The Great Matter and Wolsey's downfall

The Boleyn Faction - Wolsey and Anne were rivals

Wolsey felt the King’s mind had been poisoned against him by Anne

The Boleyn Faction - Anne’s connections

Anne had connections with Wolsey’s enemies on the Council e.g. Duke of Norfolk, a faction concentrated in the Council and Privy Chamber grew up against Wolsey

The Boleyn Faction - Anne’s dislike for Wolsey

Anne disliked Wolsey and accused him of slowing down the annulment proceedings, Anne also had little in common with Wolsey as she was pro Church reform

The Boleyn Faction - Wolsey’s absence

Wolsey was often separated from the King when he went on progress or travelled for foreign business, Henry increasingly consulted in the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and Anne’s father Lord Rochford, Wolsey responded with the Eltham Ordinances

Henry VIII - The Great Matter

Henry was let down that a decision was never reached on the Great Matter because of Campeggio

Henry VIII - Amicable Grant

The Amicable Grant was very unpopular and led to a revolt that had to be put down by the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke then gained credibility with the King and Wolsey’s fortunes declined

Wolsey - Enemies

In July/Aug 1529 Councillors began to line up against Wolsey, the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk united with the followers of Anne Boleyn, he also set himself up as an alter rex