Plaque: Thomas Cromwell - SW15
Erection date: 25/10/2013
Thomas Cromwell Chief Minister to Henry VIII, born c.1485, executed 1540 Tower Hill.
The Putney Society
The plaque fails to explain why it is on this particular spot. Cromwell's family was based in Putney and he was brought up here but we can't find any exact addresses for him. History On-line quotes a source saying Cromwell "was born in the village at a place which was described in 1617 as 'an ancient cottage called the Smith's shop, lying west of the highway leading from Putney to the upper gate, and on the south side of the highway from Richmond to Wandsworth, being the sign of the Anchor.'" That doesn't seem to describe this spot. The plaque is very close to the river so perhaps Cromwell is thought to have accessed river transport at this site, but we are guessing. Surely one of the first rules of plaquology is that plaques should be location-linked and the connection should be explained on the plaque? Hrmph.
Plaque unveiled by the author Hilary Mantel, of course.
Site: Thomas Cromwell & the Castle pub (2 memorials)
SW15, Brewhouse Lane, 3
The Castle plaque is the lower of the three near the camera. The Cromwell plaque is just visible, one window bay to the left of the woman facing the camera.
