why did wolsey become henrys chief minister

Full Answer

Was Wolsey Henry VIII’s greatest Minister?

In recent times, Wolsey’s position as Henry VIII’s greatest minister has been overlooked in favour of Thomas Cromwell. However, it should be remembered that Wolsey acted as Henry’s chief minister and advisor for 14 years, far longer than Cromwell.

What did Cardinal Wolsey do for King Henry VIII?

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey Death & Fall From Grace 1530. He urged Henry to wage war against the French on behalf of Pope Julius II. The war was successful and Henry generously rewarded its main proponent and organizer. Wolsey subsequently became the king’s chief minister from 1515 to 1529.

What did Wolsey do in the Privy Council?

After Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne in 1509, the new King made Wolsey, an almoner. The position gave Wolsey a seat on the privy council. Once again, Wolsey showed his ability to handle work with unrivalled diligence.

Why was Thomas Wolsey so powerful?

Few people in English history have enjoyed such an astronomical rise to power as Thomas Wolsey. At his zenith, he was almost considered another king; such was his range of powers and influence. He was unique in that he held the highest secular position in the land and the highest position in the church. Other than Henry VIII, he was unrivalled.

See more

When did Wolsey become Henry's lord chancellor?

1515When Henry VIII became king in 1509, Wolsey's rapid rise began. In 1514, he was created archbishop of York and a year later the pope made him a cardinal. Soon afterwards the king appointed him lord chancellor. From 1515 to 1529, Wolsey's rule was undisputed.

Why did Wolsey give Henry court?

Wolsey wanted to create a grand building where he could host not only the King and the royal court but also monarchs from across Europe. Investing huge sums of money, he created a palace fit for the King. Wolsey was so successful in his work that Henry eventually took Hampton Court for himself.

What did Wolsey do for Henry?

Wolsey had a brilliant mastery of foreign policy, as well as the legal and ecclesiastical administration of England under King Henry VIII. He organised three major peace treaties which improved Henry's strategic position when war did not succeed.

How well did Wolsey serve Henry?

Cardinal Wolsey always maintained that he served Henry VIII to the highest levels. Wolsey's fall was primarily due to his failure to get Henry the annulment to his marriage to Catherine of Aragon that would allow Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn.

When did Wolsey give Hampton Court to Henry?

1514Thomas Wolsey, Archbishop of York, chief minister to and a favourite of Henry VIII, took over the site of Hampton Court Palace in 1514.

How did Wolsey improve the justice system?

Civil law allowed a judge to come to a verdict based on what he thought was just and fair regardless of cases held years in the past. Wolsey did favour civil law above common law as he believed that justice was better served by civil law.

Who was Wolsey to king Henry?

1. Cardinal Wolsey was an ambitious and trusted advisor to King Henry VIII. Wolsey, who first became King Henry VIII's chaplain, quickly rose up the ranks to become a cardinal in 1515 by appointment of Pope Leo X.

Who was Thomas Wolsey to Henry VIII?

Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, (born c. 1475, Ipswich, Suffolk, Eng. —died Nov. 29, 1530, Leicester, Leicestershire), cardinal and statesman who dominated the government of England's King Henry VIII from 1515 to 1529.

How did Wolsey reform government?

Legal reforms: He planned to make the legal system more fair and by 1516, he was already planning reforms. Wolsey disliked the use of common law, which was based on precedent cases, and instead promoted civil law, basing legal decisions on natural justice and evidence.

Why Wolsey could be considered a failure as chief minister?

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was Henry VIII's chief minister from his accession in 1509 until his dramatic fall in 1529. The reasons for this sudden fall are hotly debated amongst historians – was it his inability to give Henry VIII a divorce from Katherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne Boleyn?

Why was Cardinal Wolsey disgraced?

Thomas Wolsey (1473–1530) was an English archbishop, statesman and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was a trusted advisor to King Henry VIII, who made him Lord Chancellor. In 1529, having failed to secure an annulment of Henry VIII's first marriage, Wolsey was removed from government and arrested for treason.

