Thomas Cromwell’s prayer book discovered in Cambridge

Experts have said they have now solved the mystery behind a historically important prayer book, which they have now linked to Thomas Cromwell.

The 1527 Book of Hours is thought to be the only object from any Tudor portrait which has survived to this day. It was featured in a portrait of Thomas Cromwell painted by Henry VIII’s court painter, Hans Holbein.

The book is now being displayed at Hever Castle, the former home of Anne Boleyn. Thomas Cromwell was instrumental in the arrest and execution of Henry VIII’s second wife. This particular edition is identical to prayer books owned by Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon, which have both previously been displayed at the castle. The link was discovered by Hever Castle’s assistant curator, who also discovered this particular prayer book at the Wren Library at Trinity College, Cambridge, who have had it in their archive since August 1660.

A team of experts have reviewed the evidence and have all concluded that the book is the same one in the Holbein and did belong to Thomas Cromwell.

The book will be on display until November.