henry vii and wolsey

What was Henry VIII's attitude to his father's rule when he came to power in 1509?

He wanted to show he was a new kind of king, different from the past, but did not make an immediate break. He kept many of his father's methods of government and servants.

How did Henry VIII make symbolic changes to distance himself from Henry VII's government?

He arrested and executed Edmund Dudley and Sir Richard Empson, who were blamed for implementing Henry VII's harsh financial policies.

Why did the execution of Dudley and Empson win Henry VIII some popularity?

It removed two of Henry VII's most hated advisors, which was well-received by the public.

Why was Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon politically useful?

It restored the Anglo-Spanish alliance that had suffered in Henry VII's later years and gave Henry the ally he needed for his war ambitions.

What was chivalrous about Henry marrying Catherine of Aragon?

He righted a wrong by marrying a virtuous woman who had been treated unfairly after Arthur's death, enhancing his image as a chivalrous king.

How had Catherine of Aragon been used in Henry VII's foreign policy after Arthur's death?

She was kept in England as a diplomatic bargaining tool and denied return to Spain or remarriage, effectively making her a virtual prisoner.

Why was war important to Henry VIII's kingship?

War was seen as part of being a chivalrous or 'valiant' knight; success in war proved a king's strength and masculinity.

Which stories influenced Henry VIII's desire for war and glory?

The chivalric tales of King Arthur and the real-life victories of Henry V, especially at Agincourt and his crowning as King of France.

Why did Henry VIII want to revive the title 'King of France'?

He saw it as part of his inheritance and believed it was his rightful claim, using it to justify military action.

How did Henry's early advisors undermine his war ambitions in 1510?

Archbishop Warham and Bishop Fox, loyal to Henry VII's cautious policies, tricked Henry into renewing peace with France.

What challenges did Henry VIII face with foreign alliances despite marrying Catherine?

Ferdinand of Aragon and Emperor Maximilian were unreliable and accepted French bribes, making them untrustworthy allies.

How did Henry VIII's physical appearance change during his reign?

He went from being tall, attractive, muscular and well-proportioned to becoming "fat, bloated, nearly blind," needing to be moved by hoists.

How did Henry VIII's personal interests and temperament change over time?

He shifted from jousting and hunting to falconry, and grew more temperamental and tyrannical—by the 1540s he believed accusations against his wives and advisors.

How was Henry VIII's accession perceived in contrast to Henry VII's final years?

Henry VII's reign was remembered for meanness and harsh penalties. Henry VIII's accession was seen as joyful, with Thomas More calling it "the end of our slavery… the beginning of joy," though this may have been exaggerated literary convention.

Why was Henry VIII unable to go to war until 1512?

He inherited peace from his father and lacked the necessary alliances until 1512.

What was Henry's objective in launching his 1512 expedition to France?

To seize Aquitaine in south‑west France, which England had formerly ruled.

How did Ferdinand of Aragon undermine the joint English-Spanish campaign in 1512?

He used the English diversion to seize lands in the Pyrenees instead of coordinating against France.

Why did the 1512 campaign in northern Spain achieve nothing?

The English army was short of supplies, unwelcome locally, and lacked Ferdinand's support.

What change did Henry VIII make to his war plans in 1513, and why?

He focused on the Calais region so as not to depend on unreliable allies.

Which town did Henry's army capture and hand to Maximilian in 1513, and what happened to it?

Thérouanne; Maximilian promptly burned it to the ground.

Which city did Henry successfully besiege in 1513, and why was it significant?

Tournai—it surrendered to avoid Thérouanne's fate and gave Henry prestige despite limited economic value.

What was the "Battle of the Spurs," and why was it important for Henry's propaganda?

A skirmish where English cavalry routed the French, capturing nobles and spinning it as a grand victory.

How did the 1513 French campaign compare with the Battle of Flodden?

Flodden was of far greater significance because its victory removed the Scottish threat for many years.

What financial impact did the 1513 campaign have on England?

It exhausted the treasury and prevented any further French expeditions in 1514.

What peace terms did Henry VIII accept in 1514?

France paid arrears of Henry VII's pension, Henry kept Calais conquests, and his sister Mary married Louis XII.

Why were the 1514 peace gains considered minimal?

The campaign's cost far outweighed pension arrears and territory gains, and Mary's marriage brought little lasting benefit.

How did Henry VIII's approach to spending and court life differ from his father's?

He spent lavishly on warfare, clothing, and entertainment, and held a public, vibrant court.

What effect did Henry VIII's lavish court have on the nobility?

It entertained and included them, restoring bonds weakened under Henry VII and reducing dissent.

What was Thomas Wolsey's background before Henry VIII's reign?

Son of an Ipswich butcher, Oxford degree at 15, chaplain and Dean of Lincoln under Henry VII, diplomatic envoy.

How did Wolsey first win Henry VIII's favour?

By endorsing the king's aggressive war policy and organizing the 1513 French expedition's logistics.

