Thomas Cardinal Wolsey

Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, PC (c. 1475 - 29 November 1530), born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, was an English statesman and a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the most powerful person in England, besides the King, for many years.

Related Topics:
PC - 1475 - 29 November - 1530 - Ipswich, Suffolk, England - Cardinal - Roman Catholic Church

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Thomas was son to Robert Wulcy of Ipswich (1438 - 1496) and Joan Daundy. His father is reported by various later sources as a butcher but this is not certain. Wolsey was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford and then headed the college school before becoming a personal chaplain, first to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and then to the governor of Calais where he met Henry VII. In due course he became Henry's personal chaplain before being appointed Dean of Lincoln.

Related Topics:
1438 - 1496 - Butcher - Magdalen College, Oxford - College school - Archbishop of Canterbury - Calais - Henry VII

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When Henry VIII became king in 1509, Wolsey's affairs prospered. He became Canon of Windsor in 1511, the same year in which he became a member of the Privy Council. His political star was in the ascendant and he soon became the controlling figure in all matters of state. In 1514, he was made Bishop of Lincoln, and then Archbishop of York. Pope Leo X made him a cardinal in 1515. In 1523 he was made Prince-Bishop of Durham. Wolsey loved display and wealth, although it is generally accepted that, as the King's principal servant, such things were necessary to present a good image to foreign diplomats and kings. He lived in royal splendour in his palace Hampton Court, which was made the seat of Henry VIII after his fall. There is a theory that his long-term ambition was to become pope although much evidence discredits this. The idea that he aligned English foreign policy to that of the Papacy does not explain why he was often involved in wars in continental Europe, even if they were not on behalf of the Papacy. There is also the fact that he never attempted to build up support in the Papal Curia, which was necessary to obtain the Papal Tiara.

Related Topics:
Henry VIII - 1509 - Canon - Windsor - 1511 - Privy Council - 1514 - Bishop - Lincoln - Archbishop of York - Pope Leo X - 1515 - 1523 - Prince-Bishop of Durham

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Around 1525 Wolsey used his powers as papal legate to dissolve abbeys in Oxford and Ipswich to establish his own university colleges. The college in Oxford was originally named Cardinal College, but was renamed King's College after his fall. Today it is known as Christ Church.

Related Topics:
1525 - Christ Church

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