool who Anne had foolishly accused before witnesses of having designed over her. Smeaton’s confession convinced him that his wife had been unfaithful. From there, it was not difficult for Cromwell to persuade Henry that the rest of Anne’s supporters in court- including her brother- were also guilty. So, on May 2nd 1536, Anne Boleyn was arrested and imprisoned in the tower.