Richard Williams (alias Cromwell)
| Sir Richard Williams (alias Cromwell) | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Richard Williams 1502 Llanishen, Glamorganshire |
| Died | 1544 (aged 41–42) |
| Occupation | Welsh soldier and a courtier |
| Spouse(s) | Frances Murfyn |
| Children | Henry Francis |
| Parent(s) | Morgan Williams Katherine Cromwell |
Sir Richard Williams (born by 1502 – 1544), also known as Richard Cromwell, was a Welsh soldier and a courtier in the court of Henry VIII. He was a maternal nephew of Thomas Cromwell, and profited from the Dissolution of the Monasteries in which he took an active part. He was a great-grandfather of Oliver Cromwell, and a great-great grandfather of Richard Cromwell.
Richard Williams was born by 1502 in the parish of Llanishen, Glamorganshire. He was eldest son and heir to Morgan Williams, an aspiring Welsh lawyer who moved from Glamorgan to Putney where he initially pursued his business of innkeeper and brewer. Morgan Williams' good fortune was to marry Katherine, the elder sister of Thomas Cromwell long before the commencement of latter's illustrious career as Henry VIII's great minister. In later life, Williams and his son would benefit financially from this relationship, receiving substantial landholdings confiscated from the church.
Richard was brought into the court of King Henry VIII by an alliance with Thomas Cromwell, the great favourite of Henry, whom that monarch raised from a humble situation to be Earl of Essex, Vicar-General, and Knight of the Garter. Introduced to Henry VIII, by so powerful an interest as Cromwell, and possessing many qualifications, Richard Williams soon benefitted from the royal bounty which Henry lavished on his favourites. He was entrusted with considerable appointments early in the administration of his relation; and it appears that he was active in suppressing the Pilgrimage of Grace insurrection.
During the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Sir Richard was appointed one of the Visitors of the religious houses; his zeal in the cause of both the king and Thomas Cromwell, met with an ample reward; perhaps the latter was happy to raise up one of his family to assist and support him.
...
Wikipedia