CROMWELL, Thomas, 1st Earl of Essex (c.1485-1540). Document signed (on fold-up, 'Thomas Cromwell'), n.p., 7 December 1538, letters patent confirming the sale to John at Felde and Michael at Felde of London, ironmongers, of a messuage named Borden with associated lands in 'Hedcron' [Headcorn], Kent, and appoints Anthony and Mark Ancher his attorneys in the matter, in Latin, 24 lines on one membrane, approx 220 x 275mm, fragment of Cromwell's seal in red wax on vellum tag.

CROMWELL, Thomas, 1st Earl of Essex (c.1485-1540). Document signed (on fold-up, 'Thomas Cromwell'), n.p., 7 December 1538, letters patent confirming the sale to John at Felde and Michael at Felde of London, ironmongers, of a messuage named Borden with associated lands in 'Hedcron' [Headcorn], Kent, and appoints Anthony and Mark Ancher his attorneys in the matter, in Latin, 24 lines on one membrane, approx 220 x 275mm, fragment of Cromwell's seal in red wax on vellum tag.

In December 1538, Cromwell was at the peak of his power: the second wave of 'surrenders' of the larger monasteries was almost completed, and in the previous month he had brought about the imprisonment of three of his principal enemies at court, the Marquess of Exeter, Sir Edward Neville, and Sir Nicholas Carew. Cromwell's own fall was, however, to follow within 18 months.