Parliament only met twice and it was percieved that Wolsey did not trust it's members, he only used it when needed.
This caused resentment among the members of parliament.
It's powers were limited and it was seen as a place to carry out the king's wishes.
Gentlemen of the privy chamber were ambitious young men that served the king and hoped to further their careers.
They may have been politcal rivals to Wolsey. The purge of the privy chamber in 1519 expelled men and ensured that they were given mundane jobs away from court.
Wolsey secured the Eltham Ordinances which cut the number of gentlemen of the bedchamber from 12 to 6- however some historians argue that this was a cost-cutting exercise.
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Ecclesiastical Extravagance
Appointment as Legate a Latere enhanced his ecclesiastical authority and allowed him to establish probate courts- this dealt with wills left by the laity which often included monetary donations.
His wealth created jealousy and resentment.
Wolsey was in a strong position to reform the church.
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Monastic Reform
Wolsey initiated visitations of monastic houses.
Some abbots and monks were replaced.
Statutes for Benedictines and Augustinians drawn up.
Creation of 13 new episcopal sees.
Achievements modest and not without opposition.
Many objected to the heavy handed way in which Wolsey tried to carry out reform.
Dissolution of 30 religious houses to pay for building of Cardinal college caused upset.
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Pluralism, Nepotism and Absenteeism.
Wolsey held bishoprics in plurality.
Used eccleiastical patronage to support his illegitimate son, Thomas Winter.
Never visited his sees of Lincoln, Bath, Wells and Durham.
However, these abuses had been happening for many years.
Adds to the idea that Wolsey wanted to exploit the church for his own financial gain.
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Noble Conspiracy against Wolsey?
The idea that Wolsey deliberately kept ambitious courtiers away from Henry was exaggerated.
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