DEVELOPMENT OF THE GREAT MATTER

obstacles for henry

• Anne Boleyn already engaged to heir of title of Earl of Northumberland

H8 attraction to AB

• intelligent

• came from French courts to British Courts - stands out

• potential for male heir

Problems for wolsey

• by destroying the marriage to Percy, made himself an enemy in Anne.

ANNULMENT WITH CoA - scripture

• tried to use bible to justify annulment (Leviticus 20:21 - if a man marries brothers wife, dishonoured his brother, shall be childless)

• Catherine argued against this, used Deuteronomy 25:5 (if a husband dies, duty of brother to marry widow)

ANNULMENT WITH CoA - diplomacy

• pope captured - Charles V (CoA nephew). could not make decision in favour of H - would put him in danger

• wolsey tried to ally with France to war against Charles but failed

ANNULMENT WITH CoA - legal moves

• pope sent Campeggio to delay hearings - took 6 months to arrive

• Campeggio + wolsey meant two papal legates - causes stalemate in hearings

• when court finally met CoA refused to recognise it - appealed to pope to move it to rome - agreed, insisted english court stop proceedings