However, the Eltham Ordinances were a triumph, they appeared to give the King the counsellors he wanted, while in practice reinforced Wolsey's ministerial power for 18months. He nominated 20 men to advise the King he understood that many would be absent on there own matters and that two on hand advisors would suffice. The Eltham Ordinances also reduced the number of gentlemen of the Privy Chamber and made sure that his placemen were securely represented within the Privy Chamber. Wolsey was still a supreme political operator.
Thomas Wolsey was defeated by the King's infatuation, Anne's skills and intelligence (the rise of Anne Boleyn was out of his control); the Boleyn's political contacts; and adverse European power politics. The conservative faction joined forces with the Boleyns and the Aragonese in bringing down the Cardinal. Henry was angry with Wolsey for ot securing the annulment. On the 9 October 1529 Wolsey is dismissed from his position as Lord Chancellor and prosecuted, but is allowed to retire and keep the title of Archbishop of York. In April the following year, Wolsey retired to York, where he started to correspond with French and Imperial agents, trying to launch a political comeback. This correspondence was presented to the King as treason. Following his arrest in November 1530, Wolsey began a slow journey south. He died of dysentery at Leicester Abbey on 29 November.
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