17 April 1534
Fall of Thomas More

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Sir Thomas More, lord chancellor after Wolsey, falls from power for refusing to take the Oath of Succession, which declared Mary, daughter of Catherine of Aragon, illegitimate. He is unable to support Henry VIII's desire to divorce his first wife, and defends the independence of the Church against the king's attempt to impose his will on it. More is sent to the Tower of London and subsequently executed. Henry now appoints Thomas Cromwell as his most trusted minister.

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