Wolsey and the reform of the Church Flashcards
Why was there an anti-clerical feeling in 1515?
In parliament concerns over Richard Hunne - a merchant accused of heresy after quarrel with local priest. Was found dead in his prison cell.
How did Wolsey approach the issue of the Benefit of the Clergy in 1515?
Benefit of the Clergy - Clergy could be tried in Church Courts
Was cut by parliament in 1512 but when up for renewal Wolsey assured clerical privileges were no threat to Henry’s power over church, sidestepping issue.
Henry happy as long as could tax clergy and control church patronage.
What did Wolsey become in 1518?
Papal Legate - Gave him power over Archbishop Warham. His position for life as long as performed thorough reform of Church.
How did Wolsey reform the Church?
1/ New statutes for Benedictine and Augustine Orders for discipline of clergy.
2/ Removed four inappropriate monastic heads.
3/ 1524-1529 dissolved thirty religious houses + used money to build colleges at Oxford and Ipswich (most money from this was in his possession at downfall in 1529 - more interested in building monuments for him than promoting learning).
How did his plan to reform the clergy in 1519 go?
Very little change but did visit sixty religious houses and cathedral chapters.
Promised he would call legatine council to overhaul the Church.
How did Wolsey plan to reform the hierarchy of the Church?
By setting up thirteen new Bishoprics in secular clergy out of monastic foundation.
This meant diocese would reflect population distribution but was incomplete by 1529.
What abuses did Wolsey personify?
1/Absenteeism and Pluralism - Was Archbishop of York and Bishopric of Durham, York and Winchester - Never visited York until his downfall.
2/ As Abbot of St Albans made clergy pay fees for permission to carry out their duties and made people pay for appointments to all levels of Church.
What do Historians believe about Wolsey’s reform to the Church?
Wolsey did much to weaken the Church for reform but Church resistance until 1532 led by Archbishop Warham prevented this.
