Henry VIII & His Ministers - Chapter 1 Flashcards
How was Henry VIII’s accession to the throne greeted?
With great enthusiasm
How did some people describe him?
As a ‘Renaissance Prince’
How long did Wolsey dominate the king’s government?
15 years
True or False? The nobility adored Wolsey
False they hated him
What reforms did Wolsey make?
Domestic and financial
Why did Wolsey’s position weaken?
He abused his power
When did Henry marry Catherine of Aragon?
1509
When was Wolsey appointed Chancellor of England, and Henry’s chief minister?
1515
When did Wolsey become Papal Legate (the Pope’s representative)?
1518
When was the Amicable Grant Rising: a rebellion in East Anglia (high taxes)?
1525
When did Henry want to end his marriage to Catherine?
1526
Did Henry have the right & outlook for ruling England?List his strengths & weaknesses
+ Popular, rich country, England was stable, established
the government, experienced team of advisors.
- Little experience of government, little desire to get involved in the day-to-day running of governing England, he wanted to go to war as soon as he could and he had a large ego. He believed in the ‘divine right of kings’ and the ‘Great Chain of Being.’
How and why did Wolsey rise to power?
Son of a butcher and cam from humble beginnings. The nobility did not like where he had come from, but couldn’t criticise. Ambitious, intelligent and was made Royal Almoner (giving to the poor) in 1509. He built a relationship with Henry through this and carried out the tasks Henry did not want to do. Henry did not like his father’s advisors. Wolsey raised an army for Henry to invade France. Henry now saw him a man to get things done.
What were Wolsey’s main reforms in England? Were they successful?
Star Chamber – fairer justice system and encouraged poor people which upset the upper classes as felt against them. Enclosures – tried to find a solution with an inquiry but they continued and the problem of unemployment/poverty remained. Finance – improved system of taxation with a subsidy. Eltham Ordinances – to save money but never put through. Amicable Grant – attempt to raise money that caused a rebellion and Wolsey had to back down.
