The Life of King Henry VIII: Cardinal Wolsey

Wolsey: The Life of King Henry VIII's Cardinal

by John Matusiak

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4429 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	426 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Cardinal Wolsey was one of the most powerful men in English history. He was a close advisor to Henry VIII and played a major role in the king's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn. This book provides a detailed look at Wolsey's life and career, and offers new insights into the complex relationship between the cardinal and the king.

Early Life and Education

Thomas Wolsey was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, in 1473. He was the son of a butcher, but he showed great promise as a scholar and was sent to Oxford University at the age of 15. He excelled in his studies and quickly rose through the ranks of the university. In 1500, he was ordained as a priest and became a chaplain to Henry VII.

Rise to Power

Wolsey's career took off after the accession of Henry VIII in 1509. The new king was young and inexperienced, and he relied heavily on Wolsey's advice. Wolsey quickly became the king's closest advisor and was soon appointed to a number of important positions, including Lord Chancellor and Cardinal. As Lord Chancellor, Wolsey was responsible for the administration of justice in England. He also played a major role in foreign policy and was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of London in 1518, which ended the war between England and France.

The Divorce of Henry VIII

One of Wolsey's most important tasks was to help Henry VIII obtain a divorce from his wife, Catherine of Aragon. Catherine was the aunt of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, and the pope refused to grant Henry a divorce. Wolsey tried to negotiate a compromise, but he was unsuccessful. In 1533, Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England and divorced Catherine without the pope's approval. Wolsey was opposed to the divorce and he was dismissed from his position as Lord Chancellor. He was also stripped of his other offices and banished from court.

Fall from Power

Wolsey's fall from power was swift and dramatic. He was arrested for treason and charged with plotting against the king. He was convicted and sentenced to death, but he was pardoned by Henry VIII. Wolsey was allowed to retire to his estate in Yorkshire, where he died in 1530.

Legacy

Cardinal Wolsey was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant statesman and a skilled diplomat, but he was also ambitious and ruthless. He played a major role in the history of England, and his legacy continues to be debated today.

The Life of King Henry VIII: Cardinal Wolsey is a fascinating account of the life of one of the most powerful men in English history. This book provides a detailed look at Wolsey's life and career, and offers new insights into the complex relationship between the cardinal and the king.

Wolsey: The Life of King Henry VIII's Cardinal

by John Matusiak

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4429 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	426 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE