Wolsey
Intellectual Ability:
- "Boy-bachelor" - first degree from Oxford at 15.
- Intelligent in his use of flattery and loyalty to ensure that he gained the king's favour:
switch of support from "peace party" to "war party" in Council 1509-1513.
- Cavendish (historian) - "Most earnest and readiest among all the council to advance
the king's only will", "special gift of natural eloquence"
War with France:
- With a war, Wolsey had a chance to prove himself to Henry, and make himself stand
out in the way that he dealt with things. In response to the war with France from
1512-13, Wolsey managed to increase taxes in a subtle way, in order to fund an
army to fight. This impressed Henry, as Wolsey’s skills were put on show, and he
was now put in a position of favouring by Henry, as he wanted to use him for other
issues.
Administrative Skills:
- He was able to take control of England’s finances. E.g. Eltham Ordinances,
improving efficiency of the Privy Council. This reduced the number of people in the
Privy Council, and enforced a set of 79 chapters of rules to follow. This saved money
as it reduced spending on fuel, food and housing. (6 Members). He also laid off the
sick or less necessary servants – cutting costs everywhere.
Example Response
Thomas Wolsey became Henry VIII's most important minister for several reasons, including
his administrative abilities, his influence in foreign policy, and his role in the Church. These
factors not only showcased his skills but also aligned with Henry’s ambitions.
Administrative Abilities
Wolsey was an exceptional administrator. He reorganized the royal finances through reforms
such as the Eltham Ordinances, which improved the efficiency of the Privy Council. His
ability to manage resources and enforce legal changes helped establish him as a vital asset
to Henry. This administrative prowess allowed Wolsey to gain Henry’s trust and reliance on
his capabilities.
Intellectual Ability:
- "Boy-bachelor" - first degree from Oxford at 15.
- Intelligent in his use of flattery and loyalty to ensure that he gained the king's favour:
switch of support from "peace party" to "war party" in Council 1509-1513.
- Cavendish (historian) - "Most earnest and readiest among all the council to advance
the king's only will", "special gift of natural eloquence"
War with France:
- With a war, Wolsey had a chance to prove himself to Henry, and make himself stand
out in the way that he dealt with things. In response to the war with France from
1512-13, Wolsey managed to increase taxes in a subtle way, in order to fund an
army to fight. This impressed Henry, as Wolsey’s skills were put on show, and he
was now put in a position of favouring by Henry, as he wanted to use him for other
issues.
Administrative Skills:
- He was able to take control of England’s finances. E.g. Eltham Ordinances,
improving efficiency of the Privy Council. This reduced the number of people in the
Privy Council, and enforced a set of 79 chapters of rules to follow. This saved money
as it reduced spending on fuel, food and housing. (6 Members). He also laid off the
sick or less necessary servants – cutting costs everywhere.
Example Response
Thomas Wolsey became Henry VIII's most important minister for several reasons, including
his administrative abilities, his influence in foreign policy, and his role in the Church. These
factors not only showcased his skills but also aligned with Henry’s ambitions.
Administrative Abilities
Wolsey was an exceptional administrator. He reorganized the royal finances through reforms
such as the Eltham Ordinances, which improved the efficiency of the Privy Council. His
ability to manage resources and enforce legal changes helped establish him as a vital asset
to Henry. This administrative prowess allowed Wolsey to gain Henry’s trust and reliance on
his capabilities.
