HISB1 - Who's Who? - Wolsey

Cardinal Wolsey

Charlotte Jones

Who was Cardinal Wolsey?

Before 1509

• Son of a butcher and cattle dealer
• Attended a local school then gained a place at Oxford to complete his first degree at 15.
• Entered a church career as a priest in 1498.
• After 1501, he was appointed to a number of chaplaincies.
  • Organisational skills led him to be noticed by:
    • William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor.
    • Richard Foxe, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Privy Seal. 
• Became Sir Richard Nanfan, deputy of Calais', chaplain
  • Nanfan recommended him to Henry VII
• Started his Court career as a royal chaplain for Henry VII after Nanfan's recommendation in 1507.
  • Sent on diplomatic missions to Flanders and Scotland
  • Appointed Dean of Lincoln and Hereford Cathedrals.

After 1509

• Became almoner for Henry VIII in 1509 and became registrar of the Order of the Garter.
• 1510 became a member of the Council.
• Co-ordinated the invasion of…