Life as a Merchant and Exposure to Renaissance Ideas

During his time abroad, Cromwell engaged in trade and business. He became a merchant and likely a merchant-adventurer involved in the cloth trade—a booming industry in England and the continent. His dealings in Antwerp, then a major European trading hub, would have connected him to powerful merchant families and a network of international commerce.

More than mere trade, Cromwell's exposure to the Renaissance and humanist ideas in the Low Countries and Italy profoundly influenced his intellectual development. He encountered new ways of thinking about government, law, religion, and administration. The Renaissance humanist emphasis on education, critical thinking, and reform resonated with Cromwell and informed his later actions in England.

It is also suggested that Cromwell developed a proficiency in law during this period. Although he never received a formal university education, his self-taught legal knowledge became one of his greatest assets. He learned about English common law and civil law, probably studying legal texts and observing courts and governance systems abroad.

Return to England and Early Career


By the early 1510s, Cromwell returned to England. His experiences and connections gained on the continent gave him a distinct advantage. He initially found work as a lawyer and administrator in London, serving merchants and gentry with legal affairs. His skills in drafting contracts, managing estates, and navigating the legal system quickly earned him a reputation for competence and reliability.

Cromwell’s work with London’s mercantile community was a stepping stone into political circles. His ability to communicate with and serve influential figures allowed him to build a network of patrons. Early on, he worked with Richard Cromwell, a merchant relative, which further established his footing. shutdown123

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