Why did Henry fail to get an annulment? Flashcards
What role did the Pope’s dispensation play in the divorce?
Henry received a dispensation from the Pope (Julius) to marry Catherine. The new Pope (Clement) could not overrule Julius as the Pope was supposed to be infallible and it would damage his reputation.
Why did Henry fail to make his case to get a divorce?
His case was poor - Leviticus didn’t hold its weight (contradicted by Deuteronomy). Also Henry supposedly had an affair with Anne’s sister and would therefore be guilty of the same sin.
What role did Charles V play in the divorce?
He sacked Rome in 1527 and took the Pope hostage. The Pope was less likely to grant something so insulting to Catherine (Charles aunt)
What role did the Pope play in the divorce?
He sent Cardinal Campeggio to England in 1528 to act as judge with Wolsey, with secret orders to prevent the divorce trial from reaching a verdict.
He recalled the case to Rome from the Blackfriars Court.
What role did Catherine play in the divorce?
At the Blackfriars court she questioned the right of the court to examine her marriage as she was a royal person and therefore above the law.
She denied that she and Arthur ever consummated their marriage so it was invalid, leaving her free to marry Henry.
What role did Campeggio play in the divorce?
Has secret orders to prevent the divorce trial from reaching a verdict.
In July he argued the Blackfriars court had to follow the calendar of the papal court and adjourn for the hot Italian summer (even thought the court was in London).
What role did factions at court play in the divorce?
3 main factions:
The Argonese Faction: Advised the Queen and tried to gain support for her in the council and parliament.
The Boleyn Faction: Supporter Anne Bolyen
The Conservative Faction: Held balance between the 2 main groups