Which offices did Wolsey hold by 1515?

Lord Chancellor of England and Cardinal.

What further ecclesiastical titles did Wolsey acquire by 1524?

Papal legate (1518), confirmed for life in 1524.

What did Henry VIII's early French campaigns (1512-14) satisfy despite limited success?

They satisfied his desire for military valour and glory.

Under the 1514 Treaty, what three gains did Wolsey secure?

England kept captured land; France paid arrears of Henry VII's pension; and Mary married Louis XII.

Why was the Battle of Flodden (1513) more strategically impressive than Henry's French operations?

England killed James IV of Scotland, routed a second Scottish army, and secured the northern border.

By 1515-21, why could England no longer afford major wars against France or the HRE?

Both Francis I and Charles V (formerly Charles I of Spain) had far greater resources than England.

How did Francis I undermine Henry's prestige in 1514 without battle?

He encouraged the Duke of Suffolk to marry Mary, Henry's sister, without royal permission.

What was the consequence of the French victory at Marignano in September 1515?

It gave France control of Milan.

What was the Treaty of London (Oct 1518) and why was it significant?

A "universal" peace signed by over 20 European rulers, casting England as the diplomatic pivot.

Which two major meetings did Henry hold in 1520, and where?

In May he met Charles V at the conference near Calais, and in June he met Francis I at the Field of Cloth of Gold just outside Calais.

Why did the Field of Cloth of Gold fail diplomatically?

It cost roughly one year's royal income, achieved no lasting accord, and England and France were at war again by 1522.

Under the Treaty of Bruges (1521), what pledge did England make?

It agreed to invade France if France did not make peace with Charles V.

Why did the English invasion of 1523 collapse?

Charles V abandoned the English to reconquer Milan, leaving them unsupported and in disarray.

How much did the failed 1523 campaign cost, and what did this represent?

£400,000—about one year's royal income.

What opportunity arose from the Battle of Pavia (Feb 1525)?

Charles V captured Francis I, giving Henry scope to press his claim on France.

Why did Henry's post‑Pavia invasion plan collapse?

Heavy prior taxation made new levies impossible, and Charles refused to cooperate or honour Mary's proposed marriage.

Which two diplomatic moves did Wolsey make in 1525-26?

He concluded the Treaty of the More (Aug 1525) with France and helped found the League of Cognac (1526).

How did Henry's foreign‑policy aims evolve by 1529?

He moved from war‑seeking glory (1512-15) to peace‑maker via treaties (London 1518, Bruges 1521, More 1525), dynastic marriages (Catherine for succession; Mary to Louis XII), and protecting the Antwerp cloth trade.

What League did England join as a 'protector' to try to reverse the French defeat at Pavia?

The anti‑Imperial League (of Cognac).

Which 1527 treaties reinforced the Anglo‑French alliance?

The Anglo‑French Treaty of Westminster and then the Treaty of Amiens.

What action did England take in 1528 against Spain, and what was the result?

Declared war on Spain but raised no army, and negotiated a separate agreement to protect English trade in the Netherlands.

Why was England's influence in Europe limited despite its apparent activism by 1529?

The war between Francis I and Charles V ended with the Treaty of Cambrai, and England was only invited to the peace talks at the last minute.

What was the 'Great Matter' that began to dominate English policy around 1527?

Securing an annulment of Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Why was the annulment made impossible in 1527?

Catherine was Charles V's aunt, and Charles's sack of Rome and capture of the pope pressured him to refuse.

What did Henry need to change the pope's mind about his annulment?

A military victory and the alliance with France.

What domestic industry protested in 1527-28, and why?

The cloth industry, because trade with the Netherlands was suspended.

What were France's military fortunes in 1528?

Earliest victories followed by defeat at the Battle of Landriano.

Which treaties in 1528-29 left Henry diplomatically isolated?

The treaties of Barcelona (with the pope) and Cambrai (with France).

Who did some historians credit with directing English foreign policy in this period?

Cardinal Wolsey, for forcing a peace policy on the king.

Who was actually the creator of foreign policy, according to the text?

Henry VIII—he wanted war against France and only backed down when funds ran out.

What role did Wolsey play in implementing foreign policy?

He provided the detailed plans and execution, following Henry's directives (e.g. after Pavia).

How long did Wolsey serve as chief minister?

Fifteen years, from 1514 until his fall in 1529.

Why did most accounts judge Wolsey's domestic reforms as minimal?

His time was dominated by foreign affairs and he focused on preserving his position and wealth.

What suggests Henry VIII was satisfied with Wolsey's domestic work?

Few contemporary complaints and Wolsey's long tenure indicate royal approval.

In which five areas did Wolsey's domestic influence manifest?

Legal reforms; financial reforms; social reforms; administration; and relations with the nobility.

What two legal systems operated in England under Wolsey?

Common law (based on precedent) and civil law (based on natural justice).

