Henry VIII) Authority, nation and religion 1509-1549 [ UNIT 3 - The structure of government)

UNIT 3) THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT: THE ROLE OF WOLSEY

Key Questions

• How did Wolsey rise to power under Henry VIII?
• How did Wolsey maintain his position?
• Why did Wolsey fall in 1529?

How did Wolsey rise ro power under Henry VIII?

• his rise to political pre-eminence- down to luck and skill
• luck- Henry VII's leading ministers ageing, settling quiter life- increasing chances succes 
• skill- wolsey= ambitous and able 
• wolsey fine mind- 15 years old oxford grad. 1498- holy orders chaplain Archbishop of Canterbury 
• 1509- chaplain of Henry VII
• Came to notice last years Henry VII- served Bishop Foxe of Winchester
• proved be efficient administrator in diplomatic missions
• death of Henry VII gave Wolsey chance to shine 

• new reign vibrant atmosphere- hope + optimism 
• Henry VIII- tired surrounded fathers old ministers- cautious and unwilling to act decsively- stick to old policies characterised fathers reign.
• 1509- Wolsey=  royal almoner (king's charity) meant part of royal council - leading advisory body 
• this meant: could see king regularly + oppurtinity to shine= ministerial success
• Henry found someone carry out will effectively and quickly 
• inevitable - Wolsey cross poltical figures- anyone disturbed him- sidelined ruthlessly
• next years, awarded many titles: 
• 1514- Bishop of Tournai and licoln and Archbihop of York 
• 1515- cardinal and lord chancellor [ key turning point]
• cardinal meant also bolstered power over church
• 1518- legate a latere power to appoint benefices- most powerful man in england

Was Wolsey's rise down to luck or skill?

Wolsey's Luck 

• right man at right time
• Henry looking someone carry out administrative matters of state- Wolsey= that man 
• G.R ELTON- Wolsey lucky ministers giving up their position

Wolsey's Skill

• Polydore Vergil - politically astute- matter casually then present gift
• George Cavendish- oppurtunist- personal ambition tied in with ambitions of king 

How did wolsey maintain his power in the period 1515- 1529?

1) Wolsey's political relationship with Henry 

2) Wolsey's wealth 

3) Wolsey's ruthlessness

1) Wolsey's political relationship with Henry 

• after invasion France 1513- Henry trusted Wolsey 
• Wolsey realised as long as served king loyally+ effeciently= position secure

Traditional historians-wolsey= 'alter rex' held real power in court- resigned Henry passive role within government- puppet and puppet master 

Recent historians- relationship= political partnership - Henry give Wolsey latitude whilst hunt. King always made final decision important matter.

• Not always see 'eye- to -eye' 1522- foolhardy attack on french navy 
• Henry no fool not easily manipulated- 15 years- shows own man 
• Cracks appear amicable grant 
• final nail- annulment 

2) Wolsey's wealth 

• wealth served potical power, created awe and envy- mainly due low birth 
• court= magnificent DAVID STARKEY- 'quasi royal'
• highlights point used trappings political power set self most important man 
• foreigners treated with banquets of 'grandeur'
• largest disposable income in England:
• 1) multiple bishoprics 
• 2) fees charged ecclesiatical courts and gifts 

3) Wolsey's ruthlessness

• ruthlessness much exaggerated
• inevitable court envy and criticism at court 
• allegations- misleading king, misreport evnts and deliberatley alienate political rivals 
• 1515 -polydore vergil imprisoned- failure cardinal title
• responsible execution buckingham
• evidence wolsey did consult nobles…