Thomas Avery
Cromwell's accountant
The story so far…
Week 6: Entirely Beloved Cromwell (Part 1)
Another putney boy. In 1530, he is being trained up as the accountant at Austin Friars.
Week 8: The Dead Complain of Their Burial / Arrange Your Face (Part 1)
He’s been over in the low countries with Stephen Vaughan, learning the trade. When he comes back, Cromwell quizzes him on who stitched Tyndale’s letters into a jerkin. A woman called Jenneke. A woman with good and lovely eyes.
Week 10: 'Alas, What Shall I Do For Love?' (Part 1)
Avery returns from Stephen Vaughan, this time with a book by Luca Pacioli. Thomas Avery is struck by the Queen of Sheba. Cromwell tells him about the book but the boy’s eye is elsewhere: “He wonders at the power Sheba has to draw the boy’s eyes.’
He has great hopes of Thomas Avery. It’s easy to employ some child who will total the columns and push them under your nose, get them initialled and then lock them in a chest. But what’s the point of that? The page of an accounts book is there for your use, like a love poem.
Week 17: The Map of Christendom (Part 2) / To Wolf Hall
“Thomas Avery smuggles in to him Luca Pacioli’s book of chess puzzles.”
Week 28: Master of Phantoms (Part 4/5)
After the trial, Thomas Avery says, all these men are in debt. He asks whether Wyatt will die. ‘Wyatt is a favourite of his household.’
Week 39: Vile Blood (Part 2/2)
Thomas Avery comes with Cromwell to see Robert Barnes in the Tower. When they discuss matters to religion, he tells Avery to leave the room. ‘It is for-’ ‘My own safety, I know.’ Outside, Avery gives Martin customary coins, ‘for Lord Cromwell’s godchild.’
Week 40: The Bleach Fields
Thomas Avery knew who Jenneke was from her likeness to Thomas Cromwell. After Cromwell’s interview with her he proceeds to tell Avery where his money is hidden and what to do if he is ever arrested.