Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell

Who was Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell?

Gregory Cromwell, 1st Baron Cromwell of Oakham, KB was an English Peer. He was the only son of the Tudor statesman Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex by his wife Elizabeth Wyckes.

His father Thomas Cromwell rose from obscurity to become the chief minister of Henry VIII, who attempted to modernize government at the expense of the privileges of the nobility and church. He used his office to promote religious reform and was one of the strongest advocates of the English Reformation.

In 1537, Gregory married Elizabeth, Lady Ughtred, widow of Sir Anthony Ughtred, sister to Jane Seymour and therefore became brother-in-law to Henry VIII and uncle to Edward VI.

Gregory survived the dramatic fall from royal favour and subsequent execution of his father in 1540, as well as the ousting of his brother-in-law and patron, Edward Seymour in 1549. He became a wealthy landowner, owning land and property in several counties in England, mainly in Rutland and Leicestershire.

Gregory's family connections had provided him with wealth, property and privileges, however, it was through his own intelligence and ability, combined with the remarkable education and training provided by his father, he was able to benefit from them, leaving his wife and family well provided for at his death. Gregory was succeeded by his eldest son, and heir, Henry.