Was Thomas Cromwell’s illegitimate daughter Jenneke real?

Was Thomas Cromwell’s illegitimate daughter Jenneke real?

As a dedicated fan with a deep appreciation for historical fiction and a penchant for diving headfirst into the lives of complex characters, I must say that the introduction of Jenneke in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light is nothing short of captivating. This fictional daughter of Thomas Cromwell adds an intriguing layer to his already rich and multifaceted persona, stirring emotions and raising questions about his past.


In the third episode of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light, there’s another unexpected appearance of a long-hidden daughter.

Earlier on, we encountered Dorothea, played by Hannah Khalique-Brown, who happens to be the child of Cardinal Wolsey (portrayed by Jonathan Pryce). At present, she’s residing in a convent during the king’s dismantling of religious institutions.

During their encounter, she delivered some harsh comments towards Thomas Cromwell (portrayed by Mark Rylance), which visibly upset him. However, he might find solace in the revelation of his illegitimate daughter, Jenneke, played by Ellie de Lange.

At the conclusion of the third episode, named Defiance, a new character makes their appearance, sparking speculation among viewers about whether Cromwell actually fathered an illegitimate child or if this plot twist originated from Hilary Mantel’s creative mind.

Here’s what you should know about Jenneke as depicted in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light.

Was Thomas Cromwell’s illegitimate daughter Jenneke real?

Was Thomas Cromwell’s illegitimate daughter Jenneke real?

No, Jenneke in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light was not a real person.

In the final installment of Hilary Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies series, the character made their appearance, delivering disturbing reports about the brutal end suffered by William Tyndale – a foe to King Henry VIII from Europe.

Through the creation of an imaginary daughter, Mantel provides a means to explore the intricate, multi-layered personality of her main character more profoundly. This includes portraying the deep-seated regret and sorrow that she depicts him as bearing from a life filled with scheming and servitude.

Just as various characters and events found in the Wolf Hall series are derived from Thomas Cromwell’s real life, it is historically documented that he had a daughter; however, her name was different than Jenneke, and she did not reside in Antwerp during her upbringing.

In about 1530, a woman called Jane Cromwell entered the world in London. Coincidentally, it was during this period when Thomas was deeply grieving over his wife and daughters who had recently passed away due to a mysterious disease known as the ‘sweating sickness’ that had spread across England.

The records indicate that at the age of nine, she resided with Thomas’s child, Gregory. However, to some extent, the Lord Privy Seal was taking care of her. This included making a payment intended for clothing to the household, on behalf of Jane.

It remains unknown who Jane’s mother was, but historian Caroline Angus found it intriguing that a former servant of Cromwell’s named Elizabeth Gregory received a significant amount of money in his will without any clear reason given.

According to historian Kirsten Claiden-Yardley, it’s said that Jane ended up marrying William Hough. It is believed that his father was not pleased with the match because of doubts about Jane’s lineage and her strong Catholic beliefs.

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2024-11-25 02:03