What did Wolsey do for the poor?

Wolsey, 1509–30 Wolsey was a priest and the royal almoner — in charge of giving charity to the poor — but he took on the task of organising an army of 25,000 men to invade France in 1512 when most of Henry's other advisers were unwilling.

Where were court cases heard by Wolsey?

Star ChamberIt was during the chancellorship of Thomas Wolsey (1515–29) that the judicial activity of Star Chamber grew with greatest rapidity.

How did Wolsey try to get the annulment?

The conciliar committee that he delegated to hear suits involving the poor soon evolved into the Court of Requests (1529). The immediate cause of Wolsey's fall from power was his failure to persuade Pope Clement VII to grant Henry an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Who was Wolsey to king Henry?

1. Cardinal Wolsey was an ambitious and trusted advisor to King Henry VIII. Wolsey, who first became King Henry VIII's chaplain, quickly rose up the ranks to become a cardinal in 1515 by appointment of Pope Leo X.

What was the name of the friendly gift by which Wolsey forced people to pay tax to the king?

Thomas Wolsey proposed an 'Amicable Grant' hoping to gain an estimated £800,000 for the proposed war. However, this 'Amicable Grant' was not passed through Parliament, rather it was proposed as a means for people to give monetary 'gifts' to fund the King's war.

What did Wolsey do to help the poor?

However, it would be a gross exaggeration to state that Wolsey championed the legal rights of the poor. He almost certainly took up their cause simply as a way of getting back at the nobility that had consistently treated him with contempt because of his background. The poor were a convenient lever to doing this. He also did what he could to ensure that his position was never threatened. In 1526 the Eltham Ordinances were introduced to reform the finances of the Privy Council. These were seen as proof that Wolsey was a reformist whose desire was to see a more modern office administration. However, the ordinances were quickly allowed to lapse as no-one ensured that they were enforced and they left the Privy Council no better off and probably in a worse state. This suited Wolsey perfectly as it ensured that those who could influence the king were discredited and Wolsey was put into a position where he could put his own men into the Council to give it more ‘credibility’.

What area did Wolsey try to reform?

One area that Wolsey did try to reform was England’s legal system . England had mainly used ‘common law’ since the time of William the Conqueror. However, civil law was seen as being more modern and was more favoured in Southern Europe. It was used in the King’s Council when it acted as a court of law.

Why did Wolsey use the courts?

Wolsey also used the courts to get back at those nobles who he felt had insulted him by making references to his background.

Why did Wolsey favour civil law?

Wolsey did favour civil law above common law as he believed that justice was better served by civil law.

Did Wolsey support civil law?

It does seem that Wolsey was genuinely concerned that the poor should have access to some form of court and as common law courts did not allow for this, he supported civil law courts.

Who was Henry VIII's chief minister?

Cardinal Wolsey was Henry VIII’s chief minister for fifteen years. During this time Wolsey seemed to be more concerned about developing his wealth as opposed to ensuring that the country had effective government in place.

Did Wolsey call into a common law court?

It was not that unusual for Wolsey to call into one of his civil law courts a case that had been heard in a common law court and a decision had been made that had offended Wolsey as it had gone against natural justice.

1. Thomas Wolsey was the son of a butcher

Wolsey was born in the Suffolk town of Ipswich. We are told that he was nothing more than the son of a butcher.

2. He was a Church rector for nine years

After studying theology at Magdalen College in Oxford, he was ordained as a priest in Marlborough in Wiltshire on the 10th of March 1498

3. Wolsey was Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury

Wolsey’s first steps up the slippery ladder of power came when he was appointed chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Henry Deane.

4. His first role at court was Royal Chaplain

In 1507 Wolsey entered the service of Henry VII, probably due to his success in his previous position as chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

6. Wolsey was good at agreeing with the King

Henry VIII was keen on war with France. He wanted to emulate his namesake Henry V and invade and achieve glory in battle.

