Was Cromwell associated with someone called 'George Elliott of Middleburgh, a childhood contact from Mortlake and Putney days? That's what I heard.
Cromwell set off on a diplomatic mission to meet with the Schmalkaldic League in Hesse. The Schmalkaldic League also sent a delegation to London in 1538 which came to nothing though I understand the feasting was great. Macculloch describes Henry VIII's shift from strong objections to the principles of Protestantism, to dealing with its key power bases in Europe. He also flirted with the Hanseatic League, and was once offered the crown of Denmark in an attempt to solve a succession crisis. This ran the risk of infuriating the Hapsburg's of the Netherlands who were defending their shipping from Haneatic piracy and anti alliances with their northern neighbours.
Cromwell's role as Henry's representative was as his Vicegerent. Maccullough points our that this little used role came with complications. It was associated with the title 'Vicar General', but Cromwell was not ordained. Neither was Henry, as head of the church. It was suggested that he should be referred to as 'Your Goodness', as opposed to 'Your Grace'. Mercifully this embarrassment was avoided because it wasn't long before he was knighted by the King, resolving the nomenclature crisis.
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