Wolsey Flashcards
Who did Wolsey replace in 1519?
Henrys ‘minions’
What did Wolsey propose in 1526?
Eltham Ordinances
What did the Eltham Ordinances do?
Reduced gentlemen of Bedchamber from 12 to 6
-6 Gentlemen were sent to outlying areas of the kingdom or war
What was a problem with the Eltham Ordinances
-Did not change anything administratively, simply removed anti-Wolsey nobles in court
What did Wolsey do in 1528 which infuriated Henry?
Refused to appoint the women Henry chose as Abbess of Wilton (person in charge of nunnery)
What did Henry do to punish Wolsey due to his refusal in 1528 regarding the Abbess of Wilton?
Gave Wolsey a public dressing down and made to appoint the woman as Abbess of Wilton
Why was there conflict between Duke of Buckingham and Wolsey?
(2)
Henry ordered Wolsey to bring charges against Buckingham who was illegally retaining men
-Wolsey used an armed forces to collect his rents
What have traditional historians named Wolsey and why?
‘Alter-Rex’ = Mini king
-due to his grip on royal power
Who controlled appointments of the Royal Council?
Wolsey, not Henry
Why was Wolsey seem as being apart of the problem in the church?
(2)
Wolsey held numerous positions and took numerous salaries for work he did not do
-He had illegitimate children
What title was granted to Wolsey by the pope?
‘Papal Legate’
What did the title ‘Papal Legate’ mean for Wolsey?
Given some of the Popes powers in England
How much did Wolsey raise through exploiting his control over the church between 1515-1529?
He raised £240,000 between 1515-1529
Give an example of when Wolsey abused Clerical positions
He was the Bishop of York but had never even visited the city
How did Wolsey improve the church?
He dissolved 30 monasteries which were not doing their duty
How did Wolsey use the money from dissolving 30 monasteries to improve education?
Wolsey used the money to set up schools and a college in Oxford University to teach theology
How was Wolsey not a clergyman?
2
- He built himself an elaborate palace
- More personal servants than Henry
In what year did Henry publically remind Wolsey that the country should be put before the church?
1515
In 1515 why did Henry publically remind Wolsey that the country should be put before the church?
Wolsey had been attacking parliament for being anti clerical & parliament turned against him for this
What case was in 1515?
The Standish Case
What did the Standish Case 1515 follow from?
The Hunne Affair
What did Wolsey argue in the Standish Case?
-That clergymen should be allowed their own system of law separate from the state
What did Henry rule in the Standish Case 1515?
That no one should be above his judgement other than God
As a result of the Standish Case 1515 how did Henry punish Wolsey?
Wolsey was forced to grovel on his knees
Who dealt with the daily business of running the country?
Wolsey
Why did Wolsey favour non-aristocratic power?
They would be completely dependant on the Crown therefore more loyal to Henry
What position did Wolsey have which allowed him to control the Great Seal?
Chancellor Wolsey
What power did control over the Great Seal give to Wolsey?
Control over communications
Who did Wolsey put in control of the Privy Seal?
His friend, Ruthal
What power did the Privy Seal and Great Seal hold?
-Both could approve policies without consulting the king
Why did Wolsey make enemies due to his changes in the legal system?
He made opportunities for the lower classes to bring cases against the nobility
What was Civil Law?
The idea that cases would be judged on their merit rather than simply what had happened in similar cases before
What court did Wolsey develop which heard the cases of the poor who were too poor to use existing courts?
Court of Requests
What was a problem with the Court of Requests?
It was so popular that the court could not meet the demand
What did Wolsey do to improve the Court of Chancery?
- Increased its use
- made sure it made quick decisions
Why did Wolsey increase the use of the Star Chamber?
To hear cases of peasants who had grievances against the nobility
What year did Wolsey imprison the Earl of Northumberland?
1516
What year was the Duke of Buckingham executed due to Wolsey?
1521
Who did Henry imprison in 1517, the year after he imprisoned the Earl of Northumberland?
Sir Robert Sheffield
Why did Henry imprison Sir Robert Sheffield?
For illegally retaining
What year did Wolsey accuse Parliament of being anti-clerical?
1515
Which councils did Wolsey reform?
Councils responsible for the Borderlands and the Northern region
Who controlled the Boderlands and Northern region councils?
Princess Mary & Duke of Richmond
How did Wolsey limit the control of Princess Mary and the Duke of Richmond over the Boderland and Northern region councils? +why
The councils staffed his men who kept close eye on the nobility in this region