9. Cardinal Wolsey masterminded in the Field of the Cloth of Gold

On the 7th of June 1520, Henry VIII met Francis I at the Field of the Cloth of Gold.

10. He did good for the poor

Much of the narrative revolving around Wolsey involves his lust for power, wealth and titles.

How did Wolsey benefit from Henry VII?

Wolsey benefited from Henry VII's introduction of measures to curb the power of the nobility; the king was willing to favour those from more humble backgrounds. Henry VII appointed Wolsey royal chaplain. In this position Wolsey served as secretary to Richard Foxe, who recognised Wolsey's ability, dedication, industry and willingness to take on tedious tasks. Wolsey's remarkable rise to power from humble origins attests to his intelligence, administrative ability, industriousness, ambition, and rapport with the king. In April 1508, Wolsey was sent to Scotland to discuss with King James IV rumours of the renewal of the Auld Alliance. Wolsey's rise coincided with the accession in April 1509 of Henry VIII, whose character, policies and attitude to diplomacy differed significantly from his father's. In 1509 Henry appointed Wolsey to the post of almoner, a position that gave him a seat on the Privy Council and an opportunity to attain greater prominence and establish personal rapport with the king. A factor in Wolsey's rise was the young Henry VIII's relative lack of interest in the details of government during his early years.

Why did Wolsey leave the government?

After failing to negotiate an annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Wolsey fell out of favour and was stripped of his government titles. He retreated to York to fulfil his ecclesiastical duties as archbishop, a position he nominally held but had neglected during his years in government.

What did Wolsey do to help the king?

Wolsey made careful moves to destroy or neutralise other courtiers' influence. He helped cause the fall of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham in 1521, and in 1527 he prosecuted Henry's close friend William Compton and Henry's ex-mistress Anne Stafford, Countess of Huntingdon, for adultery. In the case of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, Wolsey adopted a different strategy, attempting to win Suffolk's favour by his actions after the duke secretly married Henry's sister Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France, much to the king's displeasure. Wolsey advised the king not to execute the newlyweds but to embrace them; whether this was out of care for the couple or because of the threat they posed to his own safety remains unclear. The bride, both as sister to Henry and as Dowager Queen of France, had high royal status that could have threatened Wolsey had she so chosen.

How many children did Wolsey have?

Wolsey subsequently had two children, both before he was made bishop: a son, Thomas Wynter (born circa 1510), and a daughter, Dorothy (born circa 1512), both of whom lived to adulthood. The son was sent to live with a family in Willesden and tutored in his early years by Maurice Birchinshaw.

How did Wolsey influence the English?

But Wolsey managed to assert English influence by other means. In 1517, Pope Leo X sought peace in Europe to form a crusade against the Ottoman Empire. In 1518 Wolsey was made Papal Legate in England, enabling him to realise Leo's desire for peace by organising the Treaty of London. The treaty showed Wolsey as the arbiter of Europe, organising a massive peace summit involving 20 nations. This put England at the forefront of European diplomacy and drew her out of isolation, making her a desirable ally. This is well illustrated by the Anglo-French treaty signed two days afterwards. It was partly this peace treaty that caused conflict between France and Spain. In 1519, when Charles V ascended to the throne of the Holy Roman Emperor, King Francis I of France was infuriated. He had invested enormous sums in bribing the electorate to elect him emperor, and thus used the Treaty of London as a justification for the Habsburg-Valois conflict. Wolsey appeared to act as mediator between the two powers, both of which were vying for England's support.

Why was Wolsey sent to Scotland?

In April 1508, Wolsey was sent to Scotland to discuss with King James IV rumours of the renewal of the Auld Alliance. Wolsey's rise coincided with the accession in April 1509 of Henry VIII, whose character, policies and attitude to diplomacy differed significantly from his father's.

What is the Heraldic Banner of Wolsey?

Heraldic banner of Wolsey as Archbishop of York, showing the arms of the See of York impaling his personal arms, with a cardinal's hat above. The griffin supporter holds the Lord Chancellor's mace

Who defended Wolsey in parliament?

