Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, disgraced Chancellor of the Exchequer to Henry VIII (a Catholic, until 1534; an Anglican afterward; r. 1509 – 1547) is beheaded for treason and heresy (deceiving Henry into marrying the plain looking Anne of Cleves).  Also on this date, Henry, age 49, marries his fifth wife Catherine Howard, age 19. 

       Postscript: Within a year and a half, Henry had come to regret the execution of Cromwell, for the loss of his organizational skills; and he regretted also his marriage to Catherine, as he found it necessary to execute her (and two of her lovers) for treason (adultery).

       [restored 9/20/2024]