Latest news with #ThomasCromwell
Economist
04-07-2025
- Economist
How tether became money-launderers' dream currency
By Oliver Bullough W hat may be the most consequential cryptocurrency investigation in recent times began on a November evening in 2021 in a defiantly offline location: the southbound carriageway of Britain's M1 motorway. Metropolitan Police officers suspected a driver was carrying illicit cash, and pulled him over as he approached London. From Chile to Indonesia, the changing needs of the electronics industry are altering the face of the Earth Estonia is girding itself for an invasion as its Russian minority grows restless Lessons from Thomas Cromwell and Niccolò Machiavelli about winning friends and influencing people in the White House Kelvin Kiptum had the world at his feet. Then it all ended in an instant His Netflix show claims to uncover the truth about our ancient past. Critics say he peddles dangerous nonsense Lebanon has spent years under the militant group's dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
Economist
04-07-2025
- Economist
Tether, the money-launderer's dream currency
By Oliver Bullough W hat may be the most consequential cryptocurrency investigation in recent times began on a November evening in 2021 in a defiantly offline location: the southbound carriageway of Britain's M1 motorway. Metropolitan Police officers suspected a driver was carrying illicit cash, and pulled him over as he approached London. From Chile to Indonesia, the changing needs of the electronics industry are altering the face of the Earth Estonia is girding itself for an invasion as its Russian minority grows restless Lessons from Thomas Cromwell and Niccolò Machiavelli about winning friends and influencing people in the White House Kelvin Kiptum had the world at his feet. Then it all ended in an instant His Netflix show claims to uncover the truth about our ancient past. Critics say he peddles dangerous nonsense Lebanon has spent years under the militant group's dominance. Could it be coming to an end?
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Great Bibles reunited at Aberystwyth library for exhibition
Unique copies of the Great Bibles of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell have been reunited for the first time in nearly 500 copies, made in 1538-9, were printed on parchment and carefully hand-coloured by Europe's finest artists and was the first authorised edition in Cromwell was a strong supporter of religious reform and these Bibles were commissioned by him as part of the campaign to convince the have gone on display as part of the Treasures exhibition in the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, in what has been called "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". Hidden in Plain Sight is a project that employs a range of technologies, from 3D microscopy to DNA analysis, which show for the first time how ancient books were used and has revealed different layers to illustrations with deliberate modifications that were changed due to the political developments of the time. The project has revealed Cromwell had his portrait painted and pasted into the title page of the St John's copy – a move expertly hidden for opening title page was further manipulated to gain Henry's support by altering an image of a courtly woman to resemble Jane Seymour, Henry's beloved and recently deceased, on the project said these discoveries raises more questions about how the Bibles were made, with Dr Harry Spillane adding that technology was revealing more about the books to this said: "Although these books have been around for 500 years, it's only with new technologies that we have been able to see all of the changes that have been made underneath."We can see that bits of paper have been pasted on, or often multiple layers glued on as a more perfect design is completed."And seeing them side by side helps people understand how, even 500 years ago, changes are being made to images in ways that build on discussions we are having today about deep fakes and AI. People's faces are changing, images are moving around." Although the text is almost identical in both bibles, the illustrations vary much Suzanne Paul from Cambridge University Library said the technology being used enabled specialists to learn more about "the archaeology of the bibles"."We know particular workshops that were doing work for the royals and by analysing the different pigments in the book to other paintings and books from this time we can potentially find out where the bibles were made," she added."The artists might not have left their physical signature, but they might have left their chemical signature in the book for us to find."Henry VIII ordered copies of the Great Bible to be distributed to every parish in England and Wales, which was the catalyst for translating the Bible into Welsh in 1588, known as the William Morgan's Bible. Maredudd ap Huw, curator of manuscripts at library, said the exhibition was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".He added: "These two Bibles are not going to be brought together again for a long time."There is a golden opportunity on a historical level to see two milestones in the history of England and Wales during the Tudor period. Without the English Bible, the Welsh language would not be spoken today."The exhibition is open until 22 November.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned UK island untouched for nearly a century just yards from seaside town
