Assess the claim that the reform of the Privy Council was the most important achievement of Thomas Cromwell.
Objective: To follow Y/N structure and not slip into narrative (or be too colloquial)
It is fair to say that Cromwell’s rise to prominence was largely due to both his intellect and loyalty to the king. Not only did Cromwell want power, he also wanted Protestant reforms and ultimately, to make Henry happy (by increasing his power both legally and financially). To assess whether the reform of the Privy Council was the most important achievement of Thomas Cromwell, we must acknowledge, whilst considering the aims laid out above, that it was crucial for Cromwell to be a part of the general administration of the country so that he could have major influence in the Protestant reforms- which inevitably also caused upheaval within the government.
Other important factors also need to be considered such as the dissolution of the monasteries and the king coming to be the head of the judged. These need to be assessed alongside the reform of the Privy Council as they are also important factors for deliberation. The dissolution was largely due to the corruption of the church, giving Cromwell and Henry an incentive to introduce change. Of course, this suited Henry very well as he could sell the land to nobles at high prices. Cromwell had direct access to the king thereon, ensuring that he and Henry had a huge amount of power, thus Henry had control both religiously and politically.
Cromwell was successful in implementing these reforms insofar that the government in England was becoming more centralised, however this created a divide between the North and wales, which was significant, and somewhat beneficial for Cromwell as he then had a tighter hold of England, consequently he was able to implement financial reforms. The exchequer was granted more power at the same time as the deduction of power of the Chamber, which made the exchequer responsible for the finances,...