Those numbers are bull****, but often trotted out by apologists for Bloody Mary. She earned that nickname during her short reign, and other than her own bloodthirsty zealot handful of supporters, it was a relief when she died.
Hard to know whose propaganda prevailed.
William Harrison is thought to be the most accurate historian during Elizabethan times. In his “ The Description of England” (1577) he describes how Henry was very severe in dealing with infractions of the law.
The Tudors seem to have gave out the death penalty for dang near everything including stealing, forgery, and witchcraft!
This was interesting (and gruesome! Hanging, pressing beheading, boiling and burning. Treason got you drawn and quartered.)
Of Sundry Kinds of Punishment Appointed for Offenders
[1577, Book III., Chapter 6; 1587, Book II., Chapter 2.]
http://www.bartleby.com/35/3/17.html
Modern claim