Understanding Cardinal Wolsey and His Political Influence

B.I.G. USE THE CARDS TO WRITE KEY WORDS FROM PREVIOUS LESSONS

WHO WAS CARDINAL WOLSEY? This lesson Last lesson Who was Cardinal Wolsey? Next lesson The government of Henry VIII Interpretations of Wolsey

Saturday, 21 June 2025 Classwork Title: Who was Cardinal Wolsey? Learning objective: To examine the character and career of Cardinal Wolsey Some of us will EVALUATE the reasons behind some of the interpretations Most of us will EXPLAIN the key points of Wolsey s career Key terminology: Wolsey, Privy Chamber, Court of Star Chamber, Lord Chancellor All of us will EXAMINE primary and secondary interpretations of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

HENRY VIII: MIND OF TYRANT Write the title on the lined paper Watch the documentary and make notes on the following: Early impressions of Henry VIII Marriage to Catherine of Aragorn Why was Venice important to Henry VIII? Who was Thomas Wolsey? What is Starkey s impression/interpretation of Wolsey? Add notes to your previous worksheet when any of the topics come up.

WHO WAS CARDINAL THOMAS WOLSEY? You tell me ..

WEALTH Wolsey had the largest disposable income in England. It came from a variety of sources: - multiple bishoprics contributed around half of his income - as Abbot of St Albans, he held the richest monastery in England - the fees he charged in his ecclesiastical courts - monetary gifts from clients and patrons - through the building of palaces such as Hampton Court and the establishment of Cardinal College, Oxford (promoted himself as a man of great importance) - his enormous wealth furthered his political power, yet created envy amongst other courtiers - especially as he was of low birth, they resented him, but could not do much about it considering Henry's trust in him - his court was magnificent, and through its splendour he set himself up as the second most important man in the kingdom - his household numbered 500, the same as Henry's, and was the rival of any royal court - foreign envoys were welcomed magnificently and thus many contemporary reports of his authority come from foreign ambassadors - whenever he left his palace, he did so as a churchman on his mile, yet in the midst of a large and decadent ensemble of servants and guards

RELATIONSHIP WITH HENRY after the perceived success of the French invasion in 1513 Henry trusted Wolsey absolutely - Wolsey recognised that as long as he continued to serve the King loyally and efficiently, his position was secure - did not always see eye-to-eye but rarely between 1515 and 1529 did the pair disagree - Wolsey's power led to inevitable resentment from other nobles yet Henry never yielded to criticism of his leading minister and so he was relatively unchallenged - cracks began to appear in 1525 after the Amicable Grant crisis, but it was only after Wolsey failed to secure the annulment that he was dismissed from his post

PERCEIVED RUTHLESSNESS his ruthlessness has been much exaggerated - inevitably courted much envy from contemporary figures at court, and his authority at court produced attacks on his character and policies - allegations of misleading the King, misreporting events and deliberately alienating noble rivals were common - mostly Wolsey did consult other nobles on the important matters of the day and didn't deliberately remove rivals, yet what frustrated many at court was that Wolsey and Henry had often clearly decided upon policy in private before it was presented to the council - Polydore Vergil was supposedly imprisoned on Wolsey's command in 1515 - he was rumoured to have had a part in the execution of the Duke of Buckingham in 1521 - servants such as Richard Pace were sent abroad, which was perceived as ruthless alienation of political rivals - much of this ruthlessness can be seen as the sounding-off of jealous nobles

HISTORIOGRAPHY - TRADITIONAL HISTORIOGRAPHY: known as Alter Rex (second king), suggests he held real power at court and resigns Henry to an almost passive role - RECENT HISTORIOGRAPHY: suggests a political partnership - Henry was willing to give Wolsey space in the early years of his reign when he had other recreational interests, but even then the King always made the final decision on key issues. Henry was content to allow Wolsey to get on with more mundane matters of state, but major decisions concerning domestic/ foreign policy could not be made independently by the King's cardinal

B.I.G. WHAT IMPRESSION OF WOLSEY DOES THE PAINTER HOLD?

WHO WAS CARDINAL WOLSEY? This lesson Last lesson Who was Cardinal Wolsey? Next lesson The government of Henry VIII Interpretations of Wolsey

Saturday, 21 June 2025 Classwork Title: Who was Cardinal Wolsey? Learning objective: To examine the character and career of Cardinal Wolsey Some of us will EVALUATE the reasons behind some of the interpretations Most of us will EXPLAIN the key points of Wolsey s career Key terminology: Wolsey, Privy Chamber, Court of Star Chamber, Lord Chancellor All of us will EXAMINE primary and secondary interpretations of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

PRESENTATION TITLES Wolsey was an opportunist - Meghan Wolsey was a ruthless and ambitious - Kelly Wolsey was the Altar Rex - Rehael Wolsey was the King s Cardinal Sabeehah Wolsey was manipulative and calculating Federico Wolsey was exceptional Andre Wolsey was a loyal servant Gabriel

CRITERIA Your presentation must include the following: Primary evidence to support your point of view - Examples of events, letters, conversations etc. that support your point of view - One historian s view to support your opinion - Pictures - Extension: Explain how this view of Wolsey came about e.g. who was responsible for representing him in this manner Remember to email your presentation to MQU BEFORE THE LESSON!!!! This is so that I can print off enough copies of your presentation for everyone and that we are ready to present at the beginning of the lesson.