Demand the Removal of Thomas Cromwell's Portrait from Hever Castle
Demand the Removal of Thomas Cromwell's Portrait from Hever Castle
The Issue
Anne Boleyn, former Queen of England, is said to have once penned a heart-wrenching letter from the Tower of London, just days before her execution, which was orchestrated on the orders of her husband, King Henry VIII. This letter, dated May 6, 1536, is a forlorn testament to her unwavering loyalty towards her husband even in the face of unfathomable betrayal. Little did she know that the conspiracy was shaped and executed by her own husband.
It is with this heavy backdrop that we approach the current situation - the decision by Hever Castle to hang a portrait of Thomas Cromwell, who had a significant role in fabricating evidence and acting as a 'witnesses' that led to Anne's beheading, in her very childhood home. This portrait, as the castle's curator puts it, ironically fulfills Anne's wish to see Cromwell's head off his shoulders. But given the historical and emotional significance of the castle, displaying the image of Cromwell shows a lack of sensitivity and respect towards Anne Boleyn's memory. How would you feel having one of the leading conspirators of your murder memorialised in your home?
We believe it is inappropriate and insensitive to place a portrait of someone who played a significant role in the downfall of a loyal and faithful wife, in the very place she once called home. It's time for Hever Castle to reconsider displaying such a contentious figure prominently in a site of historical significance and personal importance. Let us hold history accountable and respect the memory of Anne Boleyn. In an age where we approach history in a more compassionate, enlightened lens, Hever Castle's decision seems cruel and unnecessary. Please sign this petition to insist upon the removal of Thomas Cromwell's portrait from Hever Castle.
Thank you very much for signing.
For more information, please take a look at the following links:
https://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/annehenry.htm
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The Issue
Anne Boleyn, former Queen of England, is said to have once penned a heart-wrenching letter from the Tower of London, just days before her execution, which was orchestrated on the orders of her husband, King Henry VIII. This letter, dated May 6, 1536, is a forlorn testament to her unwavering loyalty towards her husband even in the face of unfathomable betrayal. Little did she know that the conspiracy was shaped and executed by her own husband.
It is with this heavy backdrop that we approach the current situation - the decision by Hever Castle to hang a portrait of Thomas Cromwell, who had a significant role in fabricating evidence and acting as a 'witnesses' that led to Anne's beheading, in her very childhood home. This portrait, as the castle's curator puts it, ironically fulfills Anne's wish to see Cromwell's head off his shoulders. But given the historical and emotional significance of the castle, displaying the image of Cromwell shows a lack of sensitivity and respect towards Anne Boleyn's memory. How would you feel having one of the leading conspirators of your murder memorialised in your home?
We believe it is inappropriate and insensitive to place a portrait of someone who played a significant role in the downfall of a loyal and faithful wife, in the very place she once called home. It's time for Hever Castle to reconsider displaying such a contentious figure prominently in a site of historical significance and personal importance. Let us hold history accountable and respect the memory of Anne Boleyn. In an age where we approach history in a more compassionate, enlightened lens, Hever Castle's decision seems cruel and unnecessary. Please sign this petition to insist upon the removal of Thomas Cromwell's portrait from Hever Castle.
Thank you very much for signing.
For more information, please take a look at the following links:
https://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/annehenry.htm
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The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 5 February 2025