Wolsey's Rise

Question 1

What suggests that luck was the main reason for Wolsey’s rise to power?

Answer 1

• Wolsey was from common background - father was a butcher from Ipswich
• When the Archbishop of Canterbury died he was given position as chaplain to Sir Richard Nanfan - this position catapulted his career as Nanfan was the one to present Wolsey to Henry VIII
• Henry was already looking for new talent - had grown tired of his father’s old councillors (Archbishop Warham and Bishop Fox) and didn’t trust the nobles capable of serving him (e.g. Duke of Suffolk and Percy Family)

Question 2

What suggests that Wolsey’s ability was the main reason for his rise to power?

Answer 2

• Got his first degree from Oxford at 15
• Was promoted within the church as he was an able administrator - made chaplain to Archbishop of Centerbury until he died
• Nanfan presented Wolsey to the king because he say his chaplain’s genius for administration
• In the 1513 Expedition to France he took on the difficult organisational tasks many experienced officials didn’t want to do

Question 3

What suggests Wolsey’ personality was the main reason for his rise to power?

Answer 3

• Wolsey was a pragmatic flatterer who told the king what he wanted to hear - Wolsey wanted to promote peace but supported war with France as this was Henry’s main aim
• Wolsey arranged the 1513 French invasion despite not personally agreeing with this policy - sent over 12,000 men to set sail for Glascony