Diarmaid MacCulloch, Ph.D.: "Thomas Cranmer," Ch. 3--Campaign to end a m...

Cranmer’s mission to the Imperial Court was wider than the marriage-matter—trade between England and the Lowlands and satisfying Charles V on the promise of support from Heny on the Turkish question while withholding real support. Charles is unhappy when he discovers Henry’s intent through the reticent Cranmer. Cranmer gets word (intel) that Henry is gaming him for the ABC (summer of 1532) given that the worn-out Warham is nearing death in a country house near Canterbury. The official word and invite (and command) is publishing 1 Oct 1532 with news arriving to Cranmer about 19ish Nov 1532. Cranmer did not hurry back, as we are told. He has a wife. He will lose his studies-times. The job is a big one. Henry is a brutal master who pays by and for “results” (our words). Gardiner will win his way back to Henry’s circle by publishing the De Vera Obedentia in 1535 and Dr. Cranmer can say goodbye to ambassadorial trips, his Cambridge days, his researches, and, perhaps, his conscience as papal authority and matrimonial fudges arise in the future. The two, Gardiner and Cranmer, will become opponents after 1532 or, at least, the trajectory is set for that. Green envy with Wily of Winchester?