An impressive fortress built upon a tiny island just 800 yards from a popular UK seaside town has transformed itself into a haven for wildlife, after it disarmed and abandoned back in 1929 A crumbling but 'magical' fortress built on a tiny island has taken on a new life after being deserted by humans for decades. Disrupting the otherwise, calm and crystal-clear waters of the Milford Haven Waterway in Pembrokeshire, Wales, stands the impressive Stack Rock Fort. Constructed to protect the UK against sea invasion, this grade-listed 2 building is a two-tiered mega structure featuring casemates (aka gun emplacements) on each level, as well as a roof-top gun platform. The original idea to build Stack Rock reportedly stems back to Thomas Cromwell in 1539, but it wasn't actually constructed until 1850-1852. Upgrades to the fort later took place from 1859 to 1871, welcoming a new building that completely encased the original gun tower. Now looking a little worse for wear, Stack Rock is still visible from the mainland, located just 800 yards off the coast of Milford Haven. This tiny seaside town has slowly transformed its industrial reputation into a booming tourist destination thanks to its stylishly redeveloped marina and bustling food scene. The fort, which has been described as a 'time capsule', was deemed essential to defend the country against French aggression under Napoleon III, but its importance started to dwindle and by 1895 - most of the artillery inside had been removed. It was later manned by a small number of soldiers during World War One., but never really saw combat. In 1929, Stack Rock was officially disarmed and fully abandoned, before being sold several times on the private market. Like many of the UK's abandoned islands - including the remote St Kilda and the doughnut-shaped Outer Trial Bank island off the Lincolnshire coast - Stack Rock Fort has been reclaimed by nature. Now sporting lush greenery, weeds, and moss in every crevice, the isle has become a sanctuary for several types of seabirds in the area. Today, the only threat the fort needs to brace itself for is seagull droppings and invasive ivy. According to the BBC, the island was bought by Anoniiem back in 2020 for an undisclosed sum. However, the community interest company intends to preserve the fort as a 'living ruin' and has ruled out transforming the structure into a luxury accommodation site. Anoniiem's company director Nick said: "We want to preserve it in its current state, not in its formal use, so if it can be stabilised as it is, in this amazing combination of nature and architecture, that's the goal. It's definitely a passion project, it's definitely not a money earner, there are no plans for a five-star hotel or any of these kind of things. It's a stabilisation accessibility project and preserving it for the future."
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC viewers praise 'sublime' period drama featuring 'greatest living actor'
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, and fans are already raving about the historical drama, which delves into the final years of Thomas Cromwell's life Audiences are enamoured with the "astounding" historical drama set in the era of the Tudors, commending its adherence to historical detail and the "sublime" quality of the acting. BBC's Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light brings to life the novels of Hilary Mantel, chronicling the intriguing latter years of Thomas Cromwell as the lawyer and principal secretary to King Henry VIII. Viewers find themselves captivated by Cromwell's complex life that ultimately leads to his execution by order of the monarch. Taking place in the 1500s, the initial six-part series showcases the zenith of Cromwell's clout before his subsequent disgrace, delving into the fraught tensions between him, the king, and the Royal court. Following Anne Boleyn's infamous execution, the drama unfurls without holding back on the intense intrigue of the era. Having premiered in 2015, the series still garners high praise from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. A fan commented, "Absolutely astounding! This show was incredible, and the performances from the cast made me feel like I was witnessing the actual events that were depicted in the show. All period pieces should use this show as a template because it was amazing in every way. I definitely recommend this for mediaeval and history fans!". A recent Vogue review read: "Rylance is one of our greatest living actors, and the emotions he holds in his face are manifold. His delivery of Mantel's dialogue-modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge-is mesmerisingly clear", reports the Express. Mark Rylance's spellbinding portrayal of Thomas Cromwell has profoundly resonated with audiences. His co-star Damian Lewis takes on the role of Henry VIII, with both actors receiving widespread acclaim for their depictions of the storied characters. Echoing this sentiment, a critic said: "An utterly sublime performance by Rylance and Lewis. The whole programme is beautiful." Serving as a second season to the critically acclaimed Wolf Hall, based on Hilary Mantel's novels, there's a consensus that this season may surpass its predecessor. While season one covered Mantel's first two books, 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring Up the Bodies', the current series adapts her final book and shares its title. Another review reads: "Season 2 of Wolf Hall still has many of the things going for it that made season 1 so good. First and foremost, that would be the strong source material in Hilary Mantel's literature and excellent acting. There is also a strong sense of historical accuracy in some regards, down to the finer details of costume design." Adding to the accolades, a viewer said: "Season 2 is arguably greater than its acclaimed predecessor. Cromwell's middle-aged regrets build poignantly, while brisker pacing and some levity lend the proceedings a teeming liveliness." For those keen on delving into the life of Thomas Cromwell and the reign of King Henry VIII, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light is now ready for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
