Henry VIII And Wolsey Flashcards
What were Wolsey’s aims regarding the church?
Strengthening Henry’s power over the church and increasing support for royal supremacy
Wolsey sought to consolidate royal authority and diminish papal influence.
Was Wolsey successful in strengthening Henry’s power over the church?
To a large extent
Wolsey’s elevation to cardinal and papal legate gave Henry significant control over the church.
What action did Wolsey take in 1515 regarding clergy benefits?
He compromised with Rome to stop people claiming holy orders without being ordained
This action was part of efforts to limit the benefit of the clergy.
What was the significance of Wolsey being made papal legate in 1524?
It removed the possibility that the church would appeal over Henry’s head to the pope
This position solidified Henry’s authority over ecclesiastical matters.
What did Wolsey do to counteract Lutheranism?
Burned Lutheran books in St Paul’s courtyard and wrote ‘Assertio Septem Sacramentorum’
This defense of Catholic sacraments earned Henry the title ‘Fidei Defensor’.
What were the Eltham Ordinances aimed at?
Monitoring spending and reducing the influence of the Privy Chamber
They were also driven by political motivations rather than genuine reforms.
What was the short-term impact of the enquiry into enclosures organized by Wolsey in 1517?
It resulted in 260 criminal cases against landowners
This was significant for Tudor times, indicating Wolsey’s attack on wealthy landowners.
What was Henry’s annual income during his reign?
£110,000
This income was derived from taxes and special grants from Parliament.
What financial reforms did Wolsey implement?
Recovering Crown lands, subsidies, forced loans, clerical taxation
These reforms aimed to increase revenue for the Crown.
What were the positive impacts of Wolsey’s financial reforms?
Raised a lot of money for the Crown; recovering Crown lands raised £15,000 in 1515
Subsidies earned £170,000 between 1513 and 1516.
What were the negative impacts of Wolsey’s financial reforms?
Taxes did not raise enough money to fund Henry’s wars; increased unpopularity due to higher taxes
The reforms were unpopular among the populace.
What was Wolsey’s view of Parliament?
He did not like Parliament and called it only twice during his time in office
He saw it as critical of Henry’s decisions and sought to suppress its influence.
What were the Eltham Ordinances also aimed at achieving?
Reducing the number of gentlemen in the bedchamber and monitoring spending
They intended to eliminate ‘rascals and vagabonds’ from Henry’s court.
What was Wolsey’s main barrier to achieving his goals?
The Privy Chamber and Parliament
These institutions were seen as obstacles to his personal prestige and influence.
What were some of Wolsey’s titles?
Archbishop of York, Bishop of Lincoln, Abbot of St Albans
His pluralism allowed him significant power in the church.
What was a major failure in Wolsey’s career related to church reform?
His failure to secure Henry’s annulment severely undermined his position
This failure contributed to his eventual downfall.
What did Wolsey aim to achieve regarding church reform?
Reform and efficiency, increasing personal power and wealth
He sought to improve the church while consolidating his authority.
Was Wolsey successful in reforming the church?
Partially; he improved efficiency but was seen as too corrupt to fulfill his aims
Many historians argue he did not prioritize genuine reform.
subsidence
(farmers who made just enough food for their own family and not to sell for profit
Simony
The buying or selling of ecclesiastical privileges
Nepotism
The favouring of family or friends
enclosures to be dismantled but so far as we know
no one took
notice of these laws.
• Wolsey hadn’t attempted any laws for enclosure to keep this a long –
