The Hever Castle Cromwell Book is a remarkable 16th-century artifact that has recently been unveiled at Hever Castle in Kent, England. This 1527 Book of Hours, once owned by the influential statesman Thomas Cromwell, offers a unique window into the lives and interconnections of some of the most prominent figures of the Tudor era.
Background and Significance of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book
The Hever Castle Cromwell Book is a Book of Hours, a type of devotional text that was commonly used during the Tudor period. What makes this book particularly significant is its connection to Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the court of Henry VIII and a prominent statesman of the time.
Ownership and Historical Significance
The book is believed to have belonged to Thomas Cromwell, and it is the only surviving object depicted in a 16th-century portrait of Cromwell, painted by the renowned artist Hans Holbein the Younger. This portrait, which is housed in the Frick Collection in New York, has helped to establish the book’s provenance and historical significance.
Discovery and Exhibition of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book
Discovery of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book
The book was identified by curator Alison Palmer at Hever Castle, who recognized the bejeweled, silver gilt binding as the same as the one depicted in Holbein’s portrait of Cromwell. This remarkable discovery has shed new light on the life and possessions of this influential Tudor figure.
Exhibition at Hever Castle
The Hever Castle Cromwell Book is currently on display at Hever Castle until November 2023 as part of the exhibition titled “Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers.” This exhibition explores the connections between Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Cromwell, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the complex relationships and power dynamics of the Tudor court.
Provenance of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book
Original Owner: Dame Anne Sadleir
The book was originally owned by Dame Anne Sadleir, who donated it to the University of Cambridge in 1660. Through meticulous research by the curatorial team at Hever Castle, the book’s ownership can be traced back to Thomas Cromwell.
Provenance Trail
The provenance trail of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book is a testament to the dedication and diligence of the researchers involved. By carefully piecing together the book’s history, they have been able to establish its connection to the influential Tudor statesman.
Historical Context of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book
Tudor Era Connections
The Hever Castle Cromwell Book provides a unique insight into the lives of prominent figures during the Tudor era, including Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and Thomas Cromwell. The fact that all three of these historical figures owned copies of the same Book of Hours highlights the interconnectedness of their lives and shared interests.
Significance of the Discovery
This discovery of the Hever Castle Cromwell Book sheds new light on the lives and possessions of these historical figures, offering a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the complex relationships and power dynamics of the Tudor court.
Visitor Information for the Hever Castle Cromwell Book Exhibition
Location: Hever Castle, Kent, England
The Hever Castle Cromwell Book is currently on display at Hever Castle in Kent, England, until November 2023.
Duration of the Exhibition
The “Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers” exhibition, which features the Hever Castle Cromwell Book, will be open to visitors until November 2023.
Additional Resources
For those interested in learning more about the Hever Castle Cromwell Book, an accompanying book titled “Holbein’s hidden gem: rediscovering Thomas Cromwell’s lost book” can be purchased in the Hever Shop or Online Shop.
References
- https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jun/09/hever-castle-to-display-16th-century-prayer-book-believed-to-be-thomas-cromwells-from-holbein-portrait
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv2k1nzpkl1o
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/prayer-book-owned-by-thomas-cromwell-adviser-to-henry-viii-was-hidden-in-plain-sight-for-centuries-180982370/