Wolsey's downfall from power Flashcards
Failure to obtain annulment of Henry’s marriage:
1/ Failure of Campeggio legatine court supported idea there was no solution to the the ‘Great Matter’. Charles V showed no help for Wolsey who was responsible for pro-French foreign policy.
Henry willing to sacrifice Wolsey - got tired of waiting.
Sacrifice of Wolsey to make case easier: Who proposed this theory?
Historian Peter Gwyn - Wolsey associated with Church corruption and papal power so needed to be sacrificed.
Wolsey not acting in King’s interests + stalling.
Wolsey’s foreign policy proved to be unsuccessful:
After Battle of Pavia, followed Pro-French policy eg. League of Cognac in 1526 and Treaty of Amiens in 1527.
Had to abandon war with Charles V in 1528, France and Charles made peace in 1529 + sacking of Rome in 1527.
Backs wrong country, contributes to struggle for divorce.
Faction in Henry’s court:
Prior to 1527, Wolsey in control of courtiers ie. Eltham Ordinances of 1526. From 1527 focus on foreign affairs and control over court wavered.
Wolsey isolated from Henry:
Wolsey worked in separate buildings, communicated by letter and weekly appointments.
From 1525 Boleyn faction and Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk spent more time with King at Greenwich.
Away on foreign policy as well ie. Treaty of Amiens
Tainted by failure of Amicable Grant:
Forced Henry to abandon ambitions to conquer France. Henry distanced himself from Grant and forced Wolsey to take blame.
Wolsey’s enemies became more powerful at court:
Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk used Amicable Grant to increase influence over King - started to advise on foreign affairs. Anti-Wolsey propaganda.
Anne Boleyn’s influence:
Initially willing to work with him, but after 1529 saw him as obstacle to annulment. Put pressure on the King to destroy him through an access no male councillor could emulate.