It should be noted that Cromwell defended Wolsey in parliament.

What happened to Wolsey?

He died on the 24th, while returning to London and, most likely, execution at the Tower. Hall implies that Wolsey committed suicide.

Why did Wolsey dislike the Cardinal?

She disliked the Cardinal because of his interference in her earlier engagement to Henry Percy. And both she and the king were increasingly impatient with the pope’s endless prevarication. Torn between his secular and spiritual masters, Wolsey chose Henry’s side – but it did not matter.

What was Wolsey indicted for?

On 9 October 1529, he was indicted for praemunire; he later confessed his guilt. Parliament was summoned to indict him on forty-four charges. The king kept him from prison but stripped him of many offices and all of his power. Wolsey was ordered to retire to his archbishopric of York.

Where did Wolsey die?

Indiscreet letters to Rome led to his arrest on 4 November. He died on the 24th while returning to London and, most likely, execution at the Tower.

Who was the chief minister of the French in 1515?

The war was successful and Henry generously rewarded its main proponent and organizer. Wolsey subsequently became the king’s chief minister from 1515 to 1529.

Who was the chaplain of King Henry VII?

He became King Henry VII’s chaplain during the last two years of his life. Henry VIII appointed him to a minor office upon his accession, but Wolsey ’s only became involved in government affairs in 1512. He urged Henry to wage war against the French on behalf of Pope Julius II. The war was successful and Henry generously rewarded its main proponent and organizer. Wolsey subsequently became the king’s chief minister from 1515 to 1529.

What was the position of Wolsey?

His appointment in 1515 as a cardinal by Pope Leo X gave him precedence over all other English clerics. The highest political position Wolsey attained was Lord Chancellor of England. He was sometimes referred to as the alter Rex (other King).

Why do I like Wolsey?

Another reason I like Wolsey is his sheer brass neck. The Duke of Norfolk was washing Henry’s hands and Wolsey came up and looked for his hands to be washed too. Norfolk flung his water bowl at him.

Why didn't Henry hold the painting against Holbein?

Henry didn’t hold the painting against Holbein because all told, the painting was pretty accurate. Holbein painted her face-on, which somewhat disguised her large nose, but other than that, it was a good likeness.

What was Cromwell's goal?

Cromwell had one goal: accomplishing the will of the king. He was absolutely single-minded and would stop at nothing to get the king what he wanted.

What did the Lords and Knights do when they saw his grace?

And when the lords and knights saw his grace they did him reverence.... and then her grace humbled herself lowly to the king's majesty, and his grace saluted [kissed] her again, and they talked together lovingly...

When did Henry VIII become king?

However, Henry VIII was never taught the “exacting art of kingship”, as a courtier once said. Henry VII died 21 April 1509. On 24 June 1509 , Henry was crowned king and married Katherine of Aragon. He was not yet 18. He was woefully unprepared to rule England.

Who was Holbein's patron?

Cromwell was Holbein’s patron, not Henry, and after Cromwell ’s death. other courtiers ordered works, such as Sir Anthony Denny. He wasn’t suffering for lack of work. When his passport from his homeland expired, Holbein decided to go home to visit his wife, and that’s where he died of a sudden illness.

Why did Wolsey fall?

When Henry’s VIII’s chief adviser Cardinal Wolsey fell from grace in October 1529 – for failing to secure for the king an annulment from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon – it was expected that his favourite servant, Thomas Cromwell, would fall with him. Cromwell feared this himself and wept bitter tears of regret.

Who was Henry VIII's chief minister?

Thomas Cromwell: The rise and fall of Henry VIII’s henchman. Try 3 issues of BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed for only £5! Thomas Cromwell 's career as Henry VIII's chief minister defined one of the most explosive decades in English history. Cromwell is credited with engineering the country's break with Rome, ...

What was Henry's fixer's job?

1535: Henry’s fixer sets his sights on the church. On 21 January 1535, Henry appointed Cromwell viceregent in spirituals, or ‘vicar-general’. This gave him considerable new powers over the church.

