 Shortly after , the religious reformers ( and protégés of Cromwell ) Robert Barnes , William Jerome and Thomas Garret were burned as heretics . Cromwell , meanwhile , fell out of favour although it is unclear exactly why , for there is little evidence of differences of domestic or foreign policy . Despite his role , he was never formally accused of being responsible for Henry 's failed marriage . Cromwell was now surrounded by enemies at court , with Norfolk also able to draw on his niece 's position . Cromwell was charged with treason , selling export licences , granting passports , and drawing up commissions without permission , and may also have been blamed for the failure of the foreign policy that accompanied the attempted marriage to Anne . He was subsequently attainted and beheaded . 
