Henry's quest for a divorce Flashcards
Why did Henry want a divorce?
- Catherine didnt produce an heir
2. He became infatuated with Anne Boleyn
Why did Henry want a legitimate heir?
So that his heir could be accepted & there would be less of a threat of other strong challengers to throne
How did Henry justify his divorce attempt according to THE SCRIPTURE?
- He said that the marriage had never been valid due to a quote from Leviticus
’ If a man takes his brothers wife,it is an impurity’
How did theologians refute Henrys justification for his divorce attempt (according to SCRIPTURE)?
They said that the quote only applied to brothers marrying their sister in-law whilst their brother was still alive (due to the nature of polygamy at the time)
How did Wolsey tried to distract Charles during his attempt to divorce Catherine?
He tried to use a French-English alliance in 1527 to distract the emperor in Italy
- This didnt work since Charles was too occupied with affairs in Italy
How did Wolsey try to use legal efforts to gain a divorce for Henry?
As Papal Legate, Set up commission to hear divorce case in England where he would make the final judgement
How did the pope respond to Wolsey’s commission?
He agreed but he sent a cardinal to England to ensure that the hearing would be delayed and a decision would never be reached
- After Catherine of Aragon appealed to the Pope to have hearing moved to Rome, he agreed and made it harder for Henry to get a divorce
What were the 4 main factors that led to Wolsey’s downfall?
- Failure to secure divorce
- Failure to achieve foreign policy aims - England was left marginalised and isolated
- Boleyn factions influence
- His reputation and personal ambitions
How did Henry act against Wolsey in 1529?
- Accused him of praemunire (acting for pope rather than king)
- stripped him of powers and possessions and exiled to York
What could have influenced Henry to act against Wolsey in 1529?
Anne Boleyn supporters at court
