He was prime minister and advisor to Henry VIII and aided the king in his annulment over Catherine of Aragon. Cromwell was both a religious man and a statesman. It is difficult to determine which of these traits caused the most tension during the Reformation period. What we know about Thomas Cromwell's past can help us better understand the leader he became. He did not come from a noble background, but became the king's right-hand man. He worked hard for everything he had and was self-taught. Thomas Cromwell's life, while notable, was also very tragic before he became famous. By understanding his past you can understand the man he became and why he made the decisions he did. Thomas Cromwell was born in 1485 as most historians have come to believe; but they are not entirely certain; in Putney, Surrey, to Walter and Catherine. Cromwell had two sisters who both married well, the eldest Catherine married a lawyer and Elizabeth married a wealthy sheep farmer. His father Walter tried his hand at various odd jobs, brewer, blacksmith and fuller. Walter was also known for his short temper and drunkenness. However, Thomas did not enjoy the benefits of his sisters. He left his home unhappy at age of majority