Why did Cromwell mastermind Anne's downfall?

That Cromwell masterminded Anne’s downfall there can be little doubt. He had his own reasons for doing so, besides his natural eagerness to satisfy the king’s wishes. His alliance with the queen had started to disintegrate some time before. Although their passion for reform had originally united them, Anne condemned Cromwell’s tactic of diverting the revenues from the dissolved monasteries to the crown, rather than to charitable causes. In 1535, Cromwell confided to Chapuys that “the lady” had told him “she would like to see his head off his shoulders”.

What was the similarity between Wolsey and Cromwell?

The similarity between this new kid on the block and the man whom he had effectively replaced could not have been lost on the king. Wolsey and Cromwell shared more than their humble birth: both were highly intelligent, ambitious, audacious and extraordinarily industrious. But Henry had had his fingers burnt with the cardinal and was not about to entrust another adviser with as much power as Wolsey had enjoyed. Cromwell would have to work hard to gain his trust.

What did Cromwell do to shake England?

Bolstered by the promotion, and his master’s confidence in him, Cromwell set in train a revolution that would shake England to its core. He wasted no time in dispatching commissioners across the country to assess the state of each religious house. With typical attention to detail, he even investigated a few himself.

How many monasteries did Cromwell destroy?

Motivated as much by tales of widespread corruption as by the prospect of seizing their immense wealth and landholdings, Cromwell began a programme of systematic dissolution which would see the closure and demolition of more than 600 monasteries.

How successful was Wolsey?

Wolsey was very diligent and successful in expanding his own power base and he was very diligent and successful in expanding his huge wealth. He also used his own position to put his own men in important government posts.

Why did Wolsey tell Henry that the annulment was an easy requirement?

As the Pope’s most senior officer in England, Wolsey had seemingly made it clear to Henry that the required annulment was an easy requirement as he had the necessary contacts in Rome. When he failed to deliver, Henry decided that his chief minister was no longer required. Wolsey always believed that he had served Henry to the best ...

Why did Wolsey fall?

Wolsey’s fall was primarily due to his failure to get Henry the annulment to his marriage to Catherine of Aragon that would allow Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. As the Pope’s most senior officer in England, Wolsey had seemingly made it clear to Henry that the required annulment was an easy requirement as he had the necessary contacts in Rome. When he failed to deliver, Henry decided that his chief minister was no longer required. Wolsey always believed that he had served Henry to the best of his ability as this statement, made in 1530 shortly before his death, indicates.

Why did Cardinal Wolsey fall?

Wolsey’s fall was primarily due to his failure to get Henry the annulment to his marriage to Catherine of Aragon that would allow Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn.

What was the fate of Wolsey?

Travelling south from York, Wolsey must have known what his fate would be. At the very least, this would have been the confiscation of his wealth and property and it is widely known that Wolsey had got to love his lifestyle that involved lavish homes such as Hampton Court and York House alongside sumptuous banquets.

Where did Wolsey die?

Ordered to report to London from his home in York, Wolsey died at Leicester in 1530. Just before he died he said the following that was heard by his gentleman usher George Cavendish: “Well, well, Master Kingston”, quod he, “I see the matter against me how it is framed.

Who was Henry VIII's most important government minister who acquired much power?

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was born in c1473 and died in November 1530. Wolsey was Henry VIII's most important government minister who acquired much power which…. Cardinal Wolsey - the man. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was born in c1473 and died in November 1530.

Overview

Early life

Thomas Wolsey was born about 1473, the son of Robert Wolsey of Ipswich and his wife, Joan Daundy. Widespread traditions identify his father as a butcher; his modest origin became a topic of criticism later, when he amassed wealth and power that critics thought more befitting a member of the high nobility. Wolsey attended Ipswich School and Magdalen College School before studying theology at Magdalen College, Oxford. On 10 March 1498 he was ordained as a priest in

Foreign policy

Domestic achievements

Downfall and death

Mistress and issue

Fictional portrayals

Memorials