December 4: For King and Country
Here is a quote from Phil Robert's book, 'Cardinal Wolsey - For King and Country', commenting on the talent, abilities and personality of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. He really was a saintly figure…
An example of Cardinal Wolsey's diligent work for his king, at Compiegne in 1527 following some stormy negotiations with the French at which, however, Wolsey got his way. Cavendish, an eyewitness to the events, described what happened as follows:
The next morning after this conflict, he [Wolsey] rose early in the morning about four of the clock, sitting down to write letters into England unto the King, commanding one of his chaplains to prepare him to mass, in so much that his said chaplain stood revested [in his vestments], until four of the clock at afternoon. All which season my lord never rose once to piss, nor yet to eat any meat, but continually wrote his letters with his own hands, having all that time his nightcap and keverchief on his head'.
What immediately impresses from the documented evidence that went out in Wolsey's name, is not only their quantity and length – each one often over five thousand words – but the scope of business they cover. It might be a creation of an alliance with a foreign country, or a peace treaty, an enclosure commission or a reform for the Augustinian canons, the foundings of his colleges or a settling of a disagreement in Chancery. And often, all of these matters were covered at the same time. The multiplicity is endless and the workload staggering; but Wolsey was unquestionably capable, both mentally and emotionally, and took it ALL in his stride. He did suffer from bouts of stomach illness but he never allowed it to get in his way or stop him. This view of Wolsey, as a man who combined extraordinary ability, concentration, competence and unstoppable determination, was to his greatness. These qualities could have made him, around those in the circle of the king, an intimidating character, which probably led to him, unwittingly, creating some enemies.
Cavendish described Wolsey as 'having a filed tongue', meaning that he was very articulate and eloquent in his speech, 'the ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to listen and believe in you'. This may have developed from his education at Ipswich Grammar School and certainly in his Oxford student days when he would have had to debate theological discussions. Kept in the Vatican Library is the Historia d' Inghilterra, (the History of England) completed in 1512–1513. It was written by Polydore Vergil, an Italian diplomat who spent most of his life in England. Under the heading of Henrigo 8, Vergil comments that 'Wolsey was intelligent and daring', and when he portrays Bishop Richard Fox trying to convince the king of Wolsey's ability, it is his 'sound judgement, vigilance and hard work’ that Vergil has Fox specifically mention. Henry was drawn to Wolsey's capabilities. The Cardinal had a very practical intelligence and saw what needed to be done. This skill would have enabled him to pick up what was happening with the young Henry VIII's councillors and at court. Wolsey and Henry's personalities were similar which would have certainly helped Thomas to work with the king in a way that the young ruler would have appreciated. Both were extroverts, liked to talk about topics of study and they shared a good sense of humour. Polydore Vergil wrote about Henry and Wolsey's relationship more than anything else. He goes on to say that Wolsey was good fun 'he would sing, smile and tell jokes. He was a witty fellowe who would cling to the royal side, strum the lute, dance, indulge in pleasant conversation, inculcate, instil and drum into Henry's ear'… all the messages he wanted to get across. Interestingly, in two surviving letters that King Henry wrote, the only two people he affectionately called his friends were Anne Boleyn and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
The Wolseys of Suffolk date to Anglo-Saxon times. The earliest notice of a Wolsey as inhabitant of Ipswich is Thomas Wolsey's father, Robert. He was a successful small businessman and married a Joan Daundy. Thomas was probably born in 1471 in an Inn and was almost certainly baptised in St Mary at the Elms church, Ipswich. Wolsey graduated from university and then his climb to power was extremely fast. He entered the Royal Household as the chaplain to King Henry VII. When King Henry VIII ascended to the throne Wolsey became his Almoner, which gave him access to the King's Council. Henry was very impressed with Wolsey's work. Thomas gained many important clerical positions. In 1515 Wolsey became Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas Wolsey's most famous peace treaty was signed between Henry VIII and Francis I of France at the glorious Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520. Henry had not produced a male heir. A woman called Anne Boleyn came on the scene. Henry began to think that she could mother him a son. The king asked Wolsey to seek a divorce from his first wife. He tried his outmost, as always, but the Pope kept delaying the matter. Wolsey failed and fell out of favour with Henry. He was charged with treason and escorted to the Tower of London. On his way, Thomas became very frail and sadly, on 29th November 1530 he died at Leicester Abbey.
Philip Roberts is a Tudor historian and has worked for the Mary Rose Trust for twenty years. He is a lecturer and has appeared frequently on BBC Radio talking about the Tudor Age and the British Royal Family. He is the Sacristan at St. Mary at the Elms Church in Ipswich and has gained a first class degree. He lives in Suffolk.