What was the main criticism of common law by Wolsey's time?

It produced unjust verdicts won on technicalities.

How did Wolsey use the legal system for personal vendettas?

He overturned decisions against his enemies (e.g. had Sir Amyas Paulet placed in stocks, summoned daily, threatened property).

Which offences did Wolsey prosecute most vigorously among the nobility and gentry?

Maintenance (private armies) and affrays (public brawls).

How did Wolsey improve access to justice for the poor?

He used the Star Chamber and set up a permanent judicial committee in Chancery to dispense cheap, impartial justice.

Why did Wolsey's legal reforms have limited lasting impact?

He made no systemic changes to continue them after 1529 and sometimes used courts for personal gain.

What tax replaced fifteenths and tenths under Wolsey's financial reforms?

The subsidy, based on detailed declarations and realistic property valuations.

What rate of subsidy did Wolsey demand in 1523 and how much would it have raised?

Four shillings in the pound, raising £800,000.

How much did the 1523 subsidy actually raise?

£300,000.

What was the Amicable Grant of 1525 and why did it provoke unrest?

A non‑parliamentary tax to fund war; overlapped with 1523 subsidy collection and repayment of £200,000 in forced loans, leading 10,000 to rebel at Lavenham.

How did Henry VIII respond to the Amicable Grant rebellion?

He canceled the grant, disavowed knowledge, and made Wolsey apologize.

How did crown‑lands income change from Henry VII to Wolsey's time, and what Act addressed it?

It fell from £400,000 to £25,000; the 1515 Act of Resumption restored some lands to the crown.

How much revenue did Wolsey raise in subsidies, clerical taxes, and forced loans?

£322,000 in subsidies, £240,000 in clerical taxes, and £260,000 in forced loans.

How much had the crown spent between 1509 and 1520, and on what?

£1.7 million, mostly on war.

What social problem did Wolsey address in 1517 and how?

Enclosure of common land; he launched an inquiry identifying enclosed land and demolished buildings, leading to Chancery proceedings.

Between 1518 and 1529, how many landowners were targeted for enclosure prosecutions and how many verdicts were reached?

264 targeted, 222 brought to court, and 188 verdicts delivered.

Why did Wolsey's enclosure reforms have minimal impact by 1523?

Parliament required acceptance of all existing enclosures as part of the subsidy agreement.

How many times was Parliament summoned during Wolsey's tenure, and in which years?

Twice, in 1515 and 1523.

How many parliamentary sessions were held between 1510 and 1515, and how does that compare to Wolsey's period?

Six sessions 1510-15 versus two under Wolsey.

For what purpose was Parliament usually summoned under Wolsey?

To fund wartime expenditures.

Which two church affairs caused problems in the 1515 Parliament?

The Hunne Case and the Standish affair.

What were the Eltham Ordinances (1526) intended to do, and what was their real effect?

They aimed to improve privy chamber finances and efficiency but actually reduced Gentlemen of the Bedchamber from 12 to 6—removing the politically active—and increased Wolsey's control.

Which servant was promoted under the Eltham Ordinances, and to what office?

Sir William Compton was promoted from Groom of the Stool to under‑treasurer of the Exchequer.

What argument exists about Wolsey's social conscience versus his treatment of nobles and gentry?

He appeared concerned with social discontent but most actions targeted nobles/gentry and were abandoned when finance was needed, increasing their resentment.

In 1516, what declaration did Wolsey make in Star Chamber regarding the nobility?

He announced that nobles should not consider themselves above the law.

Which noble was sent to Fleet prison for contempt of council jurisdiction?

The Earl of Northumberland.

Which high noble was tried and executed in 1521 under Wolsey's authority?

The Duke of Buckingham was summoned, convicted of treason, and executed.

How did Wolsey use patronage to manage relations with the nobility?

His household at York Place/Hampton Court attracted the ambitious; friends like the Earl of Worcester were rewarded, while opponents faced punishment.

What debate existed about the Church's condition on the eve of the Reformation?

Some argued it was in desperate need of reform (poorly equipped to weather change), while others claimed it was no worse than in the past.

What plural church offices did Wolsey hold simultaneously?

Archbishop of York, Bishop of Lincoln, and Abbot of St Albans.

How was Wolsey absentee in his church offices?

He never visited York until after his fall from power in November 1529.

What family did Wolsey father despite his vow of celibacy, and what became of them?

A daughter placed in a nunnery and a son given lucrative church livings.

How did Wolsey abuse church appointments to benefit himself?

He appointed non‑resident Italians to bishoprics, paid them stipends, and kept the surplus to fund his lifestyle.

What was the underlying purpose of the Eltham Ordinances beyond financial "efficiency"?

It limited the king's favourites' (the Privy Chamber/Court) access to Henry and increased Wolsey's control (the Council vs Court struggle).

Which clerical position could Wolsey not obtain and why?

He could not become Archbishop of Canterbury because Archbishop Warham refused to resign.