Wolsey and the end of govt by councils

What years did the conciliar approach to govt last?

1509-1514

What factors brought the conciliar approach to an end?

H8 disenchanted with reluctance of senior councillors to support a war with France

H8 became more attuned to governing and wanted to assert his right to decision-making

H8 surrounded himself with like-minded young courtiers who reinforced his suspicions of the ‘old guard’

Impressed by the organisational skills of Wolsey whose contribution to the French campaign earned him royal gratitude

What was Wolsey’s uncanny ability?

Give the king precisely what he wanted or to convince the king of what he assumed he wanted

What was Wolsey’s influence derived from?

Closeness of his relationship with the king than from formal positions

What were Wolsey’s main concerns?

Management of Church

Conduct of foreign relations

Legal system

Formulation of domestic policy

Political decision-making