Cardinal Wolsey: For King and Country

The Wolsey's of Suffolk date back to Anglo-Saxon times, with Thomas Wolsey, born in 1471, becoming Lord Chancellor of England in 1515. He fell out of favor with Henry VIII and was charged with treason, dying at Leicester Abbey in 1530.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Wolseys of Suffolk have a rich history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. The earliest recorded mention of a Wolsey residing in Ipswich is through the father of Thomas Wolsey, Robert. Robert was a successful small businessman and married Joan Daundy. Thomas was likely born in 1471 at an Inn in Ipswich, and it is highly probable that he received his baptism at St Mary at the Elms Church in the town.

Wolsey's academic journey was marked by remarkable success, and his ascent to power was swift and remarkable. He entered the Royal Household as the chaplain to King Henry VII. As King Henry VIII ascended to the throne, Wolsey assumed the role of Almoner, granting him access to the King's Council. Henry was deeply impressed with Wolsey's work, and Thomas secured numerous important clerical positions. In 1515, Thomas Wolsey was appointed Lord Chancellor of England, a position of immense significance and power.

One of Thomas Wolsey's most notable achievements was the negotiation of the peace treaty between Henry VIII and Francis I of France at the magnificent Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520. This treaty was a significant milestone in European history and marked a period of relative peace between the two nations. However, Henry's reign was marked by challenges, particularly in the realm of childbirth. He had yet to produce a male heir, and he began to consider the possibility of marrying Anne Boleyn, who had caught his attention. Henry sought Wolsey's assistance in obtaining a divorce from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, but the Pope repeatedly delayed the matter. Wolsey's efforts to secure the divorce ultimately failed, and he fell out of favor with Henry.

In 1529, Wolsey was charged with treason and escorted to the Tower of London. Tragically, on his journey to the Tower, Thomas became extremely frail, and on November 29, 1530, he passed away at Leicester Abbey. His death marked the end of an era and a significant setback for the Tudor dynasty. Despite his fall from grace, Thomas Wolsey remains a fascinating figure in English history, known for his diplomatic skills, political acumen, and his role in shaping the course of English history during the reign of Henry VIII.